Mr. Chair,

Distinguished Delegates,

I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Chair of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) for this crucial consultation and for the comprehensive report presented. Our appreciation extends to all GGE Members for their active and constructive participation, fostering rich exchanges that are vital in addressing the challenges we face. The Philippines takes pride and welcomes the responsibility that we are represented in the GGE by our technical expert from the Philippine Space Agency.

In today's ever-evolving landscape, the threats to space security have become more pronounced than ever before. The relevance of the GGE in navigating these challenges cannot be overstated. We find ourselves at a critical juncture where concerted efforts are imperative to prevent an arms race in outer space.

The Philippines, as an emerging space-capable nation with limited resources, fully recognizes the need for a legally binding instrument. Such an instrument is essential to safeguard our space assets from potential threats. The interconnectedness of our space assets with critical functions such as communication, disaster management, and other civilian applications underscores the profound impact that harm to any of our space assets would have on our nation. In this regard, we hope that the GGE can identify gaps in the existing treaties in outer space and recommend how they can be addressed in the legally binding instrument.

In this context, we stress the urgent need for the establishment of standards governing activities in outer space. We recognize that the work of the GGE plays a pivotal role in laying the foundation for an international legally binding instrument. This instrument will not only serve as a deterrent to the placement of weapons in outer space but will also contribute to the broader framework necessary for the responsible and peaceful use of outer space. In the same vein, we reaffirm that political commitments on responsible behaviors can be developed in support of, and without prejudice to, the pursuit of legally binding measures and instruments in this area. These two approaches are not mutually exclusive.

As a nation committed to international cooperation and the prevention of an arms race in outer space, the Philippines assures the Chair of our unwavering support and contribution to the fulfillment of the GGE's mandate. We stand ready to actively participate in the formulation of recommendations on substantial elements of the international legally binding instrument. Our commitment extends to collaborative efforts aimed at preventing the placement of weapons in outer space, fostering a secure and sustainable environment for all.

In response to the request of New Zealand to make the working papers of the GGE available to delegations, my delegation welcomes this request and sees the value of making these documents available to all interested experts.

In conclusion, Mr. Chair, the Philippines is resolute in its commitment to the objectives of the GGE and stands ready to engage constructively in the pursuit of practical measures for the prevention of an arms race in outer space.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.