House OKs resolution expressing solidarity with South Korea

The plenary hall of the House of Representatives. (INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution expressing solidarity with South Korea to commemorate the 10th United Nations Forces Participation Day, with Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez handing his counterpart a copy of the document.

During the opening of the 19th Congress’ second regular session on Monday, one of the few measures adopted by the House before the session adjourned was House Resolution No. 1196.

Romualdez handed this resolution earlier to South Korean National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-Pyo, who is currently in the country for a visit.

“This resolution recognizes the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea that started way before the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953 and has flourished since then. We hope the ties that bind both our countries together shall be perpetually strong,” Romualdez said.

“It is my honor to lead the House of Representatives in presenting this Resolution to you, Speaker Jin-Piyo, as a testament to our unwavering commitment to further grow and enrich both our countries’ friendship and relationship in all aspects,” he added.

Romualdez hopes the two countries exhibit even stronger ties in a post-pandemic world.

“I am pleased that with the pandemic behind us, our parliamentary exchanges have once again become active. It is my hope that the relationship between our two countries will continue to grow and become even stronger over the coming years,” Romualdez said.

 “Be assured that the House of Representatives of the 19th Congress will support the elevation of PH-ROK relations to a strategic partnership,” he added.

Romualdez, his wife and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and other lawmakers recently went to Jeju Island in South Korea for an official visit for the ASEAN-Korea Leaders Forum on the occasion of the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.

In the resolution, it was stressed that the Philippines and South Korea had enjoyed strong ties over the years, especially as the former acknowledges the East Asian country as a sovereign state,

“The bilateral relations between the Philippines and South Korea have always been characterized by mutual trust and support, which started on March 3, 1949, upon the recognition of the Republic of Korea as a sovereign state by the Philippines, the first ASEAN country to establish relations with the new nation, and the first Asian country to respond to the call of the United Nations to help South Korea when it was invaded by communist forces,” the resolution read.

gsg/abc