MANILA – Senator Erwin Tulfo, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and denounced ongoing wars and violence affecting civilians, particularly in Gaza, Israel, and Ukraine, during the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) plenary session held on October 22.

Speaking before lawmakers from around the world as head of the Philippine delegation, Tulfo cited United Nations data showing that hundreds of millions of people continue to suffer from the impacts of armed conflict and climate change.

“Violent conflicts continue to persist despite all efforts toward peace. Some have just erupted, others are on the brink, while several have endured for decades. The consequences are devastating—lives lost, communities displaced, and vital infrastructure destroyed,” Tulfo said.

“These are stark reminders that conflict and climate both threaten our shared humanity. We cannot, and must not, accept this as the norm. Wars and violent conflicts have no place in a civilized world,” he added.

Tulfo reaffirmed that the Philippines renounces war as a tool of national policy and remains committed to promoting peace, justice, cooperation, and amity among nations, in accordance with the Constitution.

He also expressed support for the full, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, the Israel-Hamas peace plan, and efforts toward a cessation of hostilities in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

While advocating for peace negotiations, Tulfo emphasized the need to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, stressing that “inaction in the face of human suffering would be the greatest injustice of all.”

As the Philippines seeks a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, Tulfo assured the IPU that the country would work with other nations to uphold the rule of law, advance peaceful conflict resolution, and protect civilians in all situations.

“The Philippines envisions a world where respect for international humanitarian law is not only aspirational but operational; not only occasional but enduring,” he concluded.