President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called for deeper parliamentary and strategic cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, saying trusted partnerships have become more crucial amid rising security tensions and global economic uncertainty.
Speaking before members of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League in Tokyo, Marcos said like-minded nations must work more closely to defend international law, protect regional stability, and strengthen economic resilience.
“We meet at a time of profound transformation in the international system,” Marcos told at least 60 Japanese lawmakers at the First Members’ Building of the House of Representatives.
He cited growing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and increasing pressure on the rules-based international order as reasons for Manila and Tokyo to intensify engagement.
“In such an environment, the importance of trusted partnerships that are anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and adherence to international law has never been more evident,” the President said.
Marcos said the situation calls “not for retreat nor hesitation, but for deeper engagement” among allies and partners.
The President said the planned elevation of Philippine-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership would mark the highest tier in the Philippines’ diplomatic framework and the first such partnership for the country.
He said the move reflects the “exceptional level of trust” between Manila and Tokyo, as well as their shared resolve to confront regional and global challenges.
Marcos welcomed what he described as Japan’s more proactive role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in regional security, economic security, technological innovation, and supply chain resilience.
He also recognized Japan’s role as a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while reaffirming the importance of ASEAN centrality and unity in maintaining an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order.
Maritime security, Marcos said, remains a key pillar of cooperation between the two countries, given the importance of sea lanes to global trade, energy flows, and economic stability.
“As recent developments have shown, the world cannot afford to have our waterways disrupted or placed at risk, given their vital role in sustaining global trade, energy flows, and economic stability,” he said.
“These realities underscore the importance of strengthening our defense and security cooperation,” he added.
Marcos cited the growing defense ties between the Philippines and Japan through key agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement.
He also welcomed Japan’s continued assistance through its Official Security Assistance program, which has helped improve the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and broader maritime security capabilities.
The President said defense industry collaboration could also open more opportunities for technology exchange, knowledge sharing, and workforce development.
Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League chairman Moriyama Hiroshi, for his part, said parliamentary exchanges must continue, especially among younger lawmakers, to promote fresh ideas and cooperation in areas such as climate change and next-generation agriculture using digital technologies.
Moriyama said relations between the Philippines and Japan have grown even stronger since the league’s visit to Manila nearly three years ago, particularly in security and economic cooperation.
He also stressed the need for sustained dialogue and mutual understanding between the two countries’ legislatures to further deepen bilateral ties and support government-to-government cooperation.
Joining Marcos in the meeting were members of the Philippine official delegation, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina de Venecia, chairperson of the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas, chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya.