Press Release
October 12, 2008

IPU 119th Assembly
Villar to discuss international issues with foreign lawmakers

Senate President Manny Villar will lead the Philippine delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) 119th Assembly from October 13 to 15 in Geneva, Switzerland, where he is expected to discuss with foreign parliamentarians today's pressing international concerns.

"We welcome this opportunity to touch base with fellow parliamentarians from around the world and to contribute significantly to dialogues on important international concerns, including the looming global meltdown," the Senate President said.

Villar said the assembly can be a forum to discuss the appropriate measures and policies that should be put in place in order to cushion the people from the effects of an impending international financial crisis.

Villar will be joined by Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Senators Pia Cayetano, Gregorio Honasan II and Rodolfo Biazon. They will be accompanied by Carmen Arceño, director-general, Senate Office of International Relations and Protocol and Atty. Edwin Bellen, Senate Deputy Secretary for Legislation.

The Assembly agenda includes discussions on 1) Advancing nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and securing the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty; 2) Climate change, sustainable development models, and renewable energies; and 3) Freedom of expression and the right to information.

The Philippine Senate is an active participant in the annual meetings and activities of the IPU.

Villar, also the Nacionalista Party president, said he will also convey to other parliamentarians the Senate ratification of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Charter and the approval of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

"We want to show the international community our determination to reduce our dependence on imported oil through the development of the country's alternative energy resources," Villar said. The IPU, which was established in 1889, is the international organization of parliaments of more than 150 sovereign states. It serves as the central point for worldwide parliamentary dialogue towards peace, cooperation, and representative democracy and serves as a Permanent Observer at the United Nations.

Based in Geneva, IPU seeks to foster an exchange of experience among parliaments and parliamentarians of all countries, tackles international concerns, and contributes to the promotion of human rights as an essential factor of parliamentary democracy and development.

Villar will leave the country for Geneva on Monday.

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