MULING pinagtibay ng legislative body ng Pilipinas at Japan ang kanilang pangako na lalo pang palalakasin ang kanilang relasyon at kooperasyong pangparlyamentaryo sa pamamagitan ng Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League (JPPFL).

Bilang simbolo ng kanilang pangako, iniabot ng mga miyembro ng Kamara de Representantes sa pangunguna ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ang kopya ng House Resolution (HR) No. 1146 na nagsusulong na mapalakas ang mutual cooperation sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa sa pamamagitan ng JPPL at nagtalaga ng mga opisyal at miyembro ng friendship league.

“As we hand over this resolution to our Japanese counterparts in the JPPFL, may it symbolize our unwavering commitment to enhancing the parliamentary relations and cooperation between the legislative bodies of the Philippines and Japan,” ani Speaker Romualdez, lider ng Kamara na mayroong mahigit 300 kinatawan.

“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,” dagdag pa nito.

Si Speaker Romualdez kasama ang mga miyembro ng delegasyon ng Pilipinas ay nakipagkita sa mga opisyal at miyembro ng JPPFL, ang lahat ng miyembro ng Japanese House of Representatives, na kinabibilangan ni JPPFL chairman, Hon. Moriyama Hiroshi, vice-chair Okuno Shinsuke, director-general Ryu Hirofumi, secretary-general Otsuka Taku, deputy secretary-general Aoyama Yamato, at executive directors Inoguchi Kuniko, Tajima Kaname, Miyauchi Hideki, at Matsukawa Rui.

Ang JPPFL Philippines ay binubuo naman nina Speaker Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Committee on Appropriations Chairman Zaldy Co, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, House Secretary-General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco, House Sergeant-at-Arms retired PMGEN Napoleon C. Taas at iba pang opisyal ng Kamara. Ang delegasyon ay sinamahan ni Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia Albano.

“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,” sabi ni Speaker Romualdez.

Noong Hulyo ng nakaraang taon, pinagtibay ng Kamara de Representantes ang Resolution No. 94 na pormal na nagtatayo ng JPPFL sa Pilipinas at tinukoy ang mahabang kasaysayan ng pagkakaibigan ng Pilipinas at 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,” saad pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

Ayon sa resolution noong Hulyo 23, 1956, ang San Francisco Peace Treaty at ang Japan-Philippines Reparations Agreement ay naging epektibo, na nagbigay-daan upang maging normal ang relasyon ng dalawang bansa.

“In 1971, the Philippines-Japan Society was established which positively contributed to the strong bilateral Philippines-Japan relations that now persist at various levels of great importance – business and economics, academic, technical training, cultural and interpersonal exchange,” sabi sa resolusyon.

“On November 13, 1987, the House of Representatives adopted House Resolution No. 14, entitled ‘Resolution Organizing the Philippines-Japan Parliamentarians’ Friendship Society,’ strengthening the inter-parliamentary dialogue and enhancing beneficial ties between the House of Representatives of both the Republic of the Philippines and Japan,” dagdag pa nito.

Sa kanyang pagbibigay ng kopya sa mga opisyal at miyembro ng JPPFL nagpahayag ito ng kumpiyansa na lalo pang gaganda ang kooperasyon ng Japan at Pilipinas, lalo na sa sektor ng depensa at seguridad.

“Our enhanced parliamentary relations foster closer collaboration in addressing regional security challenges and promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Joint initiatives and information sharing in defense and security matters will strengthen our collective capabilities and contribute to a safer environment for our peoples,” wika pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

“The handing over of this resolution to the JPPFL is proof of our shared commitment to deepening our bilateral ties. It signifies our mutual desire to work together towards common goals and to support each other in our respective national aspirations,” dagdag pa ng lider ng Kamara.