By Brian Campued
The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their shared commitments to strengthening their strategic partnership as part of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries this 2026.
Among the highlights of Japan Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu’s visit to Manila on Thursday was the signing of key bilateral agreements including the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which would facilitate reciprocal provision of logistical support between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Under the ACSA, supplies and services may be exchanged between the two forces, such as food, water, billeting, transportation, fuel, clothing, spare parts, ammunition, communications, medical, and repair.
Motegi and Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro also signed and exchanged notes on Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) for fiscal year 2025 aimed at enhancing security of key sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific.
Under the JPY900-million infrastructure program, Japan will help the Philippines build boathouses and slipways for rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) to boost the maritime domain awareness and surveillance capabilities of the Philippine Navy.
Meanwhile, the two countries also signed a JPY1.63-billion grant aid for the establishment of the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) Wireless Backbone Network.
The said economic and social development program aims to help connect at least 40 government network sites and free public internet access points across BASULTA, and is expected to benefit over 250,000 individuals.
“The signing of these agreements reflect the close and evolving collaboration between the Philippines and Japan under our Strengthened Strategic Partnership and support ongoing collaboration across priority areas,” Lazaro said.
Motegi likewise reiterated the Japanese government’s commitment to deepening relations with the Philippines “toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
In a bilateral meeting, both officials also discussed the trilateral cooperation framework among the Philippines, Japan, and the United States as well as the importance of upholding rules-based order and the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the South China Sea.
The two ministers likewise confirmed that Manila and Tokyo will continue working together to enhance connectivity in Metro Manila, including through the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway Project, as well as in flood control and disaster response. (with report from Gab Humilde Villegas / PTV News)
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