Sponsorship Speech of Sen. Legarda | Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6-Concurrent Resolution Granting Consent to Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri to Accept the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun Conferred Upon Him by the Government of Japan

Mr. President and dear colleagues,

I rise today to sponsor Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6, which I have the honor of introducing. As its author, I proudly express my support for Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri in his acceptance of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, to be conferred by the Government of Japan.

The Order of the Rising Sun was first created in 1875 to recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the public and the Japanese nation, including foreign individuals who have paved the way for stronger relations between their people and the people of Japan. Currently, it is awarded in six classes, with the Grand Cordon being the highest class.

Among the distinguished Filipino recipients of this highest honor are Former Senators Manuel B. Villar, Jr., Franklin M. Drilon, and Edgardo J. Angara; and Former Cabinet Secretaries Carlos P. Romulo, Albert F. Del Rosario, Carlos G. Dominguez III, and Alberto G. Romulo. On the international stage, notable awardees include former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, former UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

The conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the Government of Japan to another Filipino is a testament to the Philippines’ enduring commitment to strengthening its relations and cooperation with Japan. Senator Zubiri has exemplified these qualities and is truly deserving of this distinction.

As former Senate President, he advanced the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, which generated livelihood opportunities for Filipinos while supporting exporters, including Japanese firms. He also advocated the Reciprocal Access Agreement to enhance regional security and spearheaded parliamentary exchanges with the National Diet of Japan during the 19th Congress.

With his works being recognized by the Government of Japan, I urge our esteemed colleagues to adopt this concurrent resolution granting consent to Senator Zubiri to accept the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun conferred upon him by the Government of Japan, in accordance with Article IX-B, Section 8 of the Constitution, which requires congressional consent before any public officer may accept a title from a foreign government.

Again, I congratulate Senator Migz for being granted the privilege to accept such a prestigious title. May he continue to be our exemplar of statesmanship in cultivating harmonious relations not just with the country of Japan but with all nations.

Thank you and congratulations.