Metro Manila, Philippines— The proposed Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and Canada is gaining traction, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a Senate leader, and experts voicing their support.
Advocates highlight the agreement’s potential to enhance military cooperation, improve disaster response capabilities, and strengthen regional security ties.
“The AFP welcomes such possibility.Details can very well be discussed further by DFA,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla in her text message to NewsWatch Plus.
Senate Pro Tempore and Senate Committee on National Defense Chairperson Jinggoy Estrada said defense cooperation with another country is a welcome move “in the face of adversities on the defense front.”
“Collaboration through joint military exercises, training, capacity building, emergency deployments, and security partnerships is crucial for addressing common vulnerabilities and ensuring regional security,” Estrada said in a statement.
He also called the PH-Canada VFA a “pivotal advancement.”
“Negotiating a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with the Canadian government represents a pivotal advancement. This accord will not only enhance our defense capabilities but also foster a deeper sense of camaraderie,” said Estrada.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez backed the PH-Canada VFA as the North American country is a like-minded partner for Manila.
“Yes [I welcome it], Canada is supportive of the Philippines,” said Romualdez in a text message
Manila is close to concluding negotiations for a military agreement with Ottawa.
In an exclusive interview with NewsWatch Plus, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said negotiations are progressing smoothly for a SOVFA following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation earlier this year.
“So we are exchanging draft text now with the Department of National Defense here between our Department of National Defense back in Canada. So I’m very proud to highlight that the negotiations are moving along very quickly,” said Hartman.
What geopolitical experts are saying?
Geopolitical analyst and De La Salle University lecturer Don McLain Gill said Canada, like the Philippines, is “no stranger” to Chinese belligerence and provocations.
He added that Canada’s growing defense partnership with the Philippines serves as an important pillar in enhancing its role as a contributor of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“A VFA between both countries will likely enhance the scope, frequency and comprehensiveness of Philippines-Canada defense ties,” said Gill.
University of the Philippines Asian Center lecturer Aaron Jed Rabena said a VFA has been a template of the Marcos administration “to proliferate deeper defense partnerships as a way to help address the country’s security requirements”.
International Relations expert Chester Cabalza said Canada as a great addition to the coalition of support for the Philippines.
“Their timely support for the advanced detection system in the WPS is an unselfish effort to boost our coast guard and military capability,” he said.
Political scientist Robin Michael Garcia said another VFA with a like-minded partner is a welcome development.
“A big step towards alliance diversification badly needed in light of the uncertainty in the US elections and increased coercion from China,” he said.
