Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 9) – Talks should begin for a third visiting forces deal, this time with Japan, said Senate President Miguel Zubiri, who has joined the working visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“It makes strategic sense. Japan is an ally, and with ongoing territorial disputes over our waters, we stand to benefit from stronger security cooperation with our allies,” Zubiri told reporters Thursday, referring to China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
The proposal would allow Japanese forces to temporarily visit the Philippines. The 1987 Constitution bans foreign troops on Philippine soil except under a treaty.
Marcos earlier told reporters that the Philippines has yet to launch formal talks with Japan on a possible visiting forces agreement (VFA). Zubiri said the meeting between Marcos and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio would be an opportune time to open discussions.
READ: Marcos: No formal talks yet on possible VFA with Japan
“Japan is already offering vital support to our coast guard, not just through vessels and equipment but also through other capacity-building opportunities such as training, the VFA will strengthen our partnership even further,” he said. “With Japan on our side, we will be able to empower our coast guard and armed forces in times of conflict.”
Zubiri said, like the Philippines, Japan is prone to disasters though better prepared against calamities because it prioritized training troops in disaster management and rescue operations.
“Our armed forces can use their disaster management training and knowledge, to help us become a more resilient country as well,” he said.
Zubiri added: “I am pretty certain that we will be able to garner enough support in the Senate for it.”
The Department of National Defense previously said it was eyeing a VFA with Japan, citing the East Asian country’s desire to conduct troop exercises in the Philippines.
The Philippines has had VFAs with the United States since 1999 and Australia since 2012.
The Philippines and the US recently agreed to fully implement the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a supplemental deal to the VFA.
