House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday, Nov. 1 that he is looking forward to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's speech before a joint session of Congress "with great anticipation". 

Kishida's address before Philippine lawmakers is the highlight of the Japanese leader's upcoming two-day visit in the country. 

“We warmly welcome His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, on his significant official visit to our country on Nov. 3 and 4 this year. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to his address to the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines in a Special Joint Session on Nov. 4, 2023, at 11 in the morning,” Romualdez said in a statement. 

“The House of Representatives, as the honored venue host of this significant event in the Batasang Pambansa Complex, is committed to exerting all efforts to ensure that Prime Minister Kishida's visit is both fruitful and memorable,” he said. 

The joint session between the House members and senators is considered a special session, since Congress is still on legislative break. 

Romualdez, head of the 300-plus strong House said the visit of Kishida and wife Yuko to meet President Marcos will mark another significant milestone in the strong diplomatic alliance of the Philippines and Japanese governments.

“We are optimistic that through our discussions, new pathways for collaboration and development will emerge, promising enhanced opportunities and a brighter future for all Filipinos, here and in Japan,” said Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative.  

The Speaker said the visit is expected to cover a wide range of very important topics, with a focus on strengthening the excellent relations and exploring opportunities for the two countries.

He said the Philippines and Japan are committed to turning the two-day visit into concrete collaborations that will not only strengthen bilateral relations but also contribute to global peace and prosperity.

“This visit, symbolizing the deep and longstanding bond our nations have forged, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a unified vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, signifies the strength of our bilateral ties,” Romualdez stressed.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Prime Minister Kishida and wish him a successful and impactful visit to our shores,” the Speaker concluded.