Romualdez says Congress also plays key role in foreign relations

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

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign relations of a country has developed into a role shared by the executive and the legislative branches, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as his delegation sought to strengthen ties between the Philippines and the United States (US).

Romualdez, who is in the US to attend several lectures and workshops and to meet their counterparts from the US House, said on Thursday that inter-parliamentary diplomacy has been used increasingly so that lawmakers from different countries get to discuss legislative matters.

“Traditionally, foreign relations is conducted by the executive branch of the government and the role of the legislative in foreign policy decision-making is focused on the budgetary and war powers and appointment of diplomatic officials to represent the country overseas,” Romualdez said in his speech before the Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

“(However), legislative diplomacy has been increasingly part of foreign policy and international relations with the increased meetings with foreign officials, establishment of inter-parliamentary linkages with other countries and through the laws enacted by Congress,” he added.

Romualdez said this is important as lawmakers from both countries would get to understand what laws are needed — or what legislative framework can be adopted — to ensure that the full benefits of bilateral discussions are attained.

“The legislative branches of governments of both countries are mandated to establish a legal framework that will promote transparency and accountability in the government to achieve peace and prosperity for the country,” he said.

“Its members are responsible in putting forward the interests and will of their respective constituents and at the same time to maintain a balance with enabling laws and the pursuit of national interests while acknowledging the role and importance of domestic and international partners. This is an arduous task, albeit very important,” he added.

If President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s foreign trips have been criticized for allegedly being excessive, Romualdez’ attendance in these visits to other countries has been criticized as well.

Romualdez, Marcos’ cousin from the maternal side, was part of the President’s delegation when he visited the US last September 2022 for the United Nations General Assembly.

The Speaker was also present at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Cambodia last November 2022; the Asean-European Union Summit in Belgium last December 2022; the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last January; and most recently, the official visit to Japan this February.

READ: Marcos catches cold in Brussels; skips briefing with media 

Marcos and at least two lawmakers defended Romualdez’ presence in the foreign trips, with the Chief Executive saying that there are businesspeople who ask questions that can be answered by the legislature.

READ: Marcos says Romualdez needed in trips: Biz people ask questions that Congress can answer 

Over the past few days, Romualdez and other lawmakers part of the delegation met with their US counterparts in a bid to strengthen ties between the two countries.  Earlier, Romualdez sat down with his counterpart, US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, to air the need for both countries to step up bilateral discussions.

A day prior, the delegation talked to several US lawmakers, particularly House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, US Reps. Darrell Issa, Ami Bera, Mike Rogers, Christian Stewart, and Young Kim.

READ: PH lawmakers seek US Congress’ support for stronger defense, economic ties 

For the Harvard program, Romualdez was invited by the university’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs for a talk, and to answer questions from the Harvard community.

READ: Romualdez assures Harvard faculty, students: House to help forge stronger ties with US 

JPV