House adopts resolution allowing Zubiri to receive award from Japanese gov't

The House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted House Concurrent Resolution 6, allowing Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri to accept an award conferred upon him by the Japanese government.

This occurred during Wednesday’s plenary session regarding the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun recognition awarded to Zubiri, who is also a member of the House as a Bukidnon representative from 1998 to 2007, before being elected senator.

The adoption of the Resolution complies with Article 9B, Section 8 of the Constitution, which states that "no elective or appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional, double, or indirect compensation, unless specifically authorized by law, nor accept without the consent of the Congress, any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind from the foreign government.”

The Resolution cited Zubiri’s consistent advocacy for stronger relations between the Philippines and Japan, particularly under his presidency of the Philippines-Japan Parliamentarians Association, as well as his role in the creation of a Reciprocal Access Agreement between the Philippines and Japan aimed at strengthening security and defense in the Asia-Pacific region.

“A National Decoration conferred by the Emperor of Japan, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to the Japanese nation and the public, including foreign individuals who have paved the way for stronger relations between their peoples and Japan,” the Resolution said.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the House of Representatives, with the Senate concurring, granting consent to Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri to accept the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun conferred upon him by the Government of Japan and to publicly wear the corresponding insignia of the decoration,” it added.

The same House Resolution also lauded Zubiri for creating avenues for “mutually beneficial economic arrangements” between the Philippines and Japan, such as spearheading the restoration of the VAT-exempt status of local sales to export-oriented enterprises outside economic zones under Republic Act No. 12066 or the CREATE MORE Act.

He also headed the Philippines' successful hosting of the 31st Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum, an initiative of former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone.—LDF, GMA Integrated News