Legarda: Senate concurrence to PH-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement to reaffirm peace, stability in Indo-Pacific region
Senator Loren Legarda on Friday, July 12 expressed confidence that the Senate’s concurrence to the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippine government would strengthen the country’s commitment to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Legarda pointed this out as she expressed her support to the Upper Chamber’s plan to concurr in the measure which will bolster the defense ties between the two countries.
“Our recent signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan marks a significant milestone not just for our country but for the stability of the Indo-Pacific region,” Legarda said in a statement.
“This Agreement couldn't have come at a better time, as it boosts defense and security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines by allowing the conduct of joint exercises and disaster relief operations as well as improving our forces’ interoperability,” she said.
“Our cooperation with Japan, along with our established security partners – the United States and Australia – enhances our ability to respond effectively to any threats, crises or disasters,” the former Senate president pro tempore also stressed.
As far as she is concerned, Legarda said Japan has always been a reliable ally of the Philippines.
Under the RAA, Filipino troops will be allowed to enter Japan for joint combat training. President Marcos clarified, however, that the RAA is different from the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.
“Ratification of the RAA will not only enhance our defense capabilities but also reaffirm our commitment to upholding peace and stability in the region,” she pointed out.
“I will support the Senate’s concurrence in the ratification of the RAA and look forward to its positive impact on our national security and regional cooperation,” she reiterated.