Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his keynote message during the Briefing on Immunities and Privileges on Thursday morning at Diamond Hotel in Manila, organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
THE Philippine Congress is keen on the prospects for collaboration with other parliaments on matters of mutual interest, Speaker Martin Romualdez today said.
“I would like to emphasize that we are very interested in establishing relations with our counterparts in other countries, through Parliamentary Friendship Associations and similar initiatives,” he told foreign diplomats attending a briefing on diplomatic immunities and privileges at Diamond Hotel in Manila.
“I hope those of you whose countries do not yet have such initiatives will consider making a recommendation to your legislators,” he said.
He said his office and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) “will be more than happy to work with you in this area.”
He also took the opportunity to express the “deep appreciation” of the House of Representatives “for the assistance that the diplomatic corps has been extending to House members as we go around and rebuild our strong parliamentary relations with our counterparts in your home countries.”
“Through your efforts, inter-parliamentary ties that have become dormant are once again re-kindled and the bonds of friendship are forged even stronger. For this, we thank you,” he said.
He said the House would again count on their support when the country hosts this year’s Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in November and the First BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) Parliamentary Forum next year.
The briefing was organized by the DFA and attended by diplomats stationed in Manila and DFA personnel.
In his remarks, Speaker Romualdez said the briefing is aligned with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s foreign relations mantra: “The Philippines is a friend to all and enemy to none.”
He said the immunities and privileges the government grants diplomats assigned to the country are clear expressions of friendship the Philippines extends to other nations.
“They provide you with the necessary access and facilitation that you need to carry out your duties as envoys. More importantly, these also express, in a way, our appreciation of your countries’ grant of the same privileges and immunities to our own diplomats who are stationed abroad, pursuant to the principle of reciprocity in international relations,” he said.
He commended the DFA for holding the briefing and thanked Secretary Enrique Manalo for inviting him to address it.
“The world does not stand still. Bilateral relations evolve as they must, necessitating that immunities and privileges be periodically reviewed and updated to make sure that they are reflective of the current environment, and continue to serve the best interests of all parties involved,” the House leader said.
