The signing of the Philippines–Canada defence pact marks a key moment in Manila’s ongoing effort to expand its network of allies amid rising tension in the South China Sea. The agreement, called the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), allows both nations’ armed forces to train on each other’s territory: Canada’s first deal of this kind in the Indo-Pacific.
Signed in Makati on November 2, the pact was hailed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty as a move to strengthen joint readiness in maritime security, humanitarian response, and cyberdefense. Teodoro said the accord was founded on a shared goal: “to preserve the rules-based international order.”
A growing web of alliances
The Philippines–Canada defence pact adds to a widening circle of military accords that Manila has sealed in recent years. The country already maintains a Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan, and similar troop deals with Australia and New Zealand. Negotiations with France and Britain are now underway.
These partnerships reflect President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s strategy to build a more flexible and resilient defense posture; one that balances traditional ties with broader regional cooperation. They also align with Canada’s Indo-Pacific policy, which underscores respect for international law and freedom of navigation under the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected China’s sweeping maritime claims.
Only days before the pact’s signing, the Philippines joined a multilateral maritime drill in the West Philippine Sea with the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The exercise emphasized coordination, rapid response, and shared awareness in contested waters — a clear signal of growing unity among regional partners.
Renewed tensions in the West Philippine Sea
The signing comes amid renewed tension in the West Philippine Sea, following a recent clash near Pag-asa Island between Philippine and Chinese vessels. Footage from the encounter showed Chinese coast guard ships firing water cannons and colliding with a Philippine vessel assisting local fishermen near the island.
Beijing claimed the Philippine ships had “illegally intruded,” while Manila condemned what it called “aggressive and unlawful actions.” Washington and other allies voiced support for the Philippines, with U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson describing the ramming as “dangerous and reckless.”
The confrontation highlighted why Manila is deepening its defense partnerships. For coastal communities around Pag-asa, these disputes mean damaged boats, lost income, and constant uncertainty, proof that the waters remain one of Asia’s most volatile flashpoints.
Why this partnership matters
For Ottawa, the new SOVFA reinforces its role in the Indo-Pacific. For Manila, it affirms that strong alliances are vital for deterrence, capacity-building, and regional stability. Both governments said the accord will strengthen joint training, information sharing, and disaster response — essential for an archipelago exposed to both natural and geopolitical storms.
Beyond military cooperation, the pact reflects a broader regional trend: Southeast Asian nations seeking solidarity in defending maritime law and sovereignty. Whether this growing network of partnerships can prevent further confrontation remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Philippines intends to stand firm and never alone.
