25 November 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Madrid reported that the Asamblea de Madrid, during its session on November 21, made an institutional declaration expressing the Assembly´s support to and solidarity with the Filipino people in the midst of the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). The session was chaired by its President, Mr. Jose Ignacio Echeverría.

The institutional declaration reads: “The Asamblea de Madrid wishes to express its utmost solidarity to the Filipino people in the midst of the tragedy and devastation caused by hurricane Yolanda which occurred in the Philippines.  We share the pain of massive loss of lives and of people who have lost not only their loved ones but also the things which used to be part of their daily living. From this Assembly, we appeal to the Community, the Central Government and to the society to respond with maximum generosity and urgency of assistance to this tragedy.”

Present during the session was the President of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Mr. Ignacio Gonzalez, with whom Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos Salinas had a brief talk before the session. Mr. Gonzalez expressed his sincerest condolences and concern to the Filipino people as he inquired about the latest figures of the casualties and damages caused by the typhoon. The Ambassador briefed Mr. Gonzalez on the situation.

The Assembly of Madrid is the unicameral regional legislature of the Autonomous Community of Madrid and was established since the approval of the Madrid Charter of Autonomy in 1983. The legislature is currently composed of 129 representatives elected to four-year terms. END