Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri of the Philippines addressed the International Parliamentarian Union (IPU) in Geneva, urging its members to become “facilitators of peace” amid global conflicts, including tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
At the IPU General Debate on March 24, Zubiri implored the Union to harness its legacy of “bold thinking and brave action” to craft strategies that will bring an end to the bloodshed plaguing various parts of the world. “The raging strifes that dot the world underscore the mission that we parliamentarians should pursue on behalf of mankind,” Zubiri declared.
Drawing from the IPU’s rich heritage, Zubiri called for unity and determination among international lawmakers to uphold peace as their predecessors did. He specifically sought the IPU’s support for the Philippines in upholding freedom of navigation and an international rules-based order in the WPS, where geopolitical tensions have been escalating due to activities by China, referred to indirectly as “our neighbor in the north.”
Zubiri emphasized the role of the IPU, once a nascent union, in fostering institutions like the United Nations, which have been pivotal in global peacekeeping efforts. He reminded the assembly of the Philippines’ long-standing commitment to peace and diplomacy since its first delegation to the IPU in 1925 and adherence to the constitutional renunciation of war.
The Senate President also highlighted local achievements, citing the landmark Bangsamoro Organic Law, which has been instrumental in resolving the long-standing conflict in Mindanao by acknowledging the autonomy of the Bangsamoro people.
With a belief in the IPU’s capacity to bridge divisions and build consensus, Zubiri’s speech resonated with a call for collective parliamentary action against the backdrop of economic challenges, global food insecurity, and local impacts of distant wars.
Zubiri’s vision is clear: A united parliamentary front can turn swords into plowshares, not just in the Philippines, but across the globe, where shared prosperity can flourish in a landscape of peace.
Meanwhile, House of Representatives Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan called for diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation.
The confrontation stems from an incident on March 23 when a Philippine civilian vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal was attacked by China Coast Guard ships using water cannons, resulting in significant damage and sparking a series of sharp protests between Manila and Beijing.
This clash comes against the backdrop of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s staunch stance, where he declared that the Philippines “will not surrender its sovereign rights” despite China’s acts of intimidation.
President Marcos emphasized the country’s commitment to its sovereignty while maintaining that Filipinos “do not yield” to coercion.
Amid these developments, Libanan expressed concern over the potential impact on the Philippines’ economic ambitions. He highlighted the threat that these tensions pose to attracting foreign direct investments, vital for job creation in the Philippines.
International reports depicting the worsening relations could be misconstrued by potential investors as a sign of a looming security risk, a misperception that could thwart the inflow of foreign capital.
The Minority Leader also touched upon President Marcos’ recent efforts to entice foreign businesses to invest in the Philippines, including his international visits aimed at inviting corporations to establish factories in the country.
Furthermore, Libanan underscored legislative initiatives seeking to ease the restrictive economic provisions in the Philippine Constitution to attract more foreign investors and create employment opportunities for Filipinos.
Underlining the urgency, Libanan called on the Marcos administration to provide assurances to potential investors. He advocated for a narrative that, despite the maritime dispute, the Philippines remains a stable and secure destination for profitable ventures.
“We must stress that despite the tensions, the Philippines offers a stable, peaceful, and safe haven for the gainful production of goods and services by foreign investors,” Libanan asserted, pointing to the critical balance between national security interests and economic development.
