Senate President Pro Tempore Juan Miguel Zubiri signs the Book of Condolences for the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the residence of Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko on Monday, July 11, 2022. Photo courtesy of Juan Miguel Zubiri.
MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Subway is one of the greatest legacies of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Philippines.
Senate President Pro Tempore Juan Miguel Zubiri said this Tuesday, on behalf of the Senate, as he visited Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko’s residence on Monday to sign the Book of Condolences for Abe.
Abe was gunned down while delivering a speech at a political event in Nara City last Friday, July 8. He was Japan’s longest-serving leader.
READ: Japan ex-PM Shinzo Abe dies after being shot while making a speech
The senator said Abe is a close friend of the Philippines as Japan was able to provide assistance to different sectors of the country via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the official development assistance (ODA) through the late premier’s help.
“Malapit na kaibigan siya sa atin dahil sa dami ng tulong na ibigay niya sa atin through JICA and ODA funding para sa larangan ng transportasyon, agrikultura at para sa kapayapaan sa amin sa Mindanao,” Zubiri said in a statement on Tuesday.
(He’s a close friend to us because of his help through JICA and ODA funding for transportation, agriculture, and peace in Mindanao.)
“‘Yung ating Metro Manila Subway system ay isa sa kanyang legasiya para sa ating bansa. Kaya maraming aalamat sa inyo Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and may you rest in eternal peace,” he continued.
(Our Metro Manila Subway system is one of his legacies for our country. So, thank you very much, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and may you rest in eternal Peace.)
The Metro Manila Subway is a 33-kilometer underground railway system that is planned to have 17 stations linking the cities of Valenzuela and Pasay.
READ: Tunnel construction for Metro Manila Subway begins
It is anticipated to accommodate around 370,000 passengers daily during the first year of its full operations.
Once completed, the subway is expected to cut travel time between Quezon City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City to 35 minutes from the current one hour and 10 minutes.