Senate, Lower House solons welcome delegates to 31st Annual Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum
Senate, Lower House solons welcome delegates to 31st Annual Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum
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00:00 Another important gathering this time around and between lawmakers gives the country another chance to not only advance our interests
00:07 but also bring certain issues front and center.
00:10 Like the rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, which the Senate president believes can be scaled down by having a clear code of conduct
00:18 that will concern agencies and countries rather agree on and abide by.
00:22 Daniel Manalastas has more.
00:24 Welcome to the Philippines.
00:29 Welcome to the Philippines.
00:31 The country's lawmakers led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez
00:37 warmly welcomed delegates from 19 countries during the opening of the 31st Annual Asia-Pacific
00:44 Parliamentary Forum or APPF. Topics for discussions include the tension on the South China Sea.
00:50 On day one, we don't want to fight right away.
00:54 As hosts, we have to show respect to each and every country
00:58 and I have to put this on record. We are very happy that China came
01:02 with a big delegation.
01:05 We want to stress the importance of enhancing maritime security and the Indians to own close, no?
01:11 While we might have a different opinion, let's say with China
01:14 that still does not preclude us from actually adhering to our beliefs
01:19 and the collective beliefs of those countries seem to replace it.
01:22 Several resolutions were being pushed by some parliament members
01:27 including promoting peace and stability.
01:29 Others include maritime security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, combating crimes,
01:35 improving the economy and trade, capital development, inclusive growth, to name a few.
01:41 Zubiri said the APPF would greatly help in strengthening the tourism industry.
01:48 When they go home, they will tell their other parliaments that the Philippines is beautiful,
01:53 very progressive,
01:55 very kind, that's why Filipinos are loved by the whole world, right?
02:01 Earlier, over lunch, they said that Filipinos are very popular when it comes to
02:06 the entertainment industry,
02:11 food.
02:12 Meanwhile, Zubiri and Romualdez are aiming to discuss the issue on the West Philippine Sea with Chinese delegates.
02:19 We will not fight them.
02:21 So if we can convince them to change their policy through the leaders, through the parliamentarians,
02:28 then that's a step forward.
02:29 Romualdez announced the country's aim to be on a non-permanent seat at the U.N. Security Council.
02:35 Yes, very, very optimistic.
02:37 It's good that we just had lunch and we're already one.
02:43 We added another one, and that's just on the first lunch.
02:47 And we'll be collaborating with our other friends in the region for our candidature for the non-permanent seat at the U.N. Security Council.
03:01 We're already one, we added another.
03:03 Right away, this forum is paying off dividends, so we're very confident, no?
03:08 With God's prayers and all of your support, we shall be successful.
03:14 Romualdez recognized all the president's initiatives when it comes to foreign investments.
03:20 We're still in the lead here with PBBM.
03:22 He is a statesman par excellence.
03:26 He's at the top of his game.
03:28 Very, very learned. He's learned a lot of issues.
03:34 His attitude is very kind and sympathetic.
03:38 That's why all the world leaders are seeing that the Philippines is really different.
03:42 Daniel Manalastas for the nation.
03:44 us for the nation!