Speaker Martin Romualdez emphasized the need for robust regional collaboration, economic resilience, and ethical technology management during his speech at the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum (PI-SF) 2025 in Manila. He highlighted the Indo-Pacific region’s dual nature as a hub of opportunity and a zone of significant challenges, driven by geopolitical tensions and economic vulnerabilities.
Romualdez pointed out that the region, encompassing 60% of the world’s population and a major player in global trade and innovation, faces strategic competition and non-traditional security threats. He stressed the importance of collective action among parliamentarians and policymakers to address these issues.
The forum, hosted in Manila, focused on the Indo-Pacific, a region that includes economic powerhouses like China, Japan, India, and South Korea, and is marked by strategic rivalries and unresolved disputes. Romualdez reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international law, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, citing the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling under UNCLOS as a testament to the nation’s stance on territorial integrity and freedom of navigation.
He warned against destabilizing tactics such as gray-zone operations and the militarization of artificial islands, which threaten regional stability. Romualdez also mentioned recent Philippine legislation aimed at bolstering maritime jurisdiction, underscoring the importance of a rules-based international order for smaller nations like the Philippines.
Beyond territorial issues, Romualdez addressed economic security, noting that supply chain disruptions and economic coercion pose significant risks to growth in the Indo-Pacific. He advocated for stronger regional economic frameworks like RCEP and CPTPP to promote fair and sustainable trade policies and protect critical industries.
On the technological front, Romualdez highlighted the dangers of cyber threats, disinformation, and AI misuse. He called for enhanced cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI regulations to safeguard against cyberattacks, espionage, and misinformation. He emphasized that technology should be used to advance development goals, including renewable energy and climate adaptation.
Romualdez concluded by urging lawmakers to adopt a regional strategy focused on deterrence, resilience, and a commitment to peace and prosperity. He underscored the Indo-Pacific’s potential and the importance of legislative action in shaping a rules-based international order, positioning the Philippines as a key advocate for regional security, economic resilience, and responsible technology governance.