(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has expressed support for the Reciprocal Access and Cooperation agreement between the Philippines and Japan.
“Japan has been our partner in development in more ways than one,” said Estrada who chairs the Senate Senate Committee on National Defense and Security.
“It is about time that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies, in cooperative efforts in defense and security through this milestone agreement,” he added.
The agreement awaits the Senate ratification after being signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko last July.
“As early as 2015 we have looked into the possibility of having a visiting forces agreement with Japan, anchored on goals of enhancing our defense and security and confirming the importance of partnership upholding the rule of law to protect open, free, and peaceful seas,” the senator said.
He said the agreement will facilitate joint military exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), enhancing their interoperability and preparedness.
It will also bolster disaster relief efforts, enabling swift and coordinated responses to natural disasters and humanitarian crises — a crucial aspect given the region’s vulnerability to calamities.
“By promoting closer security ties, this agreement will contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region,” Estrada noted.