DND chief wants speedy review of SOVFA

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is calling for a speedy review and ratification by the Senate of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Australia, which would pave the way for bilateral military exercises between the two countries.

In a recent interview, Teodoro cited that Australia has already done its part in concluding review of the SOVFA and ratifying it.

The defense chief said they are only awaiting the Senate to summon them once it has put SOVFA on the calendar for a hearing.

The SOVFA between the two countries was signed by then Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane and his Australian counterpart Brendan Nelson last May 31 in Canberra, which was witnessed by President Arroyo and Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

The agreement sets the guidelines for the conduct of joint military exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defense Forces.

Aside from enhancing the inter-operability of the two militaries in counter-terrorism operations, the exercises will also involve humanitarian and disaster relief assistance.

Talks for the signing of the SOVFA began during the tenure of defense secretary Avelino Cruz.

The Philippines is also party to the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States and has been conducting large-scale bilateral military exercises in the country.

The US military has also been providing humanitarian assistance to the Philippines in past disasters that hit the country.

The two countries are major allies in the US-led global campaign against terrorism. – James Mananghaya