Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the Senate has yet to receive a copy of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan but vowed to work for its immediate ratification considering its significant impact to the country’s defense and security.

Escudero said Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, who signed the agreement with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., has already made a courtesy call in his office.

The Senate leader on Monday, promised that the RAA will be scrutinized by the Upper Chamber “like other treaties that the Senate is asked to ratify by the Executive.”

“Yes (we will prioritize it), but it has not yet been submitted to the Senate,” Escudero said in Filipino during a press conference at the Senate.

“The Japanese foreign minister who signed this access agreement between the Philippines and Japan made a courtesy call,” he further said.

“I personally welcome this agreement and it is one of the agreements that will strengthen our country and stabilize our position in the region in relation to the issue we are currently facing with the country of China in the West Philippine Sea,” the Senate leader stressed.

Nevertheless, he said, he still believes it is best for the Philippines to strengthen its defense capabilities on its own.

“I still believe that there is still no counterpart and there is still no substitute for us to strengthen our armed forces alone,” Escudero said.

“Although we have not yet arrived at that point, it is good that we have an agreement like this to strengthen our current condition and situation although the actual time has not yet arrived that we want our armed forces to be strong,” he added.

The Philippines and Japan signed the RAA at the Palace on Monday, July 8. The agreement will serve as a legal basis for both countries to enter each other’s territory for joint military exercises.

Other senators who welcomed the signing are Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Imee Marcos, and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.

Estrada, who heads the Senate panel on national defense, said that aside from the joint military exercises, the RAA plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Estrada also made a commitment “to see to it” that the RAA’s ratification will be the Senate’s priority when Congress resumes its Third Regular Session.