28th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Closing Remarks

In closing the two-day forum, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. lauded the healthy and fruitful exchange of best practices and ideas from respected security, intelligence, and economic experts. Highlighting the forum’s outputs, Hon. Gonzales stressed that economies cannot thrive amidst conflict and if the people are not secure, and that peace and security are elusive when the quest for development and economic survival is pursued without regard to the rights and entitlements of others. He reiterated that rules-based international order should remain as the only method to settle all conflicting interests.

Faced with the unrelenting march of technological advancement, Hon. Gonzales emphasized that such could also worsen existing inequalities, perpetuate human biases, and put people’s well-being and human rights at risk—thus, the necessity of instituting appropriate state policies and a collective global stand on the regulation of technologies. He drew attention to the fact that while collaborative trade policies promote economic growth, a country may weaponize such policies in the pursuit of its own political goals, leading to adverse consequences in an interconnected world.

Recognizing that we are bound by our common resolve to act decisively, he exhorted everyone to continue to advocate for responsible, efficient and comprehensive policies, centered on collaboration and advancement; and to unceasingly take part in the healthy exchange of views, experiences, innovations, and best practices to tackle the challenges ahead. Hon. Gonzales expressed confidence that that with continued collective efforts and shared principles, this comprehensive and dynamic relationship will only grow stronger and will produce positive results for all. He sincerely thanked the participants for making the forum a resounding success and commended Hon. Robert Pittenger for his vision and leadership.