PH gearing up for SOVFA with New Zealand, 'convergence' with other nations

The Philippines wants to hit the ground running with New Zealand as soon as the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the two nations is ratified, even as Manila is set to present itself to other nations as a regional convergence hub.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. bared the plans Friday following his meeting with his counterpart, New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk, on the sidelines of the ongoing Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

GMA News' Chino Gaston reported that topics discussed by the two officials included inter-military exercises, disaster response cooperation, and the Indo-Pacific security situation amid rising tensions with China.

"Napag-usapan namin, of course, 'yung SOVFA, at saka nag-usap na rin kami, assuming 'yung SOVFA ay ma-ratify na, ma-concur in na ng Senado, agad-agad namin ilalatag ang access at… activities," Teodoro said.

(We discussed, of course, the SOFVA. Assuming that it is ratified and concurred by the Senate, we will immediately lay down the access and activities.)

The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's premier forum for defense leaders, militaries and diplomats. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at the forum on Saturday, urging Asian allies to ramp up military spending to counter China's growing power and prevent its dominance in the region.

Teodoro said he also gave Penk's delegation a preview of the convergence concept he will share with delegates of the Shangri-La Dialogue, which was prepared by Filipino maritime expert Prof. Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines College of Law and the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea.

"Mayroon din akong ipinakita na konsepto sa kanila (I also showed them a concept to them), which I will reveal sa speech ko sa Sunday. Actually it's a work of Professor Jay Batongbacal, which I asked him to do. So it will be why countries should converge in the Philippines. It is the basis for convergence and it's a work in progress," he added.

Teodoro said the concept of the Philippines as a strategic convergence point highlights its uniqueness "on an international basis."

"Even na kung merong hindi pagkakaintindihan ang Europa, ang Amerika, lahat walang away sa Pilipinas, kailangan mag-converge. So pinahanapan ko, kay Professor Batongbacal, what value should we be articulating," he said.

(Even if there will be misunderstandings in Europe, and by America with other countries, the Philippines has no enemies. There is a need to converge. So I asked Professor Batongbacal what value should we be articulating.)

Meanwhile, Teodoro said New Zealand is also interested in providing aid in terms of disaster risk reduction with the Philippines.

The Philippines and New Zealand signed the SOVFA last year, a key defense pact that will allow New Zealand's forces to hold joint military drills and bolster defense engagements with Manila.

Manila's SOVFA with New Zealand, similar to a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, its treaty ally, will provide the legal framework for temporary visits by New Zealand troops for joint training and exercises. It has a similar agreement with Australia.

Manila signed a similar pact with Japan in 2024, which awaits ratification this year by Japan's parliament. It has recently concluded negotiations with Canada. — Jamil Santos/ VDV, GMA News