Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosts dinner for former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun  

On 7 July 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosted a dinner at his residence to congratulate former Senate President Aquilino Martin dela Llana Pimentel III on his conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun as part of the 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.  

Hon. Aquilino Martin dela Llana Pimentel III served as Senate President from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure, he contributed to the approval of the Japan-Philippines Social Security Agreement, thereby promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening economic relations between Japan and the Philippines.  
 
He also played a key role in enhancing inter-parliamentary exchanges, including realizing the visit to the Philippines by the President of the House of Councillors — the only such visit by a sitting President of the House of Councillors.  
 
Furthermore, following the resignation of former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo, he submitted a resolution commending Prime Minister Abe's efforts to strengthen Japan-Philippines relations. The resolution was passed with all members of the Senate joining as co-sponsors, further contributing to the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

In recognition of these achievements, the ceremony of Imperial Conferment of Decoration was held at the Imperial Palace on 12 May 2026. The order was conferred upon Hon. Pimentel III by His Majesty the Emperor, and a certificate of order was conveyed to the recipient by Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae.  
 
During the reception, Ambassador Endo delivered his congratulatory remarks commending Hon. Pimentel III's contributions for further deepening Japan-Philippines relations. This was followed by Hon. Pimentel III’s acceptance speech, expressing his gratitude to the Government of Japan. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was also awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun as part of the 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, also delivered his congratulatory message and led the toast. 

The dinner was attended by the family and friends of former Senate President Pimentel, as well as Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. 

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines reiterates its deep respect and gratitude for former Senate President Pimentel's contributions to date.