Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 23) — The Philippines is sidestepping any mention of its maritime dispute with China in its push for Asia Pacific parliamentarians’ adoption of a resolution for the peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to a rules-based order in the region, an official said Thursday.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Philippines is keen to build consensus among the member states of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
\”Diyan kami magaling ni Speaker, manghilot, mag-masahe, magpakiusap. Hopefully we’ll get this resolution adopted,\” said Zubiri in a press briefing at the sidelines of the 31st APPF opening in Manila.
One of the draft resolutions sponsored by the Philippines in the forum urges member parliaments to “reinforce existing modes of peaceful settlement of disputes as outlined in by the UN (United Nations) Charter and the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, while also exploring the establishment of additional settlement mechanisms.”
It also says APPF parliament members are “deeply alarmed by the widening geopolitical polarities and sharpening strategic competition that threaten international peace and security.”
Resolutions in the APPF are adopted by consensus and not by a majority vote, which means all member countries must agree to it.
Zubiri earlier promised to “tone down” his statements on the West Philippines Sea dispute during the forum as a Chinese delegation will be in attendance.
At the opening of the three-day meet, he maintained his previous statement.
\”On day one ayaw nating makipag-away agad (We don’t want to argue with anyone on day one),\” Zubiri said. \”As hosts we have to show respect to each and every country. I have to put this on record: we’re very happy that China came with a big delegation.\”
