Japan has conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, upon former Philippine Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima for his contributions to strengthening bilateral economic ties.
The award, part of Japan's 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, recognizes Purisima's role in liberalizing the Philippine financial sector to allow Japanese banks entry and in securing the first bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries.
Purisima served as finance secretary from 2010 to 2016 under President Benigno Aquino III and previously headed the Department of Trade and Industry (2003–2005). The Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875, is among Japan's highest honors for individuals who have advanced relations with other nations.
Former Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III also received the Grand Cordon, the highest class of the Order.