President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism Tuesday that with the election of the new officers of the Philippine National Committee of ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Philippines, the country will take the lead in upholding the rule of law and promoting social stability and economic prosperity in Southeast Asia.
“With the election of the new Philippine National Committee officers of ALA Philippines, I am confident, the Philippines will take the lead in upholding the rule of law and promoting social stability and economic prosperity in the ASEAN Region,” President Marcos said after swearing in the officers and members of the officers and members of the ALA Philippines Inc. at the Malacañan Palace.
The country’s representation to international bodies such as the ALA reflects the Philippines’ continued commitment in strengthening multilateral cooperation with its neighboring countries, he said.
This is particularly vital in achieving its goal of a just global community amidst the critical geopolitical issues being confronted by the country with in the region, according to the President.
“We count on your insights, and experience, and law, and the administration of justice to harmonize the respective national laws of every ASEAN country so as to achieve common consensus on concerns within our region,” Marcos told the newly sworn in officials.
Marcos also hailed the Supreme Court for accepting the task of hosting the Council of ASEAN Chief Justice Meeting, alongside the ASEAN Law Association General Council Meeting this November 2024, and also commended Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo for accepting the position of Philippine National Committee Chairperson of ALA Philippines.
At the same time, Marcos made a commitment for the administration’s respect and adherence to the judiciary’s autonomy, vowing to strengthen partnership between the Executive and the Judiciary.
The President also expressed his utmost support to the Judiciary as it implements the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027.
ALA was established by ASEAN lawyers in February 1979 in Jakarta, Indonesia, through the proposal of Singaporean Professor Tan Sook Yee and the late former senator Edgardo Angara, aimed at creating a regional organization for lawyers in the ASEAN region.
It also aims to promote close relations, cooperation, and mutual understanding among lawyers in the ASEAN countries, provide organizational cooperation in law research, provide organizational facilities for ASEAN cooperation in conflict avoidance, arbitration and resolution of legal disputes, and push for cooperation with international, regional, national, and other organizations.
The ALA Philippines Inc. was founded on June 25, 1981 by Angara and 13 other legal luminaries in the country. PND
