THE leadership of the Philippine House of Representatives has confirmed that they will hold a special session on Saturday, November 4.
This is in honor of the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the plenary.
According to Speaker Martin Romualdez, the House considers the visit of the Japanese leader as significant, given Japan’s close alliance with the Philippines.
In a statement, Romualdez emphasized that the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister will open up new opportunities for cooperation and development between Japan and the Philippines.
“We are optimistic that through our discussions, new pathways for collaboration and development will emerge, promising enhanced opportunities and a brighter future for all Filipinos, here and in Japan,” according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The House is determined to ensure that the visit of the Japanese leader to the lower house is successful and memorable. Accompanying the Japanese Prime Minister is his spouse.
“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,” House Speaker Romualdez said.
The House expects that various topics will be discussed with Kishida, particularly in achieving international peace and prosperity.
Kishida is set to arrive in the country on Friday for his 2-day state visit.
His first stop will be a visit to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at Malacañang before the special session at the House on Saturday.
In addition to congressmen, some senators are also expected to attend the session.
The meeting is expected to be a joint session between lawmakers.
One of the expected topics for discussion during Kishida’s visit is the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
This is a way for Japan and the Philippines to have their own Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) similar to the existing agreement between the country and the United States.
If finalized, Japan and the Philippines will have a bilateral defense and security pact for joint military exercises.
Japan already has existing military cooperation with the United Kingdom, Australia, and France.
In the 1940s, the Philippines was once occupied by Japan during World War II, resulting in the loss of many Filipino lives.
In November of last year, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Cambodia, President Marcos and Kishida agreed to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and Japan.
