Senate approves Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with Australia

The Senate on Tuesday concurred in the ratification of a Status of Visiting Forces between the Philippines and Australia.


Seventeen senators voted to approve Committee Report 165 on Proposed Resolution 788, or “Resolution concurring in the ratification of the Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of Australia concerning the Status of Visiting Forces of each State in the territory of the other State.”


Only Senator Joker Arroyo opposed the resolution.


Malacanang Palace issued this statement on learning of the ratification: "The Senate with an overwhelming 17-1 vote has taken an important step in enhancing our national and regional security by ratifying the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between Australia and the Philippines.


"Long ratified by the Australian Parliament, the SOVFA has been pending in the Senate since 2008. We thank the Senate for this historically significant action."-Interaksyon (July 24, 2012 3:49PM)