De Venecia: Japan as Ph Closest, Most Reliable Ally

NIPPON PLEDGES P210-B INVESTMENT, ARMAMENTS

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

DAGUPAN CITY – A prominent Congresswoman described Japan as the Philippines closest and most reliable ally for many decades after President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. spoke to the Diet (parliament) in his May 26-29 state visit there.

“So when the Japanese Parliament invited our President to address their lawmakers directly, it sends a very strong message that the Philippines is viewed as a serious, stable, and important parties in the region,” Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina P. de Venecia said.

De Venecia – the spouse of former five-time Speaker the late Jose de Venecia –  cited the visit in Japan “is not only long standing but also future oriented and increasingly strategic for both nations”.

She stressed a stronger tie between the two countries bode well for the Philippines’ economy. 

“Napaka importante po nitong state visit because this will directly benefit lahat po tayong mga Filipino kapag lumakas ang ating relasyon sa Japan mas lumalakas din ang opportunity for our people”.

 The three-day visit of President Marcos in Japan resulted to the following pledges by the East Asian country: 

Investments and Job Creation: The $3.4 billion (P210 billion) investment pledges from top Japanese conglomerates are projected to create over 10,300 direct and indirect jobs for Filipinos.  

Defense and Maritime Security Strategic Upgrade: The relationship officially transitioned into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), signifying the highest tier of diplomatic, defensive, and political collaboration.

 Intelligence Sharing: Formal negotiations commenced for the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to facilitate the exchange of classified military intelligence.

 Asset Transfers: Japan accelerated plans to transfer Abukuma-class destroyers and other naval defense assets to enhance the Philippine Navy’s maritime capabilities. 

Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity Subway Funding: The trip reinforced funding streams for major domestic infrastructure, specifically securing ongoing support for the North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project and the Metro Manila Subway. 

Mindanao Connectivity: Japan committed a ¥1.63 billion grant to build a robust wireless broadband network spanning 40 sites across Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the improvement of the lives of over 250,000 residents.