A Filipino lawmaker has emerged as a pivotal voice for the Philippines on the global stage and has joined an elite circle of statesmen at the Tokyo Conference – inaugural Asian Leaders Roundtable on March 10, 2026.
Senator Bam Aquino joins the movement creating a “Coalition of Certainty”, a strategic alliance designed to protect Asian nations from geopolitical bullying and tackles the Middle East conflict and its effects on Asian economies and rising oil prices.
Standing as the sole Filipino delegate, Aquino joined forces with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and delegates from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The senator was specifically chosen by The Genron NPO and its Advisory Council for”strategic profile” as a legislative leader capable of “Track II diplomacy”, a role that allows him to navigate complex international relations and influence national policy.
In his short message during the roundtable event held at Tokyo Prince Hotel, Aquino emphasized that Asia has the potential to set the standard for a new form of multilateralism that prioritizes rules-based regional partnerships and fosters an environment of stability and peace, benefiting not only its countries but also the international community.
“Asia must lead in establishing a shared security framework within our region that values cooperation and respect for sovereignty… We must move away from reliance on might as a means of resolution and instead return to a rules-based order,” he said.
Aquino’s vision for a “Coalition of Certainty” resonated deeply with co-chair Fumio Kishida, who warned the assembly that “reticence is not neutrality” and that failing to act would leave the world’s fate to the most powerful actors.
While the diplomacy was high-level, Aquino remained laser-focused on the dinner tables of Filipino families.
With the Middle East conflict destabilizing energy markets and severing supply chains, Aquino engaged with global financial heavyweights, including former Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, and former Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase.
The senator emphasized that Asian leaders must unite to stabilize oil prices and mitigate the “economic shocks” hitting the Philippines and other Asian countries.
“We all agree that by working together, we can weather immediate challenges and create a strong framework to stabilize the region’s economy and prices of oil products,” he stated.
Aquino also expressed optimism that Asia can become a leading global force championing innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
“Given our region’s economic prowess and technological advancements, we, along with other regional partners, have the potential to set the standard for a new form of multilateralism that prioritizes regional partnerships over traditional power dynamics,” he pointed out.
During these uncertain times, Aquino said a “coalition of certainty” is needed, one where partners share a common goal and vision for the region, operate under clear rules and processes, resolve conflicts effectively, and build a foundation of trust, respect, and reliability among all participants.
Aquino expressed confidence that the region can foster advancements in crucial sectors such as digital technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and sustainability.
“This collaborative spirit is essential; rather than viewing each other as competitors, Asian nations, along with other regional partners, should recognize the value of mutual support and open trade to enhance collective prosperity,” he said.
