Speaker Romualdez: Japan PM Kishida's PH visit aimed at securing global peace, prosperity

The forthcoming official visit of Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the Philippines will strengthen the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan towards global peace and progress, Speaker Martin Romualdez said Wednesday. 

Romualdez issued the statement ahead of Batasang Pambansa Complex hosting Kishida and his wife, Yuko, for the Japanese leader’s address before the Philippine Congress in a special joint session on November 4.

“The visit is expected to cover a wide range of very important topics, with a focus on strengthening the excellent relations and exploring opportunities for the two countries,” Romualdez said.

“The Philippines and Japan are committed to turning the two-day visit into concrete collaborations that will not only strengthen bilateral relations but also contribute to global peace and prosperity,” Romualdez added.

Romualdez said Kishida’s visit symbolizes the the deep and longstanding bond between the Philippines and Japan that is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a unified vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The House of Representatives, as the honored venue host of this significant event in the Batasang Pambansa Complex, is committed to exerting all efforts to ensure that Prime Minister Kishida's visit is both fruitful and memorable,” he said.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Prime Minister Kishida and wish him a successful and impactful visit,” Romualdez added.

Prior to his address before Congress, Kishida will meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Palace on Friday, November 3.

The Philippines was under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945 or until Allied Forces led by the United States ended the Second World War.

House Bill 8859

Back in August, a bill declaring August 14 as National Memorial Day for Comfort Women or those women physically and sexually abused by the Japanese soldiers during World War 2 was filed in the House of Representatives.

House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list filed the measure under House Bill 8859, saying the declaration of August 14 as a National Memorial Day for Comfort Women will honor the bravery and resilience of the comfort women as well as raise awareness about the atrocities they endured during World War 2.

“The comfort women were victims of sexual violence and exploitation, subjected to unimaginable suffering and trauma. It is our duty to remember their stories and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated,” Brosas said.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality on August 15 but has not moved since then.

‘Robust trading partner’

For his part, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said they are looking forward to Kishida’s address, considering that Japan is a “robust trading partner, a strong security ally, a lending hand during calamities, and an investor in Philippine progress.”

He said Kisihida's visit will “strengthen cooperation between two allies in confronting common challenges.” 

“We are honored that the good Prime Minister accepted our invitation for him to address the Filipino people through Congress,” Zubiri said.

He mentioned the official development assistance extended by Japan which amounted to $14.139 billion or P7.77 trillion over a 20-year period spanning three presidencies from 2001 to 2020. This, he said, accounted for 72% of all $19.656 billion total bilateral loan portfolio for the same period.

Zubiri said he is hoping that Japan would “add possible loans to take over the failed projects of the Chinese government. Let’s let Japan handle these projects.”

Zubiri said he expects government officials to brief Kishida on the progress of Japanese-supported big-ticket infrastructure projects, especially on rail such as the Manila subway.

The Senate president likewise anticipates the mention for Reciprocal Access Agreement with the Philippines to allow both our troops train in Japan and the Philippines for better cooperation and interoperability.

According to the Senate president, this will be the fifth time that a state head will address the Philippine Congress.

The other four instances are: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in April 2005; China President Hu Jintao also in April 2005; US President George W. Bush in 2003; and US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1960.

Before the joint session on Saturday, Zubiri said the Senate and the House of Representatives will convene separately to pass two resolutions: one to invite Prime Minister Kishida and another to convene the joint session.

Seventeen senators are expected to attend the joint session on Saturday, Zubiri said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News