By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

On Friday (Nov. 22), House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez urged members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries to support the Philippines’ stand on issues involving the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

He made the appeal in a meeting before the Trilateral Commission, a nongovernment organization that brings together regional and world leaders to discuss pressing concerns.

“In the South China Sea, the Philippines faces complex challenges to its sovereignty, yet our commitment to a peaceful, lawful resolution remains resolute. We uphold the 2016 ruling as a testament to international law, a beacon that reminds us that might cannot make right, and that the world is governed not by whims, but by principles,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He was referring to the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration recognizing the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and rejecting China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including areas inside the WPS.

“We call upon all nations, great and small, to stand with us in defending this order. The Philippines believes that security cannot be built on the foundation of intimidation or unilateralism. True security is forged through trust, mutual respect, and adherence to rules that bind us all equally,” the Leyte 1st District Representative said.

The leader of the 300-plus-strong Philippine House of Representatives said ASEAN plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation and a rules-based order in the region; he emphasized that while security is important, it should go hand-in-hand with economic progress.

“But what is security without prosperity? What is peace without the promise of a dignified life? Economic resilience and inclusive growth are not mere aspirations; they are the pillars upon which we build societies that can withstand any storm,” he added.

He pointed out that the Philippines aims to attain economic progress that is “equitable and inclusive, lifting not just the privileged few but every Filipino family”, but denoting that such a task “is monumental, as the shadows of inequality, inflation, and disrupted supply chains challenge our progress.”

He stressed that the Philippines considers ASEAN “as not just a region, but a community of shared destiny, where no member state must face these challenges alone.” 

“We seek to strengthen our economies through partnerships, investments in infrastructure, and a commitment to digital transformation. Together, with the support of allies and friends, we are committed to building a resilient ASEAN that stands as a model for sustainable growth and shared prosperity. Let this vision be our compass, guiding us through this era of global recovery and beyond,” he said.

On matters concerning climate change and technological advancements

“If there is one challenge that unites us beyond all others, it is the existential threat of climate change. As a nation in the eye of the climate storm, the Philippines feels the urgency of this battle every day. Rising seas, super typhoons, and vanishing ecosystems are not distant possibilities; they are the present reality for millions of our citizens,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He said climate action must not be postponed or politicized and must be pursued “with the fervor of those who understand that their very survival depends on it.”

“The Philippines is unwavering in its commitment to the Paris Agreement and calls upon every nation to honor both the letter and the spirit of these agreements. The climate crisis does not recognize borders, and therefore our response must transcend them as well. In partnership with our ASEAN neighbors, we are committed to pursuing climate resilience as a legacy for future generations,” the Leyte 1st District representative added.

In discussing technology, the House leader considers it as a force with the potential to uplift humanity but only under the guidance of a moral compass that prioritizes people over profit.

“In an era where digital transformations are reshaping industries and societies, we must not overlook the widening digital divide. In the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, millions remain disconnected from the opportunities that technology brings,” he emphasized, reminding world leaders of the duty to bridge the technological gap to ensure the access of every child to the tools of the future.

“We must champion digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and education in digital literacy, not only as pathways to economic growth but as means of human dignity. Technology must serve humanity, not the other way around,” he added further.

Speaker Romualdez reminded his audience not to forget the ethical dimensions of the digital revolution.

“The rise of artificial intelligence and data-driven societies brings profound questions: How will we protect privacy? How will we ensure that technology is a force for equality, not control? ASEAN and the Philippines stand ready to collaborate with global partners in shaping a digital future that is safe, inclusive, and fundamentally human,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also called attention to the problems posed by rising misinformation, populism, and authoritarianism on democratic societies and rule of law, assuring his audience of the country’s commitment towards protecting its democracy.

“We recognize that our efforts do not occur in isolation. Strengthening democratic values, accountability, and transparency requires the support of a vigilant international community,” he said.

Likewise, he reaffirms the country’s commitment to be a steadfast partner in facing the emerging challenges of the Indo-Pacific region, rallying the country’s global partners to support the Philippines’ pursuit of democratic resilience, justice, and freedom.

“We stand ready to work with you to bridge divides, to foster understanding, and to uphold the principles that bind us as a global community,” he added. (with report from Mela Lesmoras/PTV News)

-avds