Philippines eyes VFA with South Korea post-elections

The Philippines is considering a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with South Korea, according to statements made by military and defense officials on Friday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. mentioned during the Balikatan Exercise 2025 closing ceremony that they have already signed SOVFAs with New Zealand and are planning similar agreements with Canada, France, and South Korea.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated that discussions for a VFA with South Korea will begin after their presidential elections on June 3.

Teodoro emphasized the strategic importance of this potential agreement due to interoperability between Philippine and South Korean forces and the fact that some of Manila's military assets, such as FA-50 aircraft, come from Seoul.

The Philippines maintains similar VFAs with the US, Australia, and New Zealand, providing a legal framework for mutual defense cooperation and activities.