Senate ratifies military deals with Canada and New Zealand

The Senate has unanimously approved the Philippines’ status-of-forces agreements with New Zealand and Canada, strengthening the country’s strategic alliance with like-minded countries.

New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Catherine McIntosh speaks to Senator JV Ejercito at the Senate on Wednesday, August 11. Photo by Joseph Vidal/Senate Social Media Unit.

Manuel Mogato | August 13, 2026

MANILA — The Senate has unanimously approved the Philippines’ status-of-forces agreements with New Zealand and Canada, strengthening the country’s strategic alliance with like-minded countries.

Voting 19-0, the Senate ratified the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA) with New Zealand and Canada. Senators Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, Rodante Marcoleta, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and Ronald dela Rosa were absent during the deliberations, sponsored by Senator Erwin Tulfo.

The Department of National Defense and the National Security Council immediately lauded the Senate ratification, bringing the country’s military agreements for training and exercises to five.

The Philippines had earlier ratified similar Status of Forces Agreements with the United States, Australia, and Japan.

It has signed the same arrangement with France and has been negotiating with Germany and the United Kingdom

Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong, a defense spokesman, described Canada and New Zealand as “reliable partners in upholding the rules-based international order, cognizant of the shared security challenges that demand regional and extra-regional action.”

“The Senate’s unanimous concurrence is a testament to the significance of these agreements, which will substantially enhance our interoperability, joint training, and practical cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and our Canadian and New Zealand counterparts,” said Andolong.

Andolong said SOVFAs are also expected to contribute to “community resilience, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response.”

Retired general Eduardo Oban also hailed the Senate’s approval of the military agreements.

“In an increasingly contested and unpredictable security environment, the Philippines must preserve the strategic space and partnerships necessary to protect its national interests and respond effectively to emerging challenges,” Oban said in a statement.

“Strong and enduring relationships with capable and like-minded countries enhance our resilience, broaden our strategic options, and reinforce our ability to act in accordance with our national priorities.”