Legarda Hails Adoption of Resolution to Support Efforts for Parliamentary and Inclusive Democracy in Cambodia

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA HAILED THE ADOPTION OF SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 873, WHICH EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR PARLIAMENTARY AND INCLUSIVE DEMOCRACY IN CAMBODIA, LAST SEPTEMBER 17.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, stressed that the value of democratic governance and parliamentary democracy cannot be understated, and building on electoral reforms is vital to developing a lasting a vibrant democracy.
“I filed this Resolution in cognizance of the 2012 report of Professor Surya Subedi, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia. Cambodia’s national election in July 2013 offers as excellent opportunity to further democratic consolidation,” she said.
“We take exceptional note of Professor Subedi’s report that Cambodia has made progress with regard to democratic reforms, observance of the rule of law, and the human rights situation in the country following its adoption of the Paris Peace Agreements,” she detailed.
Senate Resolution No. 873 expresses the sense of the Philippine Senate to offer its hand of support to its counterparts in Cambodia, through dialogue and cooperation.
Legarda remarked that, “The Philippines has had its share of challenges in improving our electoral processes. Our electoral system may not be perfect yet, but we have acquired a depth of experience that we can share in pursuit of the promotion of ASEAN’s principle of “good neighborliness, partnership, and community building”. Hopefully, through mutually beneficial cooperation, we can also learn from them.”
“I am urging my fellow legislators to adopt this resolution as soon as possible, that we may show solidarity with our ASEAN neighbor as they conduct crucial electoral reforms,” she concluded.