PH Solons Join Call for Enhanced Multilateralism at Asian Political Parties’ Conference in Moscow
Zambales 2nd District Representative Cheryl P. Deloso-Montalla delivers her statement at the plenary session on “The importance of international inter-party cooperation in the formation and development of political, economic, social ties between states” of the 10th General Assembly of ICAPP on 26 October 2018, in Moscow. (L. Camoying photo)
MOSCOW 08 November 2018 — Philippine lawmakers joined the call of Asian political parties for enhanced multilateralism at the 10th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) held on 24-27 October 2018 in Moscow.
In her intervention, Representative Cheryl P. Deloso-Montalla of the 2nd District of Zambales stressed the need for political parties to promote exchanges of scientific knowledge and transfer of technologies to achieve development goals and thus bring forth the oft-aspired Asian renaissance, a coming true of the much-vaunted pivot to Asia.
Meanwhile, Representative Manuel Luis T. Lopez of the 1st District of Manila urged political parties to work together in the pursuit of pro-people and inclusive growth to address the root causes of extremism.
For his part, Representative Mark O. Go of Baguio affirmed the relevance of ICAPP as a neutral ground “allowing opposing political parties to take off their adversarial hats and engage in cooperative discussions”. He added that “international inter-party cooperation helps avoid partisan gridlocks that derail the adoption of programs and projects that could potentially address the woes of the public”.
The Philippine delegation was led by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III from the Upper House and Congresswoman Deloso-Montalla from the Lower House.
Other members of the delegation were Representative Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos, Scott Davies S. Lanete, Edwin Marino C. Ongchuan, Strike B. Revilla, and Weslie T. Gatchalian, Abigail Faye C. Ferriol-Pascual and Shernee Abubakar Tan. Also present were former Representative Rufus Rodriguez, and former House Speaker and ICAPP founding chair Jose de Venecia.
ICAPP is a platform for exchanges and cooperation among political parties from Asia. This year’s assembly gathered together leaders and representatives of 70 political parties from Asia and observer parliamentarians from Europe and Latin. It was hosted by United Russia, the ruling party of the Russian Federation.
The organization adopted the Moscow Declaration calling on states to reject the alarming trend of unilateralism and isolationism and pursue greater cooperation in order to reduce international tension, effectively combat terrorism, and establish stronger political and socio-economic ties.
ICAPP was established in Manila in 2000. At present, it consists of about 350 ruling, opposition, and independent political parties from 52 Asian countries. It also has a women’s and youth’s wing and has established linkages with political parties in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. END
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Cong. Manuel Luis T. Lopez (left) and Cong. Mark O. Go deliver their respective statements at the 10th General Assembly of the International Conference of Political Parties held in Moscow on 24-27 October 2018. (L. Camoying photo)
