The issue of tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) or the arbitral ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) against China’s expansive sea claims were not included in the resolution filed by the Philippines during the 31st Asian-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF31), which started Thursday in Pasay City.
But Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he and House Speaker Martin Romualdez intend to talk to the Chinese delegates to the Forum to seek a Code of Conduct (COC) with Beijing in the West Philippine Sea.
The Senate leader hopes they can work out a COC with China’s delegates.
“That’s what we are asking so there will be no more clashes, blockages, and water cannoning (by the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia). That’s what we’re trying to do. And the best way of doing it is befriending them,” he added.
Zubiri said there were “no specifics like the WPS or the arbitral ruling” in the Philippine resolution at the APPF, which aims to strengthen the capacity of parliaments for regional peace and security.
Zubiri said the delegates from Japan, Mexico, and Australia also filed similar resolutions.
If the WPS issue would be put in the resolution, he admitted “there might be a protest or somebody might get angry.”
“It doesn’t change our position, we are friends to all, enemy tonone,” added Zubiri, who along with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed the 275 delegates from 18 countries at the Philippine International Convention Center.
According to Zubiri, the hosts shook hands with the Chinese delegation and even showed them the Senate President’s picture with Chinese President Xi Jinping when he visited the country during the Duterte administration.
Zubiri wanted to show them “that Filipino parliamentarians and the Filipinos are not bad and they can be good neighbors.”
“They can say thus when they return to China,” the Senate President added.
Meanwhile, Speaker Romualdez said in his remarks: “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.
“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 affirmed the commitment of the Philippines to UN-centered multilateralism in global governance and the principles of the 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 leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives also called for closer collaboration among lawmakers in the Asia-Pacific in addressing problems facing the region, especially poverty among its more than 4.6-billion population. Regarding the Philippine resolution, Zubiri said they want it to be acceptable to all.
“This is a consensus-building (move). There should be a consensus on every issue,” he said. However, Zubiri said respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) will be discussed since this international law has “persuasive powers.”
“If adopted, we will find out after three days. We don’t want to fight. We are very happy that China came with a big delegation… Dialogue should always be there to come out with a common stand on WPS, the South China Sea issue. We should accept them with open arms and discuss with them,” said Zubiri.
“When they go back to their countries, they can discuss this particular issue and present the agreements that we made. It will be an achievement on its own. We will try our best.
The Speaker and I are good with that ‘manghilot’ (massaging) and hopefully, we will get this resolution adopted,” he said. He related that the third page of the Philippine resolution urges parliaments to support an effective Code of Conduct (COC) that is consistent with international law.
Indonesia has also filed a resolution to respect the 1982 UNCLOS fully. Romualdez said that’s the whole spirit of this forum.
“We want to stress enhancing the maritime security. There’s a difference with China, but that doesn’t preclude us. We just do persuasion,” said the Speaker, adding that the many resolutions filed in the forum will be consolidated.
In calling for closer cooperation among forum members, Speaker Romualdez said solidarity is vital in building a resilient and sustainable Asia-Pacific region.
“This 31st APPF meeting is an opportunity to take stock of the gains achieved in the past years, to look ahead on how to sustain the relevance of Asia-Pacific relations in the post-pandemic era, and to foster deeper social cohesion and resilient global and regional economies,” he said.
He said achieving regional peace and security “involves not only successfully resolving conflicts but also promoting overall human security, welfare, and development.”
“As such, reducing poverty and addressing development gaps, such as in health and education, and working to mitigate climate change are crucial to regional peace and stability…As of 2021, 1.02 billion people among APPF countries were left out of the social protection system,” he added.
The Speaker cited the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which the Philippine Senate recently ratified, as an example of economic and trade cooperation among countries.
“This historic deal covers 30 percent of the global population and trade, the world’s largest free trade area in terms of the parties’ combined gross domestic product (GDP), and is poised to become the new center of gravity for world trade,” he said.
He said the entry into RCEP of a signatory state “is a clear demonstration of its support for a regional market that is open, free, inclusive, and adherent to a rules-based multilateral trading system.”
He said the Asia-Pacific region has about $32.6 trillion in combined GDP. Romualdez also called for integrating young parliamentarians into APPF.
“These dynamic individuals bring a deep understanding of modern challenges, an unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, and a fervent desire to contribute to the achievement of our shared goals. We must recognize and amplify the voices of this vibrant generation, providing them with the platforms, mentorship, and support they need to thrive as leaders and change-makers,” he said.
He said the Philippine delegation to the 31st APPF conference proposes to amend the Forum’s rules to include young parliamentarians in its annual meetings.
Romualdez likewise appealed to APPF-member-nations to support the Philippines’ bid to be a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.
The House leader said the country is “ready to shoulder the responsibilities of this esteemed position, driven by our unwavering commitment to peace-building and our persistent efforts in combating terrorism.”
“Our nation’s steadfast dedication mirrors the rich and enduring tradition of Philippine diplomacy, and we are eager to harness this tradition to make meaningful contributions to the cause of global peace,” he said.
In welcoming his regional colleagues to the country, Speaker Romualdez urged them to “experience firsthand the genuine warmth, generosity, and unwavering friendliness that are intrinsic to the Filipino way of life.”
“The eagerness of the Filipino people to ensure your comfort and well-being will undoubtedly create an atmosphere of inclusivity and warmth, fostering meaningful connections and dialogue among us all,” he said.
The House leader’s regional counterparts and peers, including those from Vietnam, Canada, Russia, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, and Chile are scheduled to call on him during the conference.