Manila – Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri confirmed that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) situation will be a topic of discussion at the upcoming 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF31), which the Philippines is set to host from November 23 to 25.
According to Philippines News Agency, Zubiri indicated that while the issue will definitely be addressed in committee, the Philippines intends to adopt a diplomatic approach, especially considering the participation of a Chinese delegation. The goal is to promote peace and stability in the region. The APPF31 will also focus on political and security matters, economic and trade issues, regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and special discussions among women and young parliamentarians. Zubiri expressed optimism about forming concrete steps forward for shared prosperity in the region during the three-day event. The APPF is a key parliamentary forum involving 28 member countries from Southeast Asia, Oceania, North Asia, and the Americas, where parliamentarians discuss and form agreements on shared regional concerns and interests. Motorists in the vicinity of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, and Makati City have been warned to expect heavy traffic due to the arrival of approximately 300 foreign delegates from these member countries.