By Lane Afable, News Editor
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday pushed for closer parliamentary and strategic cooperation between the Philippines and Japan as he met with members of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League (JPPFL), citing growing geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties.
Addressing at least 60 Japanese lawmakers at the First Members’ Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, President Marcos stressed the need for “deeper engagement” among like-minded nations committed to international law, regional stability, and economic resilience.
“We meet at a time of profound transformation in the international system,” President Marcos said, citing increasing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and mounting pressures on the rules-based international order.
“In such an environment, the importance of trusted partnerships that are anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and adherence to international law has never been more evident,” the President added.
President Marcos said the current situation calls “not for retreat nor hesitation, but for deeper engagement” among allies and partners.
The President said the planned elevation of Philippines-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — the highest tier in the country’s diplomatic framework and a first for the Philippines — reflects the “exceptional level of trust” between the two nations and their shared commitment to addressing regional and global challenges.
The President welcomed Japan’s “more proactive role” in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in strengthening regional security, economic security, technological innovation, and supply chain resilience.
President Marcos also expressed appreciation for Japan’s participation in regional cooperation efforts through its Dialogue Partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while reaffirming the importance of ASEAN centrality and unity in shaping a regional architecture that is open, inclusive, and rules-based.
The Chief Executive emphasized that maritime security remains a key pillar of Philippine-Japan cooperation, noting the critical role of sea lanes in sustaining global trade, energy flows, and economic stability.
“As recent developments have shown, the world cannot afford to have our waterways disrupted or placed at risk, given their vital role in sustaining global trade, energy flows, and economic stability,” President Marcos said.
“These realities underscore the importance of strengthening our defense and security cooperation,” the President added.
President Marcos cited the growing defense cooperation between Manila and Tokyo through agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
The President also welcomed Japan’s continued support through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, which has helped boost the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and overall maritime security capabilities.
President Marcos said defense industry collaboration between the two countries also opens opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange as well as workforce development.
For his part, JPPFL Chairman Moriyama Hiroshi underscored the need to sustain parliamentary exchanges, especially among younger lawmakers, to encourage the sharing of innovative ideas and cooperation in addressing common challenges such as climate change and next-generation agriculture using digital technologies.
The Japanese official noted that relations between the Philippines and Japan have grown even closer since the parliamentary league’s last visit to the Philippines nearly three years ago, particularly in security and economic cooperation.
The JPPFL Chairman, meanwhile, stressed the importance of strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding between the legislatures of both countries to further deepen bilateral ties and complement government-to-government cooperation.
Joining the President during the meeting were the members of the Philippine official delegation together with Pangasinan 4th District Representative Gina de Venecia, chairperson of the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, and Pangasinan 3rd District Representative Maria Rachel Arenas, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Also present was Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya.
