PH is for 'a rules-based international order', Speaker affirms
At A Glance
- House Speaker Martin Romualdez says the Philippines is unwavering in its intention to work with regional and global partners for a rules-based international order, and to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve any conflict.
(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The Philippines is unwavering in its intention to work with regional and global partners for a rules-based international order, and to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve any conflict.
Thus, declared House Speaker Martin Romualdez during the start of the three-day 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
“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 in his speech.
“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, leader of the 300-plus strong Philippine House of Representatives, made such remarks in the backdrop of escalating tension between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
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He affirmed the commitment of the Philippines to United Nations (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 forum brings together regional parliaments and their members.