Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and the United Kingdom have formally begun negotiations for a legal framework that governs the rules, entry, and activities of military personnel temporarily stationed or training in either of the two sides.
The status of visiting forces agreement (SOVFA) with the UK is the latest effort by the Marcos administration to expand the country’s defense partnerships with like-minded allies.
The Department of National Defense (DND) announced Thursday, Aug. 27, that negotiators from both countries opened the first round of formal talks on the proposed agreement.
The Philippine panel is led by Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., defense undersecretary for acquisition and resource management, while the British delegation is headed by Amy Senior, the UK Ministry of Defence head of Indo-Pacific.
The DND said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law, regional and international security, and the rules-based international order as they seek to deepen defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The SOVFA will establish the legal framework governing the entry and stay of British military personnel in the Philippines for joint exercises, training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, port visits, and other bilateral military activities.
Expanding defense partnerships
The Philippines has a visiting forces agreement with the United States, which took effect in 1999 and provides the legal basis for thousands of American troops participating in annual military exercises, including Balikatan.
The Philippines and Australia also have a SOVFA that entered into force in 2012.
Manila also has a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan, signed in 2024 and ratified by both countries, allowing Japanese and Philippine forces to train and operate in each other’s territory under agreed legal protections.
In addition, the Philippines signed a SOVFA with New Zealand, Canada, and France, among others.
