Japan confers top decoration on Villar

MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese government has conferred upon former Senate president and House speaker Manny Villar its oldest national decoration in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties between the Philippines and Japan.

The Japanese government, in a statement released by its embassy in Manila yesterday, announced that Villar would be conferred The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

Established in 1875, the national decoration is conferred upon individuals who have made distinguished achievements in various fields, including international relations.

The Japanese government noted that during Villar’s term as Senate president, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement and the Protocol Amending the Convention Between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Income Taxes were ratified.

As senator, he also supported the ratification of the Agreement on Technical Cooperation Between the Government of Japan and the Republic of the Philippines.

“Japan highly valued his efforts in supporting and promoting the bilateral and economic relations between Japan and the Philippines,” the embassy said.

“The Government of Japan extends its sincere congratulations to Honorable Manuel Bamba Villar Jr. and commends his active role in strengthening the close relationship between Japan and the Philippines,” it added.

In response, Villar thanked the government and the people of Japan for its conferment of the distinguished Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

“I am deeply honored with their recognition of my humble efforts to promote and strengthen the bilateral economic relations between the Philippines and Japan. While our countries commemorated the 65th year of the full restoration of diplomatic relations in 2021, the history of our friendship dates back to the 16th century. This history of diplomatic relations is the bedrock of the mutual respect between our peoples,” he said in a statement.

“I humbly accept this eminent recognition – the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government in 1875. This comes at a time when the relationship between our two countries is blossoming. Japan has, for decades, been an important partner of the Filipinos as we endeavor to achieve prosperity. Japan has been our top investor, being the Philippines’ biggest source of bilateral Official Development Assistance since 2001. It has also been a leading partner in modernizing our infrastructure,” Villar added.