Sen. JV Ejercito —photo from the Office of JV Ejercito
MANILA, Philippines — More Senators lauded the signing of the landmark military deal between Japan and the Philippines, with one lawmaker calling it a welcome move against “China’s continued expansionism”.
The ratification of the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) is now in the hands of senators and their counterparts in Japan, and many of the lawmakers are receptive to the bilateral military deal.
READ: Senators laud RAA; vow to scrutinize treaty before ratification
Senator JV Ejercito lauded this bilateral move, saying “there is strength in numbers.”
“The signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement is a welcome development in terms of security in the region and against China’s continued expansionism,” Ejercito said in a statement.
READ: Zubiri confident Senate will ratify reciprocal access agreement with Japan
He added: “Since the Philippines is a third world country, all the help and assistance we can get from traditional allies and right-minded nations is definitely much welcomed against China’s continued bullying and aggression towards us!”
Senator Nancy Binay, who expressed full support for the ratification of RAA, also noted that former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and then-Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko “consistently pushed” for its crafting.
“The signing of the RAA is the fruit of the Senate’s effort to peaceful resolutions to maritime conflicts in the Asia-Pacific Region, an assertion to our territorial rights, and a reiteration of the Philippines’ adherence to defend its national sovereignty,” Binay said in a statement.
“The RAA’s value to National Security underscores how increased maritime security cooperation safeguards Philippine economic interests,” she continued. “I fully support the ratification of the Agreement once it reaches the Senate—as this would represent our commitment to peace and security in the region.”
With 24 members in the Senate, the RAA at least needs 16 affirmative votes, as the 1987 Constitution provides that no treaty will be valid or deemed effective “unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.”
Zubiri previously expressed confidence that the majority of the upper chamber would favor the RAA.
For his part, Senate President Francis Escudero vows to scrutinize the RAA.