Philippines-Japan defense agreement takes effect

MANILA, Philippines — Bilateral defense relations between the Philippines and Japan reached a new milestone yesterday with the entry into force of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).

The main agreement signed in January this year has matured into a deal that will further bolster the partnership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self Defense Force.

It establishes a framework such as the settlement procedures for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the two allied military forces.

Department of National Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the DND welcomes the Aug. 22 entry into force of the ACSA.

Andolong said the framework “further strengthens our operational cooperation through the efficient and coordinated provision of supplies and services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, which will greatly impact our bilateral activities, including exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.”

“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,” he said.

Last month, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held an Exchange of Diplomatic Notes for the entry into force of the ACSA during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan have seen significant developments recently, particularly on defense cooperation, following the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2024.