Martin Romualdez says Japan PM visit stand against ‘global uncertainty’

MANILA, Philippines — The visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to the Philippines reinforces the commitment of the two countries, which is important according to House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as like-minded nations must stand against a “global uncertainty.”

In a statement, Romualdez said that the House is always ready to extend help to the Philippine-Japanese cooperation, noting that the East Asian country has played an “indispensable role in supporting our development, economic security and national resilience.”

“At a time of rising global uncertainty, it is essential for like-minded nations to stand firmly together. We must protect the rules-based international order, uphold sovereignty, and drive forward a future of shared prosperity and peace,” Romualdez said on Tuesday.

“The House of Representatives stands ready to expand parliamentary cooperation with Japan. Together, we will champion initiatives that uplift our peoples and strengthen the enduring bond between our nations,” he added.

Romualdez further said that Japan is more than a close neighbor, as it is “a steadfast ally, a trusted friend, and a vital partner in our shared pursuit of peace, prosperity, and resilience.”

`Built on common values'

“Our relationship is built on common values such as democracy, the rule of law, and the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. It has been strengthened by decades of trust, respect and cooperation,” he said.

“Japan’s impact on our economy is equally profound. Its investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy have opened more opportunities for Filipinos, creating sustainable jobs and laying the foundation for future growth,” he added.

Ishiba is currently in Manila for a two-day official visit, as he and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. renew a commitment to push back against foreign aggression and uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

READ: PH, Japan reaffirm security alliance 

During the program on Tuesday, Marcos said that the two countries also agreed to begin negotiations for an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (Acsa), which would allow closer military logistics cooperation between their armed forces.

In response, Ishiba cited the deep historical ties and shared values between the Philippines and Japan as “maritime nations bound by fundamental values and strategic interests.”

Aside from this, Ishiba said Japan has been advancing a “multilayered” approach to strengthen security and maritime cooperation, including joint efforts to conclude the Reciprocal Access Agreement and the transfer of defense equipment.

Romualdez said this deal, when finalized, will mark a “new milestone” in Philippine-Japan relations.

`Reciprocal Access Agreement'

“The signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement marks a new milestone in Philippine-Japan relations. It affirms our shared resolve to deepen defense, security, and strategic cooperation, ensuring that our nations remain strong amid growing regional challenges,” he noted.

Marcos and Ishiba’s meeting follows a series of bilateral and trilateral discussions about keeping a free and open Indo-Pacific, along with other discussions about the economy, defense, security cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

In February 2023, Marcos visited Japan after he and former Japanese prime minister Kishida Fumio met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September 2022.

Seven key bilateral agreements were signed during Marcos’ visit to Tokyo.

READ: Marcos says Japan trip different from other visits: Groundwork is already there 

Then in April 2024, Marcos, Kishida, and former United States president Joe Biden met in Washington for the first-ever trilateral agreement.

READ: Marcos: PH-US-Japan summit ‘a natural progression’ of deeper ties

According to Marcos, the meeting was a “natural progression of deepening relations and robust cooperation” among allies in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that the conference was not created out of convenience but based on a shared belief in democracy and the rule of law.

(2025/04/30-15:41)