PH, Japan set to approve defense pact's implementing arrangements

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday said preparations are underway for the approval of the implementing arrangements of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan.

“Preparations are underway for the formal approval of the Implementing Arrangements of the RAA,” the DND said in a statement.

This development came following the meeting of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his Japanese counterpart Nakatani Gen on the sidelines of the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue on Tuesday.

Teodoro and Nakatani met in South Korea ahead of the RAA’s entry into force on Thursday.

“Both officials welcomed the upcoming entry into force of the RAA on September 11, 2025, which will facilitate enhanced cooperation, joint training, and operational activities between Philippine and Japanese forces,” the DND said.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from establishing permanent military bases in the Philippines. The RAA will allow the deployment of Japanese forces and Filipino troops in each other's territory for joint exercises.

Teodoro and Nakatani also reviewed progress since the Defense Ministerial Meeting last February, where they committed to boost information sharing, logistics cooperation, and defense technology collaboration.

The two also stressed that maritime cooperation is still crucial amidst evolving regional security challenges. 

They also pointed out the importance of strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities in air and maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity, and communications. 

Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program continues to support the Philippines through transfer of maritime domain awareness capabilities, while both sides explore partnerships under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program, according to the DND 

As co-chairs of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security, they are advancing regional efforts to address maritime security challenges while integrating climate and environmental considerations.

“Through this meeting, the Philippines and Japan affirmed their shared commitment to advancing bilateral defense cooperation, enhancing regional security, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” the DND said.

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. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News