House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez delivers his message on Thursday (November 23, 2023) at the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum in PICC, Pasay city. (Photo from office of the Speaker)
MANILA, Philippines — The country is ready to work with regional and global partners for a rules-based order and pursue dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
This is the message of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday during the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) held at Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay city.
Romualdez is co-chairperson of the event attended by at least 237 parliamentarians from 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
“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,” the Speaker said in his welcome remarks.
He recalled the 1982 Manila Declaration on Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, which said all conflicts will be settled peacefully.
“Let us remember that resorting to judicial procedures, including arbitration, is not an unfriendly act, but a practice of responsible global citizenship,” he said.
“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,” Romualdez said.
“Additionally, let us collectively address transnational crimes, including trafficking in persons, especially women and children,” he told the delegates.
“These atrocities continue to affect our communities, and it is our duty to stand against them,” he added.