New Phase Begins for Reciprocal Access Agreement
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that following the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) by both the Philippines and Japan, the next step involves creating its implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The AFP emphasized that these rules will clarify how the RAA provisions will be applied on the ground.
“We welcome the signing of the RAA by the Japan Diet at this point but more details will be tackled when the IRR comes into play,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said on June 10. The IRR will provide guidelines on access, jurisdiction, and other operational concerns, ensuring the agreement’s lawful execution.
Implementing Rules Set to Guide Military Cooperation
The IRR will guarantee that Japanese forces operate in the Philippines under Philippine laws and regulations. Col. Padilla shared that the IRR is expected to be completed soon, though no exact timeline has been provided. “We’re expecting this to happen soon but there’s no really direct timeline that’s being given,” she added.
This agreement is anticipated to broaden military exercises between the AFP and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). It allows both forces to send personnel and equipment to each other’s territories for joint drills, strengthening their defense ties.
Expanding Joint Military Exercises
In recent years, Japan has actively participated in Philippine military exercises, including acting as observers during the Balikatan Exercises. “We’ve seen that for the past years, there’s been an active participation by the Japanese here in the Philippines in the different exercises,” Padilla noted. She also highlighted ongoing maritime patrols with Japan’s involvement and expressed hopes to develop a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)-like arrangement.
Legislative Progress and Strategic Impact
Japan’s National Diet ratified the RAA on June 6, six months after the Philippine Senate approved it on December 16, 2024. The agreement was initially signed on July 8, 2024. The Philippine Navy views the pact as a critical boost to the country’s defense posture, especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for WPS, expressed optimism about the agreement’s benefits. “We look forward to this because it will allow the AFP the opportunity to be able to interact with a first-world country in terms of military-to-military activities. It will afford our men and women the opportunity to be able to have hands-on training with modern weaponry. It would also be an eye-opener to us on what there is as a way ahead for the Armed Forces modernization program,” he shared.
The Reciprocal Access Agreement promises to strengthen the Philippines’ defense capabilities by fostering closer military collaboration with Japan. This partnership will enhance training, operational coordination, and overall readiness.
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