Philippines, Canada conclude VFA negotiations
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Canada have wrapped up negotiations for their Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), setting the stage for the formal signing of the deal that will allow the deployment of Canadian troops to the Philippines.
The upcoming signing of a VFA between the Philippines and Canada comes as Manila actively expands its military partnerships beyond its traditional allies, with similar negotiations underway with New Zealand and France. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro previously said the government would pursue "as many as we can" of such agreements amid flaring tensions in the South China Sea.
"Following the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations in 2024, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through the conclusion of the SOVFA," the Department of National Defense said in a statement on Friday, March 7.
"This agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities," it added.
DND Undersecretary Angelito De Leon led the Philippine delegation while Canada's Department of National Defence Assistant Deputy Minister Scott Millar headed the Canadian delegation during the talks, which included a series of in-person and virtual meetings.
The Philippine negotiation team also included officials from multiple agencies: Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr.; DND Assistant Secretaries Marita I. Yoro and Erik Lawrence Dy; Department of Foreign Affairs representatives including Assistant Secretaries Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga and Patrick Chuasoto; and Department of Justice officials led by Undersecretary Raul Vasquez.
Canada's Ambassador to Manila David Hartman had previously indicated the deal was in its "final stages" with ratification possible before the end of 2025.
"The Philippines looks forward to the positive impact of the SOVFA, which is expected to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The DND remains committed to working closely with international partners to safeguard national interests and strengthen security efforts in the region," the department said in its statement.
The upcoming VFA with Canada adds to the Philippines' existing VFAs with the United States and Australia. The Philippines maintains a slightly different agreement with Japan through the reciprocal access agreement, which was signed last year.
Canadian naval forces have been increasingly active in the region, participating in several joint sails in the West Philippine Sea in recent months alongside the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan.
These maritime activities aim to assert freedom of navigation and overflight rights in the South China Sea, approximately 90% of which is claimed by Beijing under its so-called "nine-dash line" boundary. A 2016 tribunal constituted under UNCLOS invalidated this claim, but Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling.
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