By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has urged members of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) to embrace the role of “facilitators of peace” amidst conflicts in various parts of the world.
“The ongoing conflicts that plague our world highlight the imperative for us, as parliamentarians, to champion the cause of peace on behalf of humanity. Our mission is to advocate for a cessation of hostilities, to halt the loss of lives, and to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians whose lives have been disrupted by war but whose aspirations for peace remain steadfast,” Zubiri stated during his address at the IPU General Debate in Geneva, Switzerland.
“As members of the IPU, we inherit a legacy that instills confidence that, through unity and determination, we can follow in the footsteps of our predecessors and serve as catalysts for peace,” the Senate leader added.
Zubiri also appealed to the IPU to stand in solidarity with the Philippines as it upholds freedom of navigation and adherence to the international rules-based order in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“In the WPS, a number of geopolitical analysts have predicted that it could be a major flashpoint in the region. Let me emphasize that the Philippines has consistently adhered to international rules-based order, ensured freedom of navigation in the area and practiced restraint in dealing with the harassment and provocations of our neighbor in the north,” he expressed, referring to China’s constant illegal and bullying activities in the WPS.
“It takes a community of nations to preserve and nurture peace, thus, we appeal to the international community to support and stand firm with us in promoting freedom of navigation and adherence to international rules-based order in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
