(Unsplash)

Senior officials of the House of Representatives of both the Philippines and Japan have engaged in a productive exchange of best practices and shared innovations employed by both chambers in legislation. 

Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco led the Philippine delegation in a meeting with Japan’s House of Representatives International Affairs Department Director General Yamamoto Hironori on later Monday afternoon, June 17. 

The meeting was held at the Second Annex Building (Daini Bekkan) of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan. 

Velasco emphasized that the meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and improve legislative practices. 

“Our exchange with Director General Yamamoto provides us with invaluable insights that can help refine our legislative practices and better serve our constituents,” he stated, as he highlighted the importance of collaboration in fostering mutual understanding and enhancing legislative processes to benefit ordinary Filipinos. 

“We are committed to adopting innovative approaches that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our legislative work,” he added. 

Director General Yamamoto expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. He emphasized Japan's dedication to sharing its legislative expertise with the Philippines, with which it has a deep friendship and a long history of cooperation. 

He noted that the partnership between Japan and the Philippines had been built on mutual respect and a shared goal of legislative excellence, expressing Japan's delight in sharing their experiences. 

The dialogue between the two legislative leaders focused on several key areas, including the digital transformation of legislative processes, effective public consultation mechanisms, and strategies for enhancing legislative oversight. 

Both parties agreed on the importance of continuous collaboration to address common challenges and harness opportunities for legislative innovation. 

Velasco mentioned that the Philippine House of Representatives has already initiated many innovations, such as the digitization of several operations in its legislative processes and the improvement of cybersecurity through Office of House Secretary General Director II Arnold P. de Castro. 

“This exchange is part of a broader initiative to strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan, fostering deeper cooperation across various sectors. As both countries continue to navigate complex global challenges, such partnerships are crucial in promoting good governance and sustainable development,” Velasco said. 

“The Philippine House of Representatives remains dedicated to pursuing initiatives that enhance its legislative capabilities and foster international cooperation. Through engagements like this, the House aims to build a responsive legislative institution that meets the evolving needs of the Filipino people,” he added.