Manila: House of Representatives Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Saturday announced that the Philippines' hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) meetings this year will be scaled down by limiting in-person activities to the General Assembly in October and the Interface Meeting in November, while shifting all preparatory meetings to virtual platforms.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dy stated that this decision aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to streamline official engagements for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, while addressing economic pressures from global developments. Dy emphasized the necessity of adopting austerity measures in AIPA hosting without compromising its objectives, ensuring that parliamentary diplomacy continues uninterrupted despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up global oil prices affecting travel and operational costs.

Deputy Speaker and Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Maria Rachel Arenas of Pangasinan, who is leading the House's AIPA organizing efforts, mentioned that preparations are being recalibrated to ensure a smooth transition to a hybrid format focused on two key in-person events. Arenas confirmed that the General Assembly in October and Interface Meeting in November will proceed as planned, with other preparatory engagements conducted virtually. She highlighted the streamlined setup as a reflection of the Philippines' adaptability to evolving global conditions.

Meanwhile, Speaker Dy reiterated the commitment of Philippine lawmakers to advancing a 'people-centered, forward-looking ASEAN.' He noted that the shift to digital platforms is both a practical and principled decision, prioritizing the welfare of the people by reducing costs and easing the burden on public resources, while continuing to fulfill responsibilities to ASEAN partners.