PH, Canada finalize visiting forces agreement

The Philippines and Canada are in the final stages of negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), a pact that would allow both sides to send troops to each other's country.

This agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation signed in early 2024 and aims to deepen defense ties and enhance military engagements.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the SOVFA, stating it is an important confidence-building step that will strengthen the Philippines' defense cooperation.

He highlighted that the pact will enable Filipino troops to train alongside Canadian forces, enhance interoperability, and improve their collective ability to address security challenges, including external threats and humanitarian missions.

The SOVFA will provide a legal framework for Canadian armed forces entering the Philippines and outline how they will be treated, including immunity from criminal and civil liability for acts done during official duty.

This military pact is expected to facilitate larger military drills in the South China Sea, where Canada has expressed rejection of China's 'provocative and unlawful actions'.

The Philippines is also pursuing similar visiting forces agreements with France and had discussions in May 2024 regarding capability development and joint defense industry cooperation.