Senate adopts resolution recognizing PH's strong diplomatic ties with Singapore

Senators today adopted a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in recognizing the 50-year strong and unwavering diplomatic relations of the Philippines with Singapore.

Sen. Win Gatchalian, who introduced Senate Resolution No. 211, said that it was only fitting for the upper chamber to express its appreciation and gratitude to the government of the Republic of Singapore for its contributions to the economic progress and development in the Philippines.

"Singapore is our country's 5th largest export market worldwide and our 7th largest economic partner with a two-way trade volume of $10.49 billion. In 2018, P21.18 billion worth of investment commitments came from Singapore alone, comprising 11.8 percent of total foreign pledges, and making Singapore our 2nd highest source of investments overall," Gatchalian said in his sponsorship speech delivered Monday afternoon.

The country's five decades of friendship and cooperation with Singapore, formally established on May 16, 1969, was further highlighted by the recent five-day state visit of Singaporean President Halimah Yacob as eight agreements were signed.

The senator said the partnerships in the fields of innovation, education, cultural cooperation, data protection, waterworks and sewerage systems, human capital and infrastructure developments are poised to bring the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries to even greater heights.

Gatchalian further emphasized how the continuous exchange of ideas and experiences between the two governments, through the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship program of Singapore, has allowed the Philippines to learn from the success and best practices of Singapore in various areas of expertise and endeavors.

The close ties that the two governments continue to enjoy has allowed more than 200,000 Filipinos live, work and study in Singapore, mutually contributing to progress and development within the respective societies and economies of the two countries, he said.

"It is my honor to sponsor a resolution to recognize the strong and robust amity and cooperation between the Philippines and the undisputed economic powerhouse of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the Republic of Singapore, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our proud nations," Gatchalian said.