Akbayan Partylist Representatives Dadah Kiram Ismula, Perci Cendana, Chel Diokno, and Kaka Bag-ao have filed a resolution in the House of Representatives urging the Executive branch to join the international outcry against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The resolution calls for the immediate cessation of all defense procurement from Israel and demands that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) align its modernization efforts with international human rights standards.

Speaking alongside Muslim leaders, peace advocates, and labor groups, Rep. Ismula underscored the Philippines’ moral and constitutional obligation to oppose violence.

“The Philippines must not be complicit in the genocide unfolding in Gaza,” Ismula said. “Every piece of military equipment we purchase from Israel strengthens an arms industry that fuels the continued killing of innocent civilians.”

The resolution emphasizes the need for the country to uphold its commitments to peace and human rights, both constitutionally and internationally.

“Our Constitution renounces war as a national policy. We must ensure that AFP modernization does not inadvertently support human rights violations,” Ismula added.

Drawing a historical parallel, she recalled the Philippines’ humanitarian stance during the Holocaust.

“We once opened our doors to Jews fleeing genocide. Today, we must take a stand against the genocide of Palestinians by ending arms export relations with Israel.”

Ismula stressed that national security should never come at the expense of innocent lives.

“We must not allow our pursuit of security to be paid for with the lives of babies and women in Palestine.”

The resolution is a direct appeal for decisive action from the Executive.

“This is a call for the Executive to honor our Constitution and our commitments to the global community,” Ismula said. “Future generations will ask how the Philippines responded to the violence in Gaza. Let us choose to stand on the right side of history.”