Trilateral meet an opportunity for PH to gain economically – Speaker

House Speaker Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: Official website of the House of Representatives / congress.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines — Apart from the discussion of geopolitical issues, the trilateral meeting of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to bring economic gains, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.

According to Romualdez, the trilateral meeting will reinforce ties in the three countries, in effect, will produce jobs and will help the regional economy prosper.

READ: PH, Japan, US to hold first ever trilateral leaders’ summit on April 11

“Economic cooperation lies at the heart of this trilateral meeting, with discussions aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and development opportunities among our nations. Our country’s deeper economic integration with the United States and Japan will undoubtedly benefit our people in terms of jobs and livelihood opportunities and contribute to regional prosperity,” Romualdez said.

He likewise said that the trilateral meeting will also advance discussions on the effects of climate change and the solutions which can be done to mitigate it.

“The Philippines, as a vulnerable nation to the impacts of climate change, welcomes increased cooperation with the United States and Japan to implement sustainable solutions and mitigate the effects of climate change on our communities,” Romualdez said.

The House speaker added that the summit will also highlight the country’s interests in “freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.”

It will also improve regional security, amidst the tensions surrounding the West Philippine Sea.

“President Marcos, Jr.’s engagement with President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida underscores our nation’s commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. It is also a tacit recognition of his leadership and his foreign policy of being a friend to all and enemy to none,” Romualdez continued.

“By strengthening our partnerships with like-minded nations, we can address security challenges effectively and promote peace and stability across the region,” he added.

Other representatives agreed in separate releases and said that the trilateral meet is set to give benefits to many sectors of the country.

“Presidents Biden and Marcos and Prime Minister Kishida will surely discuss peace and stability in the region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,”  Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, Majority Leader Manuel Dalipe, and Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez said in a joint statement.

“This historic gathering presents a unique opportunity for our nations to collaborate on key issues that affect our shared interests and aspirations. I am confident that this summit will pave the way for enhanced cooperation and prosperity for our peoples,” Deputy Majority Leader and PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita “Atty. Migs” Nograles said.

“As representatives of our constituents, we applaud the efforts of our leaders to engage in constructive dialogue that aims to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region,” Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said.

“The coming together of these three leaders underscores the importance of strategic cooperation in addressing shared challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and development,” Assistant Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega said.

“This summit represents a crucial step towards deepening our ties and fostering greater understanding and cooperation among our citizens,” Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun said.

READ: DFA exec says PH-Japan-US meet aims to boost peace in Indo-Pacific

On April 11, Marcos will meet with the two other world leaders at the first trilateral summit at the White House in Washington, D.C.

The summit was announced by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines on March 19.