Eyeing stronger ties with PH, Japan joins other nations in congratulating Marcos Jr., Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Japan has joined other nations in congratulating presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong”  Marcos Jr. and leading vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio, expressing hope to further deepen its ties with the Philippines.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio sent a congratulatory message to Marcos on Friday on his victory in the recently concluded May 9 elections, according to a statement released by the Japanese Embassy in Manila on Friday.

“On May 13, following the presidential election held on May 9, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, issued a letter of congratulations to His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President-elect of the Republic of the Philippines, on his victory,” the statement read.

“Prime Minister Kishida, in the letter, extended his congratulations to President-elect Marcos, and conveyed his determination to further promote cooperation as Strategic Partners in a wide range of areas toward the realization of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” it added.

Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa likewise congratulated Duterte-Carpio.

“Minister Hayashi, in the letter, extended his congratulations to Vice President-elect Duterte and, with reference to the history of people-to-people exchanges of the two countries in Davao where she originates, conveyed his hope for further deepening of the bilateral friendly relations,” a statement also released by the embassy read.

The Commission on Elections’ partial and unofficial count showed Marcos  leading with 31.09 million votes while his chief rival, Vice President Leni Robredo, garnered 14.81 million votes.

Duterte-Carpio is also leading with 31.55 million votes, followed by Senator Francis Pangilinan who has 9.230 million votes.

gsg