Resolution Expressing the Sense of the Senate in Recognizing the Strong and Robust Amity and Cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Singapore and Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Our Diplomatic Relations

November 11, 2019

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 23

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE IN RECOGNIZING THE STRONG AND ROBUST AMITY AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE AND COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

WHEREAS, the year 2019 marks a significant milestone for the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Singapore as we celebrate the golden jubilee or 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between both States, which was formally established on May 16, 1969;

WHEREAS, relations between the Philippines and Singapore remain unwavering and robust through the years as both states cooperate and collaborate well in various regional and multilateral fora among which are the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which both are founding members, and the World Trade Organization, of which both are active members;

WHEREAS, the bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore has been dynamic and extensive in the areas of trade, economics, education, culture and the arts, tourism, information technology, defense, security, taxation, transportation, utilities, and infrastructure development;

WHEREAS, the Philippines and Singapore continue to enjoy close ties as more than 200,000 Filipinos live, work and study in Singapore, mutually contributing to the formation of our society and economy;

WHEREAS, the bilateral economic relations between the Philippines and Singapore remain steadfast as Singapore serves as the Philippines' 5th largest export market worldwide, its 7th largest trading partner with two-way trade of US$10.49 billion, and its 2nd highest source of investments with commitments totaling P21.18 billion or 11.8% of total foreign pledges in 2018;

WHEREAS, the state visit of Singapore's President Halimah Yacob to the Philippines last September 8-12, 2019 demonstrates the strong partnership and dynamic cooperation of both states as eight (8) agreements towards mutual understanding and beneficial partnerships on innovation, education, cultural cooperation, data protection, waterworks and sewerage systems, human capital, and infrastructure development between the two governments were signed;

WHEREAS, the continuous exchange of ideas and experiences between the two states 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, and has further enhanced and strengthened the bilateral relations between the two states;

WHEREAS, the Philippines hopes to deepen its bilateral relations and cooperation with Singapore to that of a strategic partnership, as both states explore a higher level of commitment on mutually beneficial areas of cooperation on defense and security, education, health, infrastructure, utilities, trade and investments: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, as it is hereby resolved by the Senate of the Philippines, To recognize the strong and robust amity and cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Singapore and to commemorate the 50 years of steadfast and unwavering diplomatic relations between the two states, as well as to express sincere gratitude to the Singaporean people and their government for their continuing contribution to the economic progress and development of the Republic of the Philippines and the ASEAN region;

Resolved, finally, That a copy of this Resolution be furnished the Parliament of Singapore and the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in the Philippines.

Adopted,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO IIIPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on November 11, 2019.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICASecretary of the Senate