Canada, NZ defense pacts OKd – BusinessWorld Online
THE Senate on Tuesday concurred with the ratification of two separate visiting forces agreement resolutions allowing the Philippines to pursue joint military activities with Canada and New Zealand (NZ) respectively.
Voting 19-0-0 on both Senate Resolutions No. 548 and 549, the chamber ratified the Philippines’ Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with the two countries, which seek to enhance Manila’s military capacity through joint training with Canada and New Zealand.
The SOVFA with the two countries also laid the legal framework for when exercises with military troops from Canada and New Zealand are being held in the Philippines and vice versa.
Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva told the plenary that the SOVFA also reflects the country’s initiatives in strengthening diplomatic ties and security cooperation with other countries.
“We welcome the safeguards provided in this resolution to ensure that its implementation remains consistent with the Constitution and our laws and, most importantly, respects Philippine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction,” he said.
The Senate also passed on third and final reading the proposed revised Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) law seeking to enhance the PCG’s policy on internal structure and maritime functions, leveling the PCG personnel’s compensation with their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
Senator Rafael T. Tulfo, author of Senate Bill No. 2116, said the measure will aid in ensuring maritime and environmental safety at sea through providing the PCG with legal authority and administrative independence.
“The proposal also clarifies the PCG’s structure by establishing core functional commands, support commands, technical services, and operating districts spread across the entire archipelago,” Mr. Tulfo said in a press statement. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel