PH welcomes Japan’s new law allowing its troops to fight overseas

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, right, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe prior to their meeting at Akasaka Palace state guesthouse in Tokyo Thursday, June 4, 2015. AP Photo

The Philippine government on Saturday expressed its support for Japan’s new law, which enhances its military’s role and allows its soldiers to fight overseas in defense of allies.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the government “welcomes the passage of legislation on national security by the National Diet of Japan.”

“We look forward to efforts that strengthen our Strategic Partnership with Japan and those that would contribute further to shared goals of greater peace, stability, and mutual prosperity in the international community,” he added.

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The National Diet is Japan’s “highest organ of state power.” Last June, President Benigno Aquino III was invited to speak before the Diet during a 480-seat bicameral session.

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On Saturday, Japan’s parliament approved a bill reinterpreting the country’s so-called pacifist constitution, allowing the government to send troops overseas in defense of its allies.

Critics claimed that Japan would only become involved in wars initiated by its close ally, the United States. The Philippines is both an ally of the US and Japan.

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In 2014, Malacañang already said it would welcome the proposed reinterpretation.

“I think everyone who has a stake in regional stability would certainly… support any action that would move towards promoting peace in the region,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said then. Kristine Angeli Sabillo/RAM