Philippines tells int’l parliamentarians WPS is an issue of ‘grave concern’

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada calls on delegates of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) on Friday, November 24 2023, to work together in promoting peace and stability in the region. (Photo from Office of Senator Estrada /Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — On the second day of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), Philippines raised the West Philippine Sea row as one of the critical challenges confronting the region.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada noted APPF has the “potential to drive positive change in [the] region.”

He was reading Philippines’ statement as the designated speaker on APPF’s plenary session on strengthening the capacity to promote peace and stability.

The event is being held at Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay city.

“This annual gathering is a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration, and it is within this spirit that I wish that the APPF addresses a matter of grave concern that requires our collective attention,” he said.

“As representatives of our respective governments, it is incumbent upon us to raise serious concerns over recent developments in the West Philippine Sea, which refers to parts of the South China Sea over which the Philippines has sovereign rights, and jurisdictions,” he emphasized.

Estrada went on to say, “they have the potential to undermine the peace and stability that our nations have collectively worked towards over the years.”

He then urged all member-states to harness “collective strengths, wisdom, and diplomatic acumen” to work collaboratively for the greater good of more than 4.6 billion people in the region.

“It is through our collective diplomatic efforts that we can send a strong message of unity, urging all parties involved to prioritize dialogue over confrontation, and cooperation over competition,” said Estrada.

“The Philippine government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been consistent in trying to address the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic means, in the hope of decreasing tension in the area,” he noted.

According to Estrada, Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed the situation in South China Sea does not comprise the entirety of Philippines-China relations.

He said the two leaders believe maritime issues should be properly managed.