Japan salutes Senate veterans behind stronger Manila-Tokyo relations
Former Secretary of the Senate Renato Bantug Jr. and Senate Director General for International Relations and Protocol Antonio de Guzman Jr. have received the Ambassador’s Commendation from Kazuya Endo in recognition of their contributions to strengthening Japan-Philippines relations.
The awarding ceremony was held on May 8 at the ambassador’s residence, according to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
Both officials were cited for their “significant contributions to mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the Philippines,” including their role in facilitating the historic address delivered by then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before a Special Joint Session 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,” the embassy said.
The Ambassador’s Commendation is considered an important diplomatic recognition given to individuals and organizations that help deepen ties, cooperation, and mutual understanding between Japan and its partner countries.
In the Philippines, such honors have previously been conferred on personalities involved in cultural exchange, education, policy cooperation, and public diplomacy.
For Manila and Tokyo, the recognition also reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries amid increasing cooperation in areas such as regional security, maritime affairs, infrastructure, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Bantug, a lawyer by profession, served as Secretary of the Senate beginning in 2022 after nearly three decades in the chamber. He previously held senior legislative and legal posts, including Executive Director for Legislation, Acting Senate Legal Counsel, and chief of staff to the Office of the Senate President.
De Guzman, meanwhile, built his career within the Senate’s Office of International Relations and Protocol, where he handled diplomatic and parliamentary engagements involving foreign governments and international institutions.
Their recognition by Japan underscores the role of legislative diplomacy and institutional cooperation in strengthening one of the Philippines’ most important bilateral relationships in the region.
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