Marcos Jr. administration noted that the Philippines and Japan have yet to officially negotiate any military agreement equivalent to the visiting forces agreement (VFA) between PH and the United States.
According to the administration, Japan is eager to create a reciprocal access agreement (RAA), also known as the visiting forces agreement (VFA), with the Philippines.
Marcos Jr. further mentioned Japan’s cooperation in supporting the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in terms of infrastructure, which includes contributing equipment, despite the absence of communication between the two nations.
“Yung support nila sa Coast Guard, matagal na ‘yan, that kind of cooperation has been ongoing. Siguro sa kanilang palagay, the next step is to the improvement, rehabilitation in Subic, para nga sa Coast Guard,” he said during an impromptu interview on board the presidential aircraft.
However, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said on Thursday that they are seeking increased security relations between the two nations as well as the United States.
During a briefing at the Prime Minister’s Office, Kishida said that he had introduced Marcos Jr. to Japan’s national security plan. Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. welcomed Japan’s commitment to the free and open international order.
Marcos Jr. visited the prime minister’s office while in Japan on business from February 8 to February 12.
Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA-Pilipinas) expressed opposition and concern on the possible Japan-PH VFA and the Tripartite Defense Agreement between the US-PH and Japan.
PAMALAKAYA noted that it will not deescalate the situation in the contested West Philippine Sea but rather ‘inflame’ it.
“Opposite to Marcos’ claims that it will help protect Filipino fishers and our maritime territory, a VFA with Japan will only pave the way to more cases of harassment and further plundering of our resources,” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson said in a statement.
The fishers’ group stood firm in its strong opposition against any foreign military intervention in the country whether it be China, US, Japan, or any superpowers.
“We should stand on our own feet against China using international laws, such as our historic victory in the arbitral tribunal. We don’t need any protection from any foreign nations that have their own economic and geopolitical interests. We certainly don’t need another superpower displaying military might in our territory,” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson said.
PAMALAKAYA further urged the Marcos Jr. administration to settle such territorial disputes with China peacefully, diplomatically, and in accordance with an independent foreign policy
