The Senate held a special session on Saturday and passed resolutions related to Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s official visit to the Philippines.
The upper chamber opened its session with several resolutions, including informing the House of Representatives of a quorum, inviting Kishida to address Congress, and providing for a special session to receive and hear Kishida’s message.
The senators will later join their counterparts in the House of Representatives for a special joint session.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Kishida’s visit could strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Japan in “confronting common challenges.”
Kishida arrived in the Philippines on Friday and was also expected to discuss the West Philippine Sea situation and the defense pact between the two nations.
The senators said Kishida’s visit to the Philippines is a significant development in the evolving global and regional security landscape, and they expressed interest in how the two governments can enhance defense ties to address common security challenges.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada said a reciprocal access agreement with Japan could significantly improve the Philippines’ defense capabilities through military cooperation, training, equipment and technology transfer, and other defense assets.
He said better economic and political cooperation with Japan could also lead to increased trade and investment, benefiting the Philippine economy beyond defense.
The senators noted that Japan has been the Philippines’ largest source of official development assistance for the past three administrations, indicating a strong bilateral relationship.
The lawmakers hoped negotiations would be handled carefully to align with national interests and security objectives, preserving regional peace and stability.
