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

In a unanimous decision, the Philippine Senate has 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 prestigious award acknowledges Pimentel’s efforts in enhancing diplomatic and friendly ties between the Philippines and Russia. Senator Joel Villanueva, who introduced the resolution, praised Pimentel for his dedication to fostering these international relationships. 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 2023 Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum. Pimentel’s role as president of the Philippines-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Association was also noted. During the 18th Congress, Pimentel supported the ratification of treaties with Russia on mutual legal assistance and extradition. As Senate president in the 17th Congress, he led a delegation to the 137th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in St. Petersburg, engaging in discussions on parliamentary cooperation, cybersecurity, and cultural exchanges. Pimentel’s cultural contributions include commemorating the 225th birthday of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin and efforts to locate the graves of Russian sailors in Manila. Villanueva lauded Pimentel’s virtues of simplicity, goodness, and truth, drawing from Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The resolution complies with the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Republic Act No. 8491, which regulate the acceptance of foreign honors by public officials.