The Japanese government has conferred awards to at least five Filipinos including two Cabinet members of former President Rodrigo Duterte, as recipients of the 2022 Autumn Conferment of Japanese Decorations.

Former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Finance Secretary Carlos "Sonny" Dominguez III, both served under the Duterte administration. They were conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, respectively.

Tugade, who served as Transportation Secretary from 2016 to 2022, received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, for promoting bilateral cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in the field of transportation, including railways, aviation and maritime security.

"In particular, under his leadership, the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway Project, both supported by Japan's ODA, were able to advance smoothly despite the limitations imposed by the coronavirus pandemic," the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said in a statement.

"He also made substantial contributions to enhancing Japan-Philippines maritime security cooperation through the signing of a memorandum of cooperation fostering information exchange and human resource development, as well as through regular meetings, close information sharing between officials, and joint training exercises," it added.

Dominguez, who served as Finance Secretary and the Philippine chair of the Japan-Philippines High-level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation from 2016 to 2022, received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

During his stint, he exercised outstanding leadership in promoting cooperation between the two countries and contributed to the "fast and sure" implementation of Japan's official development assistance in the Philippines, according to Japan.

"He also took the lead in the further development of the Subic Bay area, which plays an important part in regional security environment as a strategic point and gateway to the South China Sea," it said.

"Furthermore, as co-chair of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body, former Secretary Dominguez promoted the steady progress of the peace process in Mindanao, which Japan has pushed forward for many years," it added.

Meanwhile, former Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario, who served from 2011 to 2016 under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, also received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

Japan said Del Rosario became an "instrument" in building the Japan-Philippines bilateral relationship towards becoming a "strategic partnership."

"Especially, he has significantly contributed in ensuring the safety of ships navigating the waters around the Philippines by strengthening the maritime security relations between both nations," it said.

It also acknowledged Del Rosario's role in the historic victory of the Philippines in the special arbitral tribunal that favored the country against the People's Republic of China in 2016.

"Amb. Del Rosario has also contributed in promoting the rule of law through the arbitration case regarding the South China Sea," the statement read.

The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded by the Emperor of Japan to individuals, both Japanese and foreign in recognition of long and/or especially meritorious service.

It was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji and created on 10 April 1875 as the first national decoration of Japan.

'Other recipients'

The two other Filipino recipients of the 2022 Autumn Conferment of Japanese Decorations are David Carter and Josue Sim Zuniega.

Carter received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, while Zuniega was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.

Japan recognized Carter as a "key figure" in promoting and developing judo in the Philippines.

"His dedication to judo has paved way for the deepening and broadening of Japan-Philippine relations, especially in the field of sports cooperation," it said.

"He continues to be an active member of the Judo Union of Asia as its Sports Director and with the International Judo Federation," it added.

Zuniega was awarded for his "tireless contribution" to improving the status of Nikkei-jin in the Philippines and enhancing mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines through his activities at the Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center.

"Atty. Zuniega was dedicated to smoothly facilitating the activities of Japanese enterprises and residents in the Philippines for years," it said.