The Japanese government’s conferment of The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on business tycoon Manuel B. Villar Jr. comes at a time when the relationship between Japan and the Philippines 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 (ODA) since 2001. It has also been a leading partner in modernizing our infrastructure,” said Villar.

“I would like to thank 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,” said Villar.

He noted that, “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.”

“I humbly accept this eminent recognition—the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government in 1875,” said Villar noting that, “Japan will always be our friend and I am certain that this friendship will endure as it has for centuries.”

He added that, “Our ‘common goals of ensuring peace and stability, promoting economic growth, and human security’ bind our two countries and our peoples as we continue to face global challenges.”

The Japanese government noted that, “During Honorable Villar’s term as Senate President, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) 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 in October and September 2008 thanks to his ruling.”

It added that, as Senator, Villar supported the ratification of the “Agreement on Technical Cooperation Between the Government of Japan and the Republic of the Philippines,” which was adopted into a Senate Resolution in March 2011.

“Japan highly valued his efforts in supporting and promoting the bilateral and economic relations between Japan and the Philippines. 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,” a statement from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said.