MANILA — The House of Representatives formally launched the Philippine Presidency of the 47th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), with Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III calling on Southeast Asian legislatures to promote peace and prosperity through credible laws, transparent processes, and outcomes that improve people’s daily lives.

In his keynote address, Dy said the Philippines assumes the AIPA Presidency for 2026 “with humility and with a clear understanding of what this responsibility demands,” emphasizing that regional cooperation must be anchored on public trust and institutional credibility.

“Our guiding theme is clear: Parliaments Securing a Peaceful, Prosperous, and People-Centered ASEAN. It reflects a fundamental truth: communities endure not on aspiration alone, but on laws that are credible, systems that are trusted, and leaders who deliver results,” Dy said.

Dy said the Philippines’ AIPA agenda aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment, as ASEAN Chair, to deepen dialogue and enhance cooperation on regional security and economic integration in a people-centered manner.

The launch coincides with ASEAN’s 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and preparations for the admission of Timor-Leste as its 11th member state—milestones Dy said demonstrate that peace in the region is “built deliberately through dialogue, mutual respect, and the rule of law.”

Highlighting the challenges facing ASEAN under Community Vision 2045, Dy cited economic uncertainty, security risks, and rapid technological change.

“From my experience leading the House of Representatives, one lesson stands out: public trust is built through results,” he said. “People judge governance by how decisions are made, whether processes are transparent, and whether outcomes genuinely improve daily life.”

Dy added that trust across ASEAN grows when laws are clear and resources are directed where they matter most. “This is how parliaments secure peace, support prosperity, and keep people at the center of policy—principles that will guide our AIPA Presidency,” he said.

He described peace not merely as the absence of conflict but as confidence that differences can be resolved through dialogue and that rules will be respected under pressure. Through AIPA, he said, legislatures can strengthen parliamentary diplomacy on issues such as maritime security, transnational crime, cyber threats, and disinformation.

On economic development, Dy emphasized that prosperity must benefit ordinary citizens, calling for laws that encourage innovation, protect workers, strengthen small enterprises, and improve regional connectivity.

Dy also stressed that a people-centered ASEAN must uphold dignity, protect vulnerable sectors, empower women and youth, recognize migrant workers, and ensure responsible governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

“When peace is secured, prosperity is shared, and people remain at the heart of policy, ASEAN moves forward with confidence—as a region that is resilient, connected, and governed by strong institutions,” he said.

The launch, organized by the House Special Committee on ASEAN Affairs, was led by Senior Vice Chair Maria Rachel Arenas. Dy will serve as President of AIPA 2026, culminating in the 47th AIPA General Assembly in Metro Manila in October 2026.

In preparation for the General Assembly, the Women Parliamentarians of AIPA, the Young Parliamentarians of AIPA, and the AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs will convene separate meetings to craft resolutions on shared regional concerns aligned with the AIPA 2026 theme.

The Philippines formally assumed the AIPA Presidency on Sept. 20, 2025, following the turnover by Malaysia’s Speaker Tan Sri Johari Bin Abdul, with Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza accepting the post on behalf of the Philippine House. This marks the seventh time the Philippines has hosted AIPA since its establishment in 1977, highlighting its long-standing role in advancing parliamentary diplomacy and ASEAN integration.