Malacañang is saddened about the abdication of Japanese Emperor Akihito, who is considered a good friend of the Philippines.
But according to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, the Emperor “has made a decision and we can only respect it and wish him well with whatever awaits him after he leaves the throne.”
“As we recall, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was humbled and pleased by the singular honor of meeting His Majesty at the Imperial Palace two years ago where he personally extended his gratitude for the kindness and compassion of the Emperor, who together with his wife, Empress Michiko, visited the Philippines in 2016 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations,” Panelo said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Panelo expressed confidence that the assumption of Crown Prince Naruhito would augur well for Philippines-Japan relations.
Japan’s US$9-billion investment and aid package for the Philippines, spread over five years, is the largest amount the Japanese government has committed for a single country, adds Panelo.
Panelo also looks forward to build the “golden age†for Philippines-Japan strategic partnership during the reign of the new Emperor, as “Duterte himself said, Japan is our friend, closer even than a brother.”
