Philippines, Japan Exchange Diplomatic Notes on Entry Into Force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya exchanged the diplomatic notes on the entry into force of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement

MANILA 12 August 2025 — At a ceremony held today at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya exchanged the diplomatic notes that would pave the way for the entry into force of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. also graced the event.

The Agreement Between the Republic of the Philippines and Japan Concerning the Facilitation of Reciprocal Access and Cooperation Between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, otherwise known as the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), and commonly known as a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), provides a legal and administrative framework for the entry and departure of the defense forces, vessels, aircraft and equipment of a party from the territory of the other party, for the purpose of training and conducting activities mutually agreed upon by the parties.

The RAA was signed in Manila on 08 July 2024, on the sidelines of the Philippines-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting or 2+2. The Philippine Senate concurred in the ratification of the RAA on 16 December 2024. Meanwhile, the House of Councillors of the Japanese Diet (parliament) approved the RAA on 6 June 2025 in line with their domestic procedures.

Thirty (30) days from today’s exchange, or on 11 September 2025, the RAA shall enter into force.

Prior to the RAA’s inception, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) had already been participating in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) activities in the Philippines. Once the RAA enters into force, their participation can now expand to facilitate cooperative activities, such as joint exercises, which will help improve interoperability between the forces of the two countries. END