Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian recently welcomed Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shimada Tomoaki, accompanied by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya.
The officials reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthen bilateral relations, expressing optimism over the recently elevated Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a result of the May 2026 Meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae in Tokyo.
Senate President Gatchalian expressed his appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support for infrastructure development, particularly railway modernization, the JICA-supported subway, and other key projects across the country.
The officials also welcomed the amended Double Taxation Agreement, intended to improve the investment climate and expand bilateral trade and investment.
Recognizing the Senate’s vital role in the ratification of international agreements that further strengthen Philippines-Japan relations, Vice-Minister Shimada underscored the importance of sustaining robust inter-parliamentary engagement and dialogue in order to learn more from one another.
Furthermore, the officials highlighted the vibrant Filipino community in Japan and the steady growth in tourism between the two countries, with the Senate President recognizing Japan as one of the Philippines’ leading sources of foreign tourist arrivals.
(Photo credit: Senate OIRP / OSP Gatchalian)
