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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate OKs defense pacts with Canada, New Zealand

Senate OKs defense pacts with Canada, New Zealand

Published Aug 12, 2026 03:39 pm

At A Glance

  • The Senate concurred in the ratification of the two SOVFAs through a 19-0-0 vote, allowing the Philippines to conduct joint military activities and exercises with Canada and New Zealand.
Senate of the Philippines Building (MB file photo)
Senate of the Philippines Building (MB file photo)
The Senate has ratified the Phlippines’ Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFA) with Canada and New Zealand.
The approval of the defense pacts was finalized during the Senate’s plenary session last Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. 
The Senate concurred in the ratification of the two SOVFAs through a 19-0-0 vote, allowing the Philippines to conduct joint military activities and exercises with Canada and New Zealand.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri welcomed the defense treaties, citing the countries’ longstanding friendship with the Philippines.
Zubiri also cited his personal ties to both countries, noting that two of his sisters were married to Canadians.
The Senate Majority Leader also noted that many Mindanaoans are working in New Zealand.For his part, Sen. Joel Villanueva said he voted yes to a stronger Philippines-Canada partnership, having served as President of the Philippines-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Villanueva said the SOFVA agreement provides a clear legal framework to enhance military coordination, training, and defense cooperation while maintaining safeguards to protect Philippine sovereignty. 

Related Tags

Senate Canada New Zealand defense cooperation
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