By Robina Asido

The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan has formally entered into force on Thursday.

In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) stressed that "entry into force of the RAA between the Philippines and Japan carries forward our robust Strategic Partnership, validating the strength of our people-to-people ties, shared values and international principles, and common purpose for the security and stability of the region."

"We are grateful for the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the Philippine Senate, and the Japanese Government for their unequivocal support as we lay the foundation for closer collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces," it added.

"The RAA supports the efforts of the Department of National Defense to build and enhance the country’s deterrence and provide the much-needed leverage for the advancement of our national interests," the Department added.

Last Tuesday during their meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) in South Korea, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani welcomed the entry into force of the RAA "which will facilitate enhanced cooperation, joint training, and operational activities between Philippine and Japanese forces."

The DND noted that the "preparations are underway for the formal approval of the Implementing Arrangements of the RAA".

The RAA was signed by Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru during their visit in the Philippines on July 8, 2024.

It was ratified by the Philippine Senate on December 16, 2024 and ratified by the Japanese Parliament ratified on June 6 2025.

The ceremonial exchange of notes which "confirms the completion of domestic procedures required for the implementation of the RAA" was led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines Endo Kazuya last August 12, 2025. DMS