Philippines, Japan agree on ACSA, Security of Info Agreement

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru agreed during their meeting at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, April 29, to commence negotiations on the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and a potential security of information agreement.

Marcos highlighted Japan's development assistance as the 'gold standard' for cooperation, supporting various sectors including maritime security, infrastructure, and disaster prevention.

Both leaders emphasized their shared values of upholding democratic institutions and a rules-based international order, laying the groundwork for future collaboration across multiple sectors.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba and President Marcos jointly announced the formation of two pivotal agreements: the ACSA and a Security of Information Agreement, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

The Security of Information Agreement will formalize the exchange of vital defense and security information between both nations, while the ACSA aims to facilitate more frequent visits and joint exercises.

Ishiba's visit includes a stop at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters to assess operational readiness and determine additional support measures that Japan can offer.

Japan's enhanced cooperation with the Philippines is seen as a strategic counterbalance amid regional security challenges, underscoring mutual commitment to oppose attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas by force or coercion.