PH, Canada set for signing visiting forces deal — DND

The Philippines and Canada have finished their discussions on the proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) and are now set to sign the deal, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Friday.

“The Philippines and Canada have successfully concluded negotiations for the proposed SOVFA,” the DND said in a statement.

“These were supplemented by virtual meetings and inter-agency consultations to ensure that the agreement aligns with both nations’ mutual interests and priorities,” it added.

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Angelito De Leon and Canadian Defense Assistant Deputy Minister Scott Millar led the delegations of their respective countries.

The Philippine camp was composed of the following officials:

• Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr.
• DND Assistant Secretaries Marita I. Yoro and Erik Lawrence Dy
• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretaries Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga and Patrick Chuasoto and Officer-in-Charge Paulo Saret
• Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez and Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan

Meanwhile, the Canadian team was composed of representatives from the Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada.

The DND said the agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities.

“The Philippines looks forward to the positive impact of the SOVFA, which is expected to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,” the DND said.

“The DND remains committed to working closely with international partners to safeguard national interests and strengthen security efforts in the region,” it added.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from establishing permanent military bases in the country. Through agreements like the VFA, foreign militaries may be allowed to enter the countries for activities.

The Philippines and the United States have a VFA that became effective in 1999 and now serves a legal framework that allows US forces to visit Manila temporarily for military exercises and give humanitarian and disaster-response assistance.

Also, the Philippines had a similar deal with Australia that was signed in 2007.

The Philippines in the past years has expanded maritime and defense security cooperation with other countries amid the tensions with China in the West Philippines Sea. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News