The Senate recently concurred in the ratification of the agreement concerning the facilitation of reciprocal access and cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan.
The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the two countries, signed on July 8, 2024 in Manila, outlines the provisions on entry and departure, movement, access to facilities, and professional practice of the visiting force and civilian component for the purpose of cooperative activities, as well as the rules governing the jurisdiction over the actions of the visiting force and civilian component.
Senate Resolution No. 1248, authored by Sen. Imee R. Marcos, cited Article VII, Section 21 of the Philippine Constitution that states: “No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.”
According to the resolution, the RAA aims to deepen the security and defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, and enhance the interoperability between their forces by enabling more in-depth practical military cooperation and exercises between both countries.
The ratification of the agreement is seen to expand the defense cooperation of the Philippines and Japan in the maritime domain amid shared security challenges.
It will also affirm their strategic partnership and mutual goal to enhance contribution to regional and international peace, security, and stability.
Casting his affirmative vote on December 16, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri said, “Japan is one of our most important friends and allies, and this agreement will only deepen our ties and ensure that we are aligned in our efforts to uphold peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Today, I cast my vote for friendship, for cooperation, and for a future of deeper Philippines-Japan relations.”
Having sponsored similar agreement in the past, the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with Australia, Sen. Loren Legarda noted, “I have seen firsthand how these strategic partnerships enhance our defense capabilities, ensure better preparedness, and bolster our national sovereignty.”
Sen. Joel Villanueva also echoed this and explained that with the concurrence, “we join the Japanese people in their desire to build a ‘heart-to-heart relationship of trust,’ as Prime Minister Kishida best puts it, as equal partners and friends.”
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ratified the agreement on November 5, 2024 and submitted it to the Senate for concurrence.
In the hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on November 25, 2024, the concurrence in the ratification of the agreement was endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Justice, Department of Finance, Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces, Bureau of Customs, and Professional Regulation Commission.
