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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Japan Embassy honors Zubiri for strengthening bilateral ties

Japan Embassy honors Zubiri for strengthening bilateral ties

Published Jan 30, 2026 03:01 pm
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines has honored Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for his long-standing role in strengthening ties between Manila and Tokyo, as the bilateral partnership grows increasingly important for trade, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
(Photo from the Office of Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel
(Photo from the Office of Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri)
The gathering celebrated the conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on Zubiri, an honor that was personally conferred on him by Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in November 2025, and it is the highest honor the Government of Japan gives foreign nationals.
“This has truly been one of the greatest achievements of my public service career,” Zubiri said in his speech.
Hosting the reception was Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, who noted that Zubiri has made “outstanding contributions to the promotion and advancement of Japan-Philippines relations.”
“As Senate President and as President of the Philippine-Japan Parliamentarians Association, Sen. Zubiri led with consistency in fostering closer ties between our legislatures,” he added.
The ambassador also lauded Zubiri’s role in realizing key legislative measures and agreements between the Philippines and Japan, such as the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, the CREATE MORE Act and the Reciprocal Access Agreement.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, a previous recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, led the toast.
He praised Zubiri’s active pursuit of stronger parliamentary ties, noting that it was upon his initiative that the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives came together in a historic joint session to hear an address from then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2023.
For his part, Zubiri said that he truly believes Japan to be “our best friend and ally in all aspects, from security and defense, to trade and industry, to culture and tourism.”
“I carry the Grand Cordon with great honor and humility, and I remain committed to strengthening the ties between our countries, as strategic allies and economic partners securing a future of peace, harmony, and progress, not just for the Philippines and Japan, but for the entire region,” the Bukidnon senator said.
Joining the reception for Zubiri were Sens. Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Mark Villar and Camille Villar, as well as former Senate presidents Franklin Drilon and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Makati Mayor Nancy Binay and former Sen. Grace Poe.
Also present were Foreign Affairs Sec. Tess Lazaro and former Sec. Carlos Dominguez III.
From the diplomatic corps, Ambassador Endo and his spouse, Madame Endo Akiko, were joined by United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, European Union Delegation Ambassador Massimo Santoro, Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh and German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke.
Zubiri was joined by his family as well as friends in the private sector, including executives from leading Japanese investors in the country.

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