By Brian Campued
The Philippines and Japan’s defense ties continue to deepen as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) entered into force Saturday, establishing a framework for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).
Signed in Manila last Jan. 15 followed by the exchange of diplomatic notes on July 23, the ACSA is intended to boost military interoperability and readiness between the two nations’ armed forces.
The agreement was inked by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu.
ACSA enables the AFP and JSDF to exchange logistical support—such as fuel, food, transportation, medical services, and spare parts—during joint exercises, training, peacekeeping missions, or humanitarian operations.
In a statement, the Department of National Defense welcomed the entry into force of the ACSA, noting its “great impact” on bilateral activities and other mutually agreed engagements.
“This agreement also demonstrates the practical application of our comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan, characterized by mutual trust and our aspiration for a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” the DND said.
Aside from the ACSA, the Philippines and Japan also entered into force their Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in September 2025, streamlining procedures for the deployment of forces in each other’s territories for cooperative activities.
Manila and Tokyo marked the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations this year, which also saw the formal elevation of their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan last May.
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