PH eyes tripartite pact with...

Minister Fumio Kishida earlier agreed to beef up Manila and Tokyo's defense and security relations.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a statement Marcos and Kishida have "concurred to advance consideration to promote cooperation in defense equipment and technology as well as trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States and the Philippines."

In a joint statement on Friday, February 10, the two leaders resolved to "increase the defense capabilities of their own countries, and further strengthen overall security cooperation."

This will entail strategic reciprocal port calls and aircraft visits, the transfer of more defense equipment and technology, continuous cooperation on previously-transferred defense equipment, and capacity building, the embassy said.

Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, chairman of the Committee on Defense and Security, acknowledged that the proposed trilateral alliance is rooted in mutually beneficial partnerships.

However, he pointed out that the government must first ensure the responsibility of protecting and promoting the country's national interest.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, vice chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, said the Senate should be given the opportunity to fine-tune the dynamics of such an arrangement while recognizing the role of the president in setting the country's security and foreign relations agenda.

"While this is not a Seato (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization)a-like structure, I support its genesis," he said in a statement, referring to the group created in 1955 to thwart communist gains in the region but was dissolved in 1977 due to

Soriano urged the government to raise or totally lift the deployment cap. Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople previously reported that the government is currently studying the possibility of raising the deployment cap for HCWs. g withdrawals and waning interest of members.

Marcos and Kishida also welcomed the signing of the terms of reference concerning the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Activities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in the Philippines, and agreed to continue finding ways to carry out joint exercises between their countries.

They also agreed to further advance cooperation in economic security, cybersecurity and other fields.

Kishida said Japan intends to continue supporting the institution of an autonomous government in Bangsamoro in ways commensurate to the peace process, and to extend cooperation in the Sulu–Celebes Seas and the surrounding areas. Marcos expressed his deep appreciation for Japan's continued support to the Mindanao peace process. g