SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday reiterated the Philippines’ readiness to work with regional and global partners for a rules-based order and to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve any conflict.
He made the reiteration in remarks marking the start of the three-day 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), which the Philippines is hosting. The Forum groups regional parliaments and their members.
“Peace remains a paramount objective. We are firm in our support for a rules-based international order, governed by the principles of international law and informed by the principles of equity and justice,” Romualdez said.
“We recall the 1982 Manila Declaration on Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, which emphasizes that all disputes should be settled through peaceful means. Let us remember that resorting to judicial procedures, including arbitration, is not an unfriendly act, but a practice of responsible global citizenship,” he added.
Romualdez affirmed the commitment of the Philippines to UN-centered multilateralism in global governance and the principles of centrality of ASEAN and regional organizations like APEC, as he emphasized the Philippine Resolution on Strengthening the Capacity of Parliaments to Promote Regional Peace and Stability.
“As we navigate the complex waters of international relations, we stress the importance of enhancing maritime security and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Romualdez said.
Likewise, he asked APPF member countries to collectively address transnational crimes, including trafficking in persons, especially women and children.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives also called for closer collaboration among lawmakers in the Asia-Pacific in addressing problems facing the region, especially poverty among its more than 4.6-billion population.
In calling for closer cooperation among Forum-members, Speaker Romualdez said solidarity is vital in building a resilient and sustainable Asia-Pacific region.
“This 31st APPF meeting is an opportunity to take stock of the gains achieved in the past years, to look ahead on how to sustain the relevance of Asia-Pacific relations in the post-pandemic era, and to foster deeper social cohesion and resilient global and regional economies,” he said.
He said achieving regional peace and security “involves not only successfully resolving conflicts but also promoting overall human security, welfare, and development.”
“As such, reducing poverty and addressing development gaps, such as in health and education, and working to mitigate climate change are crucial to regional peace and stability…As of 2021, 1.02 billion people among APPF countries were left out of the social protection system,” he added.
The Speaker cited the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which the Philippine Senate recently ratified, as an example of economic and trade cooperation among countries.
“This historic deal covers 30 percent of the global population and trade, the world’s largest free trade area in terms of the parties’ combined gross domestic product (GDP), and is poised to become the new center of gravity for world trade,” he said.
He said the entry into RCEP of a signatory state “is a clear demonstration of its support for a regional market that is open, free, inclusive, and adherent to a rules-based multilateral trading system.”
He said the Asia-Pacific region has about $32.6 trillion in combined GDP.
Romualdez also called for integrating young parliamentarians into APPF.
“These dynamic individuals bring a deep understanding of modern challenges, an unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, and a fervent desire to contribute to the achievement of our shared goals. We must recognize and amplify the voices of this vibrant generation, providing them with the platforms, mentorship, and support they need to thrive as leaders and change-makers,” he said.
He said the Philippine delegation to the 31st APPF conference proposes to amend the Forum’s rules to include young parliamentarians in its annual meetings.
Romualdez likewise appealed to APPF-member-nations to support the Philippines’ bid to be a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.
The House leader said the country is “ready to shoulder the responsibilities of this esteemed position, driven by our unwavering commitment to peace-building and our persistent efforts in combating terrorism.”
“Our nation’s steadfast dedication mirrors the rich and enduring tradition of Philippine diplomacy, and we are eager to harness this tradition to make meaningful contributions to the cause of global peace,” he said.
In welcoming his regional colleagues to the country, Speaker Romualdez urged them to “experience firsthand the genuine warmth, generosity, and unwavering friendliness that are intrinsic to the Filipino way of life.”
“The eagerness of the Filipino people to ensure your comfort and well-being will undoubtedly create an atmosphere of inclusivity and warmth, fostering meaningful connections and dialogue among us all,” he said.
The House leader’s regional counterparts and peers, including those from Vietnam, Canada, Russia, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, and Chile are scheduled to call on him in the course of the conference.
