Manila: The proposed visiting forces agreement between the Philippines and France is expected to widen the country's defense reach in the Indo-Pacific by linking Manila with a European state that also has territories, citizens, and military presence in the region, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told senators on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro highlighted during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing that France is not only a European country, but it is also a Pacific country because of its territories in the Pacific Ocean, such as New Caledonia and Tahiti. Teodoro emphasized that France, as a maritime country, shares the Philippines' interest in freedom of navigation and in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The PH-France Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), signed on March 26 in Paris, marks the Philippines' first SOVFA with a European country and expands Manila's defense arrangements with key security partners. The agreement establishes the legal framework for the temporary presence of Philippine and French military personnel in each other's territory while respecting the sovereignty and laws of both states. Unlike an arrangement focused only on foreign forces in the Philippines, the SOVFA applies both ways, covering French forces visiting the Philippines and Philippine forces visiting France and, where applicable, French territories covered by the agreement.
Teodoro stated that the Philippines has 'no choice' but to build more defense partnerships as its territory remains under 'severe stress' from China's unilateral and illegal actions. He noted that having more coalition partners enhances the country's deterrent posture and mentioned that France could assist in strengthening supply-chain resilience, accessing high-tech defense and cyber capabilities, and preparing for hybrid and asymmetric threats.
Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Edgar Badajos expressed full support for Senate concurrence in the proposed SOVFA, describing it as a key part of the country's independent foreign policy. Badajos emphasized that the agreement should not be seen as choosing sides in big-power rivalries but as a means for the Philippines to diversify partnerships, deepen European engagement in regional stability, and give substance to international law.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, chairperson of the committee, stated that the agreement reflects the country's effort to broaden cooperation with European partners beyond trade and tourism. Zubiri mentioned that the proposed SOVFA complements the growing Philippines-European Union engagement, including efforts toward a free trade agreement.
Teodoro also noted that defense cooperation with France and other partners may help protect Filipino seafarers in high-risk maritime areas such as the Persian Gulf. He mentioned that the Philippines is in the second round of negotiations for a similar arrangement with the United Kingdom.
Senator Erwin Tulfo highlighted the importance of carefully examining the pact's provisions on the status and treatment of visiting military personnel, jurisdiction, legal responsibilities, environmental protection, and the terms governing their presence and activities in Philippine territory. Under the proposed SOVFA, the two countries would set rules on entry and exit, jurisdiction, custody, discipline, claims, taxation, and other legal and administrative arrangements affecting visiting personnel. It would also facilitate joint exercises, training, capacity-building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and other mutually agreed defense activities.
