Sponsorship Speech of Senator Loren Legarda: Senate Resolution Expressing the profound sympathy and sincere condolences of the Senate of the Philippines to the people of Japan on the death of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
July 27, 2022SPONSORSHIP SPEECH OF SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
Senate Resolution Expressing the profound sympathy and sincere condolences of the Senate of the Philippines to the people of Japan on the death of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Senate Session Hall
27 July 2022
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues:
On the 8th of July this year, the world lost a great leader.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was regarded as a great political leader and a revered statesman. His untimely death, without a doubt, is a tragedy not only to his family but also to Japan and the international community. He was a leader with a vision that transcends generations.
He was known for his strong presence in international affairs and his economic agenda known as “Abenomics,” which sought to revive economic growth in Japan through reforms.
He advocated women empowerment and highlighted the critical role of women in economic growth. He introduced “Womenomics,” which brought more women into the workforce. Together with his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, they established the World Assembly of Women (WAW).
Mr. President, I had the honor to meet the late Prime Minister. In 2015, the late Prime Minister and his wife came to the Philippines during APEC. They even brought me rice from their own small farm and shared their advocacies and plans to support Japan’s economic growth.
I admired his vision and leadership.
Prime Minister Abe also hosted the United Nations Sendai conference on disaster risk reduction. In addition, he was a key figure in strengthening Philippine-Japanese relations. Through his help, Japan was able to provide assistance to different sectors in the Philippines like defense and security, transportation, agriculture, and peace in Mindanao, among others. On behalf of the Filipino people, we thank him for the close relationship he built between our countries.
In this august chamber, I wish to honor an exemplary leader and a friend of our nation, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, through Senate Resolution Number 60: “Resolution Expressing the Profound Sympathy and Sincere Condolences of the Senate of the Philippines to the People of Japan on the Death of its Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.”
At this time of his tragic loss, I join the people of Japan, especially his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, in mourning the loss of a great leader, and a friend of the Philippines.
Thank you.