The signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko (Yummie Dingding/PPA Pool)

High-ranking members of the House of Representatives said the recent signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan will help usher in an era of enhanced cooperation in the realm of defense and security between the two nations.

 Deputy Speaker Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, and Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. said in a joint statement on Wednesday, July 10, that the defense pact was crucial for maintaining regional stability in Asia and the Pacific. 

“The RAA is a reflection of our enduring partnership and our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to safeguarding our sovereignty and protecting the well-being of our people,” said Suarez.

He noted that amid “evolving security threats”, the agreement provides the ideal framework for coordinated action.

On Monday, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko both signed the RAA. The deal would allow Filipino soldiers to undergo joint combat training with their counterparts in Japan.

It is expected that the RAA will facilitate the implementation of cooperative activities, such as joint exercises and disaster relief operations.

Suarez said he is confident that this partnership will continue to yield “even greater benefits” for both nations’ future.

“Let us build on this success and strive towards a future where our cooperation in defense and security, as well as other areas of mutual interest, continues to flourish,” he added. 

For his part, Dalipe said the RAA further cements the country’s long-standing relationship with Japan in terms of peace and security. 

“Our engagement with Japan has always been fruitful. Just recently, Speaker Romualdez had the privilege of meeting with his counterpart in the Japanese House of Representatives, where they discussed various avenues for strengthening our bilateral ties,” noted Dalipe.

He says the signing of a new defense pact is proof that such high-level engagements produce productive outcomes.

Dalipe points out that the incoming joint training, logistical support, and disaster response would ensure that both nations are prepared to address emerging security challenges and humanitarian crises

Meanwhile, Gonzales has said the Philippines’ RAA with Japan builds on the trilateral agreement both countries made with the United States (US) earlier this year.

“This trilateral framework has already established a robust foundation for regional security and cooperation, addressing shared challenges and promoting stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” he explained.

The veteran lawmaker is referring to the trilateral maritime cooperation between the Philippines, Japan, and the US, which calls for stronger collaboration amid China’s aggressive actions both in the South and East China Seas.