8mbets Senate ratifies historic PH-Japan RAA

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday ratified a historic defense pact between the Philippines and Japan.

With 19 votes in favor, zero negative, and no abstention, Senate Resolution No. 1248 was approved on third and final reading during the upper chamber’s plenary session.

With this, Senate President Francis Escudero said the measure—which concerns the agreement between the Philippines and Japan regarding the facilitation of reciprocal access and cooperation (Reciprocal Access Agreement or RAA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan—is now deemed ratified.

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“Ratifying the agreement further affirms the strategic partnership between the two countries and their mutual goal to enhance contribution to regional and international peace, security and stability,” said the Senate in a statement also issued Monday.

READ: Lessons for PH-Japan pact

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President Marcos ratified the agreement on November 5, 2024 and has submitted it to the Senate for concurrence in accordance with the Philippine Constitution.

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The agreement specifically 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.

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SRN 1248, meanwhile, states that the agreement aims to deepen the security and defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, and enhance the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan by enabling more in-depth practical military cooperation and exercises between both countries.

It likewise notes that the pact will expand the defense cooperation of the Philippines and Japan in the maritime domain amid shared security challenges.

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