SPEAKER DY LIMITS IN-PERSON AIPA EVENTS AMID GLOBAL COST PRESSURES

Speaker Faustino G. Dy III announced that the Philippines will scale down its hosting of this year’s ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) meetings, limiting in-person events to the General Assembly in October and the Interface Meeting in November, while moving all preparatory meetings online.

The decision follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to streamline official engagements amid rising costs from global developments, including the Middle East conflict, driving up oil prices.

Dy emphasized that the shift to virtual platforms allows the country to maintain parliamentary diplomacy without compromising objectives, while reducing logistical and travel expenses.

Deputy Speaker Maria Rachel Arenas said the hybrid format ensures smooth preparations and aligns committees and delegations with the revised structure.

Dy stressed that the move balances fiscal prudence with the Philippines’ commitment to a people-centered and forward-looking ASEAN agenda.

Source: PhilNews24 | March 29, 2026