Senate ratifies Philippines-France visiting forces agreement

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Thursday, October 8, concurred in the ratification of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between Philippines and France.

With 17 affirmative votes, senators approved proposed Senate Resolution No. 650, concurring in the ratification of the SOVFA, between the two countries.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin signed the SOVFA in March. The agreement provides a legal framework for the presence and activities of the Philippine and French armed forces in each other’s territories.

“This is a historic moment because this treaty ratification of our visiting forces with France is the first for a European nation,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri

Newly designated French Ambassador to the Philippines Donatienne Hissard personally received the resolution at the Senate.

The SOVFA is a “reciprocal bilateral defense agreement that establishes the legal framework governing the presence and cooperative activities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the French Armed Forces, including their respective Civilian Components, in each other’s territories, and facilitates joint defense, training, humanitarian, and other mutually agreed activities.”

With the agreement’s ratification, France joins the growing list of countries with visiting forces agreements with the Philippines.

The Philippines has a long-standing Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with its treaty ally, the United States. In 2012, a SOVFA with Australia, which has since become a strategic partner of the Philippines.

The expansion of the Philippines’ defense ties has been a conscious push of the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration, especially in the face of a growingly belligerent China in the South China Sea. At the same time, however, Marcos has said he wants a “reset” of bilateral relations with Beijing, following years of tensions both at sea and in the diplomatic space.  – Rappler.com