PH, Canada sign status of visiting forces agreement

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty on Sunday signed the historic Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Canada.

The status of the VFA  provides the legal basis for the Philippine and Canadian Armed Forces to conduct joint exercises. This framework will strengthen the overall interoperability and cooperation of the two military forces of the two countries. 

Teodoro said that the agreement emphasizes trust and confidence between the Philippines and Canada, noting that this is the first SOVFA that Canada has entered into with any Indo-Pacific state. 

“Underpinning this SOVFA is the foundation on which it is built, it is to preserve the international order as a rules-based international order. Respecting the sovereignty and dignity of not only states, but also of its people as human beings with the rights and the freedoms that they enjoy,” he said. 

“And a state can only prove that it is serious in protecting international law if it protects the rights of its own people. A state that does not protect the rights of its people has no business of claiming that it upholds international law.” 

Meanwhile, the Canadian defense leader recognized the Philippine government for upholding international law. 

“The Philippines has shown true leadership in upholding international law and seeking the peaceful resolution of disputes. And for that, you have Canada’s greatest and deepest respect. We are proud to deepen our partnership with a country that courageously acts on those values, not just in words but through your dedicated work toward regional peace and security,” said McGuinty. 

“Canada and the Philippines are both pacific nations. Shaped by the sea, connected by it, sustained through it. Like  ships set sail in close company, our nations will move forward together - distinct, but aligned and guided with purpose,” he added. 

Further, Teodoro explained that the SOVFA will have to be ratified first by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the ratification shall be concurred by the Senate. 

The DND Secretary also said that the VFA with Canada will be different from the other similar pacts that the Philippines has entered into with other countries. 

“The difference will be in the specific specializations that we each have and the distinct experiences of our Armed Forces and the way they are structured. So we have much to learn and much to converge in with Canada,” said Teodoro. 

To recall, the Philippines and Canada signed last year a defense cooperation memorandum of understanding. The MOU covers cooperation on military education, training exchanges, information sharing, peacekeeping operations, and disaster response. —RF, GMA Integrated News