Filipino officials honored with Ambassador’s Commendation

On 8 May 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya held a ceremony at his residence to present the Ambassador’s Commendation to former Secretary of the Senate Mr. Renato Bantug Jr., and Director General for International Relations and Protocol of the Senate Mr. Antonio de Guzman Jr. 
Both awardees are being recognized for their significant contributions to mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the Philippines. This includes their instrumental role in facilitating the historic address delivered by then-Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio before a Special Joint Session of both Houses of the Philippine Congress in 2023. 

The Embassy of Japan congratulates Mr. Bantug Jr. and Mr. De Guzman Jr. for their outstanding service and dedication to the promotion of Japan-Philippines bilateral relations.