France-Philippines Defense Deal, Pirma Na: What the New Visiting Forces Pact Means

The Philippines and France have formally signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, a new defense deal that lays out the legal rules for soldiers from both countries when they train or operate in each other's territory.

The agreement was signed in Paris by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Minister for the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin. According to the report, the pact makes it easier to hold joint exercises, training activities, and other military cooperation between Manila and Paris.

Teodoro said the two countries reached this stage quickly because they already had years of trust and cooperation. He also framed the agreement as part of a wider push to strengthen defense capability while staying anchored on international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

This is another step in the Philippines' growing web of security partnerships under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Manila already has similar arrangements with the United States and Australia, recently sealed a reciprocal access agreement with Japan, and has also moved forward on deals with Canada and New Zealand.

Big picture: hindi lang ito symbolic handshake. France has already joined drills with the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea, and more cooperation is expected in upcoming Balikatan activities. For Manila, the message is clear: the country wants more like-minded partners in a more tense region.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/28/news/national/philippines-france-sign-visiting-forces-agreement/2308974