Senate Approves Pimentel’s Acceptance of Russian ‘Badge for Cooperation’

In a unanimous decision, the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 25, allowing Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III to receive the ‘Badge for Cooperation’ from Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This accolade honors individuals who have played a pivotal role in enhancing diplomatic and friendly ties with Russia. Senator Joel Villanueva, who introduced the resolution, praised Pimentel for his efforts in fostering strong relations between the Philippines and Russia. Villanueva highlighted Pimentel’s legislative initiatives, such as proposing a bill to celebrate Philippines-Russia friendship on June 2 each year and his active participation in the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in 2023. Pimentel, who also leads the Philippines-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Association, has been instrumental in the 18th Congress, supporting the ratification of treaties on mutual legal assistance and extradition with Russia. During his tenure as Senate president in the 17th Congress, Pimentel headed the Philippine delegation to the 137th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in St. Petersburg, where he engaged in discussions on parliamentary cooperation, cybersecurity, and cultural exchanges. His cultural contributions include commemorating the 225th birthday of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin and aiding in the search for the graves of Russian sailors in Manila. Villanueva lauded Pimentel’s character, drawing parallels to the virtues of simplicity, goodness, and truth from Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The resolution complies with the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act No. 8491, which regulate the acceptance of foreign honors by public officials.