Tolentino backs expanding military pacts with foreign allies
TRECE MARTIRES CITY — An administration senatorial candidate on Friday said that the Philippines’ expanding military partnerships with Western allies reflect growing international recognition of the country’s legal and diplomatic position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a press conference, reelectionist Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino expressed strong support for ongoing negotiations on Visiting Forces Agreements (VFAs) with countries such as France and Germany.
According to the Senate Majority Leader, these efforts validate the Marcos administration’s multilateral approach to regional security.
“Nagpapatunay ito na ’yung posisyon ng Pilipinas patungkol po sa mga challenges natin ngayon involving the international law of the sea ay tama,” Tolentino said.
He added that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s strategy of building multiple alliances, rather than relying on a single partner, is producing concrete results.
“Tama din po ’yung posisyon ni Presidente BBM na ang ating engagement should be multilateral approach, hindi ’yung isang bansa lang,” he said.
The Philippines recently finalized VFAs with Canada and New Zealand, following the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan last year.
Talks are also underway with France, with Germany reportedly in line to pursue a similar defense accord.
Tolentino said the momentum behind these agreements strengthens the country’s claims in the WPS and reaffirms the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling from The Hague in favor of the Philippines.
The Philippines and China remain locked in a maritime dispute in the disputed waters, where Beijing continues to assert sweeping territorial claims despite international legal setbacks.
Under the Philippine Constitution, VFAs and treaties must be ratified by the Senate, giving lawmakers like Tolentino a direct hand in shaping the country’s long-term defense and foreign policy strategy.
Other Alyansa candidates include former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, ACT-CIS Representative and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.
