Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said the Philippine government can better defend the country’s borders and protect its citizens once the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines is in place.

The RAA is also vital in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security said.

“As early as 2015 we have looked into the possibility of having a visiting forces agreement with Japan, anchored on goals of enhancing our defense and security and confirming the importance of partnership upholding the rule of law to protect open, free, and peaceful seas,” Estrada said in a statement.

Moreover, the RAA is also vital in strengthening the country’s defense posture amid rising tensions in the region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

“Japan has been our partner in development in more ways than one. It is about time that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies, in cooperative efforts in defense and security through this milestone agreement,” the seasoned lawmaker added.

Estrada said he supports the Senate’s concurrence in the ratification of the accord, noting that the country stands to benefit more especially in the areas of defense capabilities and readiness, disaster response and preparedness, regional stability, technological and knowledge exchange, and economic and strategic partnerships.

The lawmaker also said the agreement will facilitate joint military exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), enhancing their interoperability and preparedness.

“It will, likewise, bolster disaster relief efforts, enabling swift and coordinated responses to natural disasters and humanitarian crises — a crucial aspect given the region’s vulnerability to calamities,” he said.

The RAA could also foster stronger economic and strategic ties, facilitate the exchange of technological advancements, and promote overall bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan.

“By promoting closer security ties, this agreement will contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region,” Estrada said.

Sen. Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, earlier sought the Senate's concurrence to Senate Resolution No. 1248, or the Agreement Between the Republic of the Philippines and Japan Concerning the Facilitation of Reciprocal Access and Cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan or the RAA.

In her sponsorship speech, Marcos said she is confident that the RAA will outline the privileges that will be accorded to the Visiting Forces and their Civilian Component in the context of entry and departure, importation and exportation, consistent with domestic laws and regulations.