Access deal with Japan seen in 1st quarter

BY VICTOR REYES

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr yesterday said a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan might be signed in the first quarter of the year.

Teodoro also the said Philippines and Canada are eyeing a defense cooperation agreement.

Teodoro made the remarks during an interview after attending a cybersecurity forum, organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute, in Makati City.

The RAA, which is similar to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between Philippines and the United States, will pave the way for larger military exercises between Filipino and Japanese troops.

“The RAA with Japan, hopefully soon… within first quarter hopefully,” said Teodoro.

The RAA needs the concurrence of the Senate just like the VFA which was signed by the US and the Philippines in February 1998 and was ratified by the Senate in May 1999.

Last month, Teodoro said the Philippine government has received Japan’s RAA counter-draft, and the Philippine government will submit its comments after review.

“If there are no contentious issues, then it can be recommended to the President for signing or his delegation of appropriate official to sign,” Teodoro has said.

On the defense cooperation agreement with Canada Teodoro said, “It’s not cyber but enhanced defense (cooperation), MOU (memorandum of understanding) on defense.”

He said the MOU, which is “in the works,” will mean “increased defense cooperation” between the Philippines and Canada, similar to what the Philippines has with other countries.

On whether the MOU involves transfer of assets, he just said, “The normal MOUs and defense cooperation naturally.”

Teodoro said the MOU will lead to “increased exchanges, more specific exchanges.

As to when the MOU will be signed, Teodoro said: “I hope soon. I can’t give a timeline. Hopefully soon, very soon.”

Canada is one of the many countries that have been supportive of the Philippine position in dispute over the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea.

“They have already been straightforward with that anyway. I mean they support our stand with the arbitral award, and they support our stand in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.