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Speaker Romualdez praises PBBM’s successful trip to Brunei, Singapore

June 2, 2024 People's Journal 149 views

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez praised the successful trip of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Brunei and Singapore where he conveyed to the world that the Philippines is open for business and its commitment to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Speaker Romualdez was present at the meetings attended by President Marcos in Bandar Seri Begawan where agreements were signed that will further strengthen the relationship between Brunei and the Philippines.

The agreements signed include three memorandums of understanding on tourism, mutual recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates; and the strengthening of maritime cooperation.

A Letter of Intent or LOI was also signed to affirm the previous agreements regarding food security and relations in the agricultural sector of the two countries.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s state visit to Brunei has been a resounding success, marked by significant achievements that will undoubtedly bolster our nation’s economic and diplomatic standing,” said Speaker Romualdez.

“President Marcos, Jr. deserves our commendation for this significant diplomatic achievement. These agreements signify a promising future for our bilateral relations, fostering deeper cooperation and understanding between our countries,” he added.

Speaker Romualdez also assured that Filipinos will benefit from the agreements signed during the President’s visit.

He also extended the support of the House of Representatives to the initiatives of President Marcos.

A Philippine Business Forum was also held where an MOU was signed between the ASEAN Business Advisory Council – Philippines and Brunei, the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam (NCCI), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The agreement aims to further strengthen trade between the two countries and open up new opportunities for investment.

President Marcos also called on businessmen in Brunei to invest in the country, particularly in the agriculture, energy, technology, and tourism sectors.

“By promoting our country as a premier investment hub, President Marcos is not only attracting foreign capital but also paving the way for job creation and economic prosperity for our people,” according to Speaker Romualdez.

“We are proud of President Marcos’ achievements during this state visit, which reinforce our collective efforts to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos,” the leader of the House said.

After President Marcos’ speech at the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies-Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Speaker Romualdez expressed confidence that more and more countries will support the Philippines in its call to follow the rules-based order in the West Philippine Sea.

Speaker Romualdez was also included in President Marcos’ delegation to the IISS-Shangri-La Dialogue.

President Marcos is the first Philippine leader to be the keynote speaker at such a major defense forum in Asia.

“The President delivered a clear, compelling and rational articulation of our country’s legal and geopolitical position, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. As such, I expect more members of the international community to join the growing chorus calling for observance of the rule of law and diplomacy for dispute resolution,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Speaker Romualdez also praised President Marcos’ firm stance in following international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award which declared that the Philippines has the scope of the West Philippine Sea.

“The President’s message is clear: the integrity of our maritime zones and our sovereignty must be respected. This is not only a legal right but a moral imperative. By adhering to international law, we can ensure that the West Philippine Sea remains a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity,” according to the House Speaker.

Speaker Romualdez reiterated the House’s support for President Marcos’ initiatives aimed at protecting the country’s territory and protecting Filipinos, especially fishermen who are being harassed by China with the WPS.

“The House of Representatives stands firmly behind President Marcos’ vision for a comprehensive archipelagic defense strategy. This is not merely a matter of policy but a solemn duty to uphold the integrity of our nation and the rights of our people,” the lawmaker stressed.

The House leader said that Filipinos should be proud of President Marcos for his stand in the IISS that the WPS belongs to the Philippines and foreigners will not be allowed to grab it.

“While we are determined to protect our territory, we also recognize the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes. This balanced approach demonstrates our commitment to regional and global peace,” he added.

“The President’s vision for a rules-based, people-centered regional community is crucial for maintaining stability and peace in our region. His call for ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs reflects our commitment to multilateralism and collective security,” he said.

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