20 March 2014 – The role of the Congress of the Philippines as “the bastion of democracy” in the country was highlighted at the 130th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Governing Council Assembly held from March 16 to 20 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, head of the Philippine delegation to the IPU, said in his statement on 17 March: “As a leader of the Senate, I am proud of the continuing commitment of the Philippine Congress to uphold our democratic ideals and to continue its proud tradition of being “the bastion of democracy” in our country.”
Senator Drilon emphasized that the Philippine Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – has always been a vibrant lawmaking body noting distinctly that its members are directly elected by the people in national and local elections, thus, becoming the voice of the people.
“By the laws we pass, we ensure the continued relevance of the Philippine Congress in the lives of the Filipino people. Today, if our democracy remains vibrant, it is because of parliament’s strong adherence to democratic principles,” the Senator added.
In his same statement, Senator Drilon also called on fellow parliamentarians to remain vigilant in promoting the rule of law. He said: “The UN has earlier declared that the IPU is an essential partner in the promotion of the rule of law. We parliamentarians, therefore, must do our utmost best as partners to espouse a rules-based regime as a way of maintaining peace in the world.”
Senator Drilon welcomed the creation of the IPU Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs, which will involve parliamentarians in honoring the commitments of their governments in multilateral treaties and international agreements, noting that such a Committee “may as well serve as a productive forum for dialogue in the peaceful settlement of international disputes.”
He likewise highlighted the Philippines’ dynamic involvement in the IPU citing its active participation in IPU’s various statutory bodies and committees and pledged the continued commitment and support of the Philippines to the IPU. The Senator reiterated the Philippine Government and the Filipino peoples’ sincere gratitude to the global community for their timely relief and asistance and continued support in the rebuilding of the communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
The other members of the Philippine delegation are Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Aquilino Koko Pimentel III, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Congressman Rodolfo Fariñas, Congressman Isidro Ungab and Congressman Jorge “Bolet” Banal.
Established in 1889, the IPU is the international organization of Parliaments and the focal point for worldwide dialogue. It works for peace and cooperation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy. It currently has 163 members and 10 associate members. The Philippines sent its very first Philippine Delegation to the IPU Assembly in 1927, 87 years ago. It was then headed by the Honorable Benigno S. Aquino, the grandfather of President Benigno S. Aquino III. END