Congress opens special session for Japan PM Kishida’s visit

House and Senate members convene a special joint session on Saturday to hear the address of Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who is in the country for a two-day visit. (Photo from Gabriel P. Lalu/ INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Both Houses of Congress convened a special joint session on Saturday to welcome Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who is in the country for a two-day visit.

Kishida is expected to address the Philippine Congress at the Batasan Complex, which is currently on a break as the session adjourned last September 30. The regular session will officially resume on Monday, November 6.

There were 171 lawmakers who responded to the roll call on the part of the House.

READ: House to hold special session for ‘important event’ on Nov. 4 

According to leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives, they look forward to listening to Kishida’s message as Japan is a key partner of the country in terms of calamity response and business investments.

The session would be presided by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Kishida’s presence at the House Session will only be the fifth time that the Philippine legislature will accord an honor to a visiting foreign leader.

READ: Japan PM Kishida to address PH Congress in special joint session