PH, Japan RAA to be signed possibly next year, Teodoro says

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21) — The proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan is expected to be signed next year as both nations work on enhancing their bilateral ties.

Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Source on Thursday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Philippine authorities are reviewing the counter draft from Tokyo and will submit comments on it.

“We will review it and submit our comments and if there are no contentious issues then it can be recommended for the president for signing,” he added.

Teodoro expressed hope the draft will be approved in the first quarter of 2024 so the Senate can ratify it as soon as possible.

The envisioned RAA between the Philippines and Japan is similar to a Visiting Forces Agreement that allows troops from one country to freely visit another temporarily.

Teodoro said more partnerships between Manila and Tokyo are expected when it comes to defense and military equipment.

Japan recently turned over an air surveillance radar system in La Union. This is being constructed by Mitsubishi with a price tag of more than ₱5 billion and is part of the long-term modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“It is surely a big boost because it gives us maritime and aerial domain awareness, up to 300 nautical miles and ballistic awareness for further scope,” he said. “Main part of all of these is knowing what’s happening not only in the West Philippine Sea but throughout the 360 degree circumference of our archipelago.”

Three more units purchased by the Philippines are expected to arrive in the coming years.

«The new package of acquirables is set to be approved by the president soon and this is a new mix of capabilities that we hope to acquire in 10 or 15 year schedule,» the secretary added.