Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday urged the Philippines and Japan to expand people-to-people exchanges, describing stronger cultural ties as the next step in a partnership that has grown over seven decades.
Cayetano made the call as the Senate adopted Proposed Senate Resolution No. 502 which recognizes the friendship between the Philippines and Japan and commemorates the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In co-sponsoring the measure, the Minority Leader reflected on how relations between the two countries transformed since World War II.
“It is phenomenal how in such a short period of time, Filipinos and Japanese or the Philippines and Japan went from bitter enemies to people doing business together through two preferred partners and now enjoying a true brotherhood or sisterhood,” Cayetano said.
He said Japan’s post-war development has opened new opportunities for closer cooperation and the Philippines could continue learning from Japan as both countries face evolving regional and global challenges.
“Nations need guides and sometimes you need an outside guide. The Japanese people, the Japanese businessmen, can be not only a partner but a wise counselor and guide to the Philippines,” he said.
The senator also honored Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, who attended the plenary session, for helping strengthen bilateral ties during his tenure.
“In such a short period of time, he has done so much. [Speaking to Kazuya] I know it’s for your country to say that you did a great job, but at least for Filipinos, we know that you did a great job,” he said.
Cayetano said stronger people-to-people ties should define the next chapter of Philippine-Japan relations.
He also acknowledged Japan’s continued support for the Philippines across different administrations and called for more travel, exchanges, and cultural engagement.
“We honor the leaders of Japan that regardless of our foreign policy, regardless of who our president is, they’re there to help, they’re there to build bridges,” he said.