(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Monday (July 8) welcomed the decision of the Philippine and Japanese governments to sign a defense cooperation agreement.
“The signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) demonstrates the mutual commitment of Japan and the Philippines to uphold a rules-based international order, particularly in response to regional security threats,” he said.
Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, pointed out any agreement that strengthens the Philippines’ close security relationship with a regional partner is an “encouraging and welcome development.”
“Aside from joint military exercises, the RAA plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, given the frequent occurrence of natural disasters in the region requiring rapid and coordinated response efforts,” Estrada explained.
“Most of the newest vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were acquired through a project funded by Japan to enhance maritime safety capabilities,” he reminded.
Estrada, chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, also assured that the ratification of the Philippines-Japan pact will be among the priority agenda of the Senate.