Legislative bodies of both the Philippines and Japan have again renewed their commitment to fostering closer parliamentary relations and cooperation through the strengthening of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League (JPPFL).
As a symbol of this renewed commitment, members of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Martin Romualdez handed over to their counterparts a copy of the chamber’s Resolution 94, originally House Resolution (HR) 1146.
The resolution seeks to strengthen the mutual cooperation between the two countries through the JPPFL and designated the friendship league’s officers and members.
“This significant gesture strengthens not only our parliamentary ties, but also the general relations between our two great nations. By committing to closer collaboration, we pave the way for greater mutual cooperation in various critical areas that benefit both our countries,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez and the Philippine delegation met with their Japanese counterparts and members of the JPPFL led by chairman Moriyama Hiroshi, vice-chair Okuno Shinsuke, director-general Ryu Hirofumi, secretary-general Otsuka Taku, deputy secretary-general Aoyama Yamato, and executive directors Inoguchi Kuniko, Tajima Kaname, Miyauchi Hideki, and Matsukawa Rui.
Representing the JPPFL Philippines are Speaker Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Committee on Appropriations Chairman Zaldy Co, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco, House Sergeant-at-Arms retired PMGEN Napoleon Taas and other House officials. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia Albano accompanied the Filipino delegation.
“By working together, we can create more opportunities for trade, investment and technological exchange, driving economic growth and development for both the Philippines and Japan. Such cooperation is vital for achieving our shared goal of prosperity and stability,” Romualdez said.
In July last year, the House of Representatives adopted Resolution No. 94 formally establishing the JPPFL in the Philippines, citing the long history of friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
“The Philippines and Japan have a history of close bilateral relations spanning more than 67 years now. And in those long years, Japan has always been a close ally in almost every facet of international relations, especially in the areas of trade and economy,” Romualdez said.
The resolution explained that on July 23, 1956, the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the Japan-Philippines Reparations Agreement were enforced, normalizing the diplomatic relations between the two countries.