Canada, Philippines sign defense logistics pact
The Philippines and Canada signed new defense agreements on Friday aimed at expanding military cooperation, logistics support and joint exercises, as both countries move to deepen security ties in the Indo-Pacific.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian National Defense Minister David McGuinty signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA) and a Statement of Intent during a Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Ottawa on Friday.
Teodoro and McGuinty said the agreements expand cooperation activities to areas, such as cybersecurity, information sharing and maritime activities. McGuinty said the partnership shows “say what it means and mean what it says.”
The agreements build on the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (Sovfa) signed in 2025, which allows troops from both countries to train and operate in each other’s territory. The treaty has yet to be ratified by the Senate and President Marcos.
Third under Marcos
The Sovfa signed in 2025 is the third such agreement under Marcos, following similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand. The country also has similar agreements with the United States and Australia. It is also pursuing similar talks with France and Singapore.
McGuinty said in his remarks that the new deals reflect a “growing and important defense partnership,” noting increased military engagements, including Canadian participation in Balikatan exercises and earlier naval drills with the Philippines.
McGuinty said the new arrangements, including the MLSA, would allow both militaries to provide logistical support during exercises, training and operations.
He added that the partnership is rooted in shared commitments to democracy, the rule of law and a “free, open and stable Indo-Pacific.”
Teeth in the bite
Teodoro said the agreements would help “put teeth” into the visiting forces agreement and strengthen interoperability between the two armed forces.
McGuinty also expressed condolences to victims of a recent earthquake in the southern Philippines, saying Canada’s thoughts were with affected families and communities.
Teodoro thanked Canada for its message of support, saying, “With your support and with the resilience of the Filipinos, we shall rebuild.”
He also linked the cooperation to broader strategic issues, including maritime security and international law, noting the importance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, which he said remains a guiding framework for maritime rights.
The meeting marked the first official visit of a Philippine secretary of national defense to Canada, which both sides described as a milestone in bilateral relations.
The Philippines and Canada have significantly expanded defense engagement in recent years, including joint exercises and growing interoperability with regional partners.
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