SOUTHEAST Asian lawmakers must agree on a common message that brings the concerns of their constituents to ASEAN leaders and strengthens cooperation between the region’s governments and their parliaments.
This was stressed by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Saturday as he opened the 15th ASEAN–AIPA Leaders’ Interface parliamentary preparatory meeting at Makati Shangri-La.
“As we gather here, our primary task is to bridge the voices of our people with the aspirational goals of ASEAN. Our aim is to enhance the institutional partnership between the executive and legislative branches to ensure a resilient and inclusive community,” said the Speaker in his opening address.
The Speaker, who currently serves as ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) President, linked the Philippine ASEAN chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future Together,” with the thrust of the 47th AIPA General Assembly, “Parliaments Securing a Peaceful, Prosperous and People-centered ASEAN” as he emphasized that parliamentary engagement could help turn ASEAN’s shared goals into tangible progress for communities across Southeast Asia.
The preparatory meeting brought together parliamentary delegations to review the draft AIPA Message and seek consensus on issues of common concern before presenting it to ASEAN leaders.
“I am confident that with your active participation, support and cooperation, we can generate a fruitful outcome and be able to find consensus on the AIPA Message which will be delivered at the ASEAN-AIPA Leaders’ Interface Meeting,” he said.
Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand L. Hernandez was designated to chair the preparatory meeting while AIPA Secretary-General Dr. Chem Widhya was appointed meeting secretary.
Deputy Speaker Maria Rachel J. Arenas led the Philippine delegation, which included Reps. Maria Carmen S. Zamora, Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos, Emigdio P. Tanjuatco III, and Jude A. Acidre. House Secretary General Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil served as delegation adviser, and Novel V. Bangsal served as delegation secretary.
Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Ibrahim headed the Brunei Darussalam delegation, accompanied by delegation secretary Mohammad Amalul Muttaqin Ismail.
Cambodia’s delegation was led by Kittisethabindit Cheam Yeap, who was accompanied by Ai Khan and Ty Sokhun. Dr. Chheang Vannarith served as delegation secretary.
Muhammad Husein Fadlulloh headed Indonesia’s delegation and was joined by fellow lawmaker Bramantyo Suwondo. Iis Muldiyanti, Prasetyo Hadi, Tide Aji Pratama, Bibid Kuslandinu Bayubudi, and Nisrina Nuraini Nafisah served as delegation secretaries.
Sounthone Xayachack led the Lao PDR delegation, which included Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune. Khemphone Anothay, Saliphone Outhachack, Douangthip Boupha, Soulichanh Xengvong, and Chanpasuk Phommaseng served as delegation secretaries.
Malaysia’s House of Representatives Speaker Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari Abdul headed his country’s delegation. Premkumar Gunasagaran, Abdulhadi bin Khalid, and Dr. Muhammad Anas bin Khairul Anuar served as delegation secretaries.
Saktiandi Supaat headed Singapore’s delegation, with Muhammad Husien Bin Khamis as delegation secretary.
Maria Fernanda Lay headed the Timor-Leste delegation, accompanied by delegation secretaries Nuno Filipe Brito Mendes and Lizetti Maria Yolanda Lay Lengo.
Nguyen Doan Anh led Viet Nam’s delegation and was joined by fellow lawmaker Dinh Cong Sy.
AIPA Secretary-General Dr. Chem Widhya headed the AIPA Secretariat delegation. He was joined by Deputy Secretary-General Putri Maha Lima and delegation secretaries Nugroho Adhi Pratama and Ly Mengtyth.
The 15th ASEAN–AIPA Leaders’ Interface is scheduled for Sunday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City as part of the 49th ASEAN Summit.
The dialogue brings ASEAN heads of state and government together with leaders of AIPA member parliaments to discuss shared regional concerns and hear lawmakers’ perspectives. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as ASEAN Chair, is scheduled to open the dialogue while Speaker Dy is set to present the AIPA Message.
metrosundaily
