Some 300 lawmakers and officials from all over Southeast Asia are in Cebu to participate in the 27th General Assembly of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO), a five-day event which kicked off on Monday at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.
The AIPO is one of two meetings that the Philippines, specifically Cebu., is hosting this year. The other one is the Asean Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in December.
“These two events are seen to further bolster the country’s image in the region and recognize the parliamentary leadership of House Speaker Jose de Venecia and the executive leadership of President Arroyo in tackling some important issues in Southeast Asia,” AIPO host chair Rep. Antonio Cuenco (Cebu City, south) said.
“The AIPO is not just a mere special gathering. It is a potent force in shaping the destiny of the region,” he added.
In a statement, AIPO president de Venecia said the gathering is also expected to strengthen sentiment for political unification in Asean, by launching the beginnings of an Asean parliament to legislate and confirm common action on world peace, anti-terrorism, poverty, environmental health, narcotic drug trade, cross-border crimes, human rights and social justice.
“This will take years. It took Europe some 100 years to realize the establishment of the European parliament. But we will begin talks this year,” Cuenco said.
The creation of an Asean parliament could also pave the way for having a common currency in Southeast Asia, he added.
Cuenco, who chairs the House foreign relations committee and heads the organizing committee of the AIPO assembly, said some of the achievements of the AIPO are the crafting of uniform laws, such as the death penalty, to crack drug trafficking among the Asean-member countries.
The AIPO general assembly carries the theme “Caring and Sharing for Asean Prosperity.” “This reflects the strong concern for economic growth and equity among neighbors in the region,” Cuenco said.
The Philippine delegation is composed of senior members of the House of Representatives. (PNA)
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