Senate concurs with PH-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement

The Senate has approved the resolution concurring with the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the defense forces of the Philippines and Japan.

With 19 votes in favor, none against, and no abstention, the Senate approved on the third and final reading proposed Senate Resolution 1248.

The Senate concurrence came less than a month after the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations conducted its hearing on the landmark defense agreement.

The landmark military agreement between the Philippines and Japan was signed on July 8 by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko.

Article VII, Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution states that “no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.”

"The Agreement 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," the resolution read.

The  resolution said the agreement aimed 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."

"The Agreement will expand the defense cooperation of the Philippines and Japan in the maritime domain amid shared security challenges... 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," it added.

Sen. Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, welcomed the approval of the measure that she sponsored.

The passage of the resolution was also lauded by Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Joel Villanueva.

"I trust that this Agreement strengthens our nation’s security and reinforces our regional partnerships at a time when collaboration is crucial," Legarda said.  

"This legal framework before us today is a reinforcement of our commitment to enhance confidence-building measures that effectively alleviate tensions, proactively prevent disputes, and mitigate escalation of ongoing disputes in the Asia-Pacific region," she added.

Villanueva said that the Senate concurrence to the ratification of the RAA "further solidifies our commitment to promote regional and global peace and stability, and deepens our security and defense relationship." —NB, GMA Integrated News