THE Senate on Thursday concurred with the ratification of the Philippines’ military pact with France, which will allow their troops to operate legally in each other’s territories, amid Mania’s bid to diversify security ties.
With a vote of 17 affirmative votes and no objection, the chamber passed Senate Resolution No. 650, ratifying the Philippines’ visiting forces agreement (VFA) with France, setting up a framework for joint military exercises and defense cooperation between the two nations. It was signed on March 26.
“This is a historical moment because this treaty ratification of our visiting forces with France is the first for a European nation,” Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said.
Manila has been seeking to widen its network of security partners as tensions persist in the South China Sea. The Southeast Asian Nation has so far signed VFAs with the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Canada; while similar talks with the United Kingdom are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres C. Manhit urged the government to leverage this new connection to further broaden defense partnerships.
“The Stratbase Institute looks forward to the effective implementation of the agreement and for the Philippines to be able to leverage this EU connection to diversify its defense partnerships to secure a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Manhit said the partnership will improve Philippine-French coordination for maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. — Francessca S. Abalos