Palace: PHL-Japan ties remain stable despite PM's resignation

Malacañang on Saturday said the Philippine-Japan relations will remain despite the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Philippines and Japan friendly ties and mutual cooperation will continue. “Apart from the resignation of their Prime Minister, the work continues, the relationship continues. We see no change in relations with Japan," he said on government-run dzRB radio. He also said the Philippines will await word from Japan on who will succeed Kan. “Our relations with Japan are very stable. We have a very competent and able ambassador there," he added. Earlier, Kan announced his resignation, amid criticism he failed to show leadership after a devastating earthquake and tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis last March 11. He had promised to quit if Parliament passed three key pieces of legislation, which it did on Friday. A report on the British Broadcasting Co (BBC) said Japan’s ruling Democratic Party will choose a new leader on Monday. — LBG, GMA News