The Philippines and Canada reached a historic milestone as Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on Sunday. This marks the first-ever SOVFA that Canada has entered into with any Indo-Pacific nation, underscoring a growing partnership between the two countries.
The agreement provides a legal framework for joint military exercises and cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Canadian Armed Forces. It aims to strengthen interoperability, training, and coordination in addressing shared security challenges.
DND Secretary Teodoro described the pact as a product of mutual trust and respect. “Underpinning this SOVFA is the preservation of a rules-based international order—one that respects the sovereignty and dignity of nations and their people,” he said.
Shared Commitment to International Law
Canadian Minister McGuinty praised the Philippines for its strong leadership in promoting peace and adherence to international law.
“The Philippines has shown true leadership in seeking the peaceful resolution of disputes. You have Canada’s deepest respect,” McGuinty said. “As Pacific nations shaped by the sea, we move forward together—distinct, but aligned and guided with purpose,” he added.
Teodoro echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that a state’s commitment to international law must be reflected in its protection of human rights. “A state that does not protect the rights of its people has no business claiming to uphold international law,” he noted.
Next Steps Toward Ratification
Before taking effect, the SOVFA will require ratification by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and concurrence by the Philippine Senate. Teodoro explained that while the agreement shares similarities with other visiting forces arrangements, it will focus on unique specializations and operational experiences of both militaries.
The new pact builds on the defense cooperation memorandum of understanding signed in 2023, which covers military education, training exchanges, information sharing, peacekeeping, and disaster response, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient partnership between the Philippines and Canada.
