Lapid reso urges Senate to express sympathy for slain Japan ex-PM Shinzo Abe
A Japanese national signs the condolence book for the late former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe at Japan’s embassy in Manila on July 11, 2022. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid has filed a resolution urging the Senate to “express its profound sympathy and sincere condolences” for the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in Japan last Friday.
In his resolution filed Tuesday, Lapid urged the upper chamber to extend its formal condolences to Abe’s family and country in line with the Philippines’ objective of reaffirming its ties with Japan.
“Ikinalulungkot ko ang pagkawala ng isa sa pinaka maimpluwensya at iginagalang na lider sa buong mundo na si dating Abe,” Lapid said in a statement on Wednesday.
(I am saddened by the passing of one of the most influential and respected leaders in the world — former Prime Minister Abe.)
He then added, ”Alam kong kasama ko sa pagdadalamhati ang mga Pilipino na nakakakilala kay Abe at ang mga lider ng ibang bansa na nakadaupang palad niya rin noong siya ay nabubuhay pa.”
(I am one with the Filipinos and other world leaders who knew Prime Minister Abe when he was alive and are now mourning his death.)
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Lapid’s resolution further said Abe’s passing is a loss for the entire international community, and in the Philippines, citing the close relationship established by both nations under the slain official’s leadership, and his long tenure in government, from being a member of the House of Representatives to being the longest-serving Japanese Prime Minister.
“The tragic demise of one of the most influential world leaders of our time is a loss for the whole of the international community,” the resolution read. “With the hope that we continue with our partnership with Japan in preserving peace and the rule of law and fostering economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, it is thus proper that we extend our deepest condolences to Abe’s family and to all of Japan.”
In 2006, Japan became the second largest trading partner of the country next to the United States. Among the Philippines’ top exports to Japan were electronic products, woodcraft furniture, ignition writing sets, fresh bananas, and iron ores.
The resolution adds, “During Abe’s official visit in 2017, Japan granted the Philippines $5.2-million for high-speed boats and counterterrorism equipment. He also pledged P424 billion investment and development assistance aid over the next five years.”
The Philippines, during Abe’s second tenure as Japan’s prime minister, also received a P23.5 billion loan from the country to help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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