Dharamshala, 23 February: Parliamentarian Rufus Rodriguez and Parliamentarian Adrian Amatong of the Republic of the Philippines, accompanied by Mrs. Rodriguez, visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. During their visit, they met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, where they discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

In their interaction with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the Philippine lawmakers were briefed on the composition, evolution, and functions of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. They also received clarifications regarding the Tibetan electoral process in exile, the biannual parliamentary sessions, Tibetan voluntary contributions, and the independent bodies of the Central Tibetan Administration, among other matters.

The Speakers expressed their gratitude to the lawmakers for visiting Dharamshala, and conveyed particular appreciation to MP Amatong for his participation in the 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet held in Tokyo last year. They also highlighted the special relationship between the peoples of Tibet and the Philippines, recalling the conferment of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award upon His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959, as well as the Philippines’ support for United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Tibet in 1959, 1961, and 1965.

The Speakers also underscored the longstanding cultural and religious ties between the Tibetan people and several ASEAN countries, noting the shared Buddhist heritage that links Tibet with many nations. They further acknowledged the Philippines as an important partner in the region, particularly in the context of democratic values and parliamentary engagement.

They expressed their hope for stronger political ties with ASEAN member states, including enhanced collaboration on environmental issues. In particular, they highlighted shared concerns over climate change, ecological sustainability, and the protection of fragile mountain and river ecosystems, emphasizing the global environmental significance of the Tibetan Plateau as the source of many major Asian rivers.

The lawmakers were also taken on a guided tour of the parliament hall following their meeting.