Philippines, Canada sign visiting forces deal

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Canada signed yesterday a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement to boost combat drills and expand security alliances to deter aggression.

The SOVFA with the Philippines, the first of its kind that Canada entered into with a country in the Indo-Pacific, was signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty in Makati following a bilateral meeting.

In his remarks, Teodoro said the SOVFA is a product of true convergence.

“It is a milestone for Canada, and it is an honor for the Philippines to be the first partner of Canada in this endeavor. And together, we will be stronger for the greater good of the Indo-Pacific,” Teodoro said in a joint press conference with McGuinty.

The key defense agreement to facilitate combat drills between the two countries and expand security alliances to deter aggression requires Senate concurrence.

The minister cited the Philippines’ leadership in upholding international law, emphasizing that “peace is built on rules, not recklessness and that stability grows from cooperation, not confrontation.”

“The Philippines has shown true leadership in upholding international law and seeking the peaceful resolution of disputes. And for that, you have Canada’s greatest and deepest respect,” McGuinty said.

“It’s important to remember that Canada has been and remains resolute in support of Philippine, Filipino sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is something we recognize,” he said.

Since launching its Pacific Strategy in 2022, Canada strengthened its presence across the region on land, at sea and in the air. It also allowed its forces to take part in more multinational exercises, including with the Philippines.

The Philippines and Canada signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation last year, which laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between the two countries’ militaries.

The signing of SOVFA with Canada came after the combined armed forces of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, on Oct. 30 to 31.