Recognizing the role of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in upholding a rules-based approach in addressing common concerns, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, May 10, called for the strengthening of regional cooperation in tackling vital issues, such as climate change and transnational threats. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office) In his intervention during the ASEAN Leaders’ meeting in Indonesia, the Chief Executive underscored the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation and synergy in tackling shared challenges to achieve shared regional aspirations. His intervention was likewise heard by representatives of AIPA, which serves as the center of communication and information among member-parliaments in the ASEAN. “Inter-parliamentary cooperation will synergize regional efforts towards tackling shared challenges such as climate change, transnational threats, and upholding a rules-based international order anchored in international law,” Marcos said. “We thank the AIPA for continuing to support our vision for a rules-based, people-oriented, and people-centered ASEAN,” he added. The President flew to Indonesia with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Tuesday, May 9, for ASEAN’s annual summit. Marcos recommended open communication and effective collaboration between the executive and legislative bodies to harmonize the laws and regulations across the region. “Through such a partnership, we can realize in the domestic arena agreed strategies for collaboration and identify laws which are needed to harness new opportunities for the region as well as address emerging regional challenges,” he pointed out. He shared concerns about how trafficking in persons had been increasingly alarming because of the misuse of innovative technological applications. Marcos described trafficking as a multi-dimensional issue that needs concerted cooperation between the legislative and executive bodies in order to be resolved. To address these, nations must create a robust legal framework and an effective enforcement mechanism. And while ASEAN had remarkably contributed to regional socio-economic growth and development since its inception, people are unaware of its impact on their own lives. This is why the President also asked AIPA to communicate the importance of a cohesive regional grouping. This would unify its members with a stronger sense of one ASEAN vision and community. Aside from serving as the center of communication and information among member-parliaments in the ASEAN, AIPA also aims to encourage understanding, cooperation, and close relations among members, observers, and other parliamentary organizations.