Philippines’ Marcos says open to military access pact with Japan


Marcos Jr meeting Kishida (right) during his visit to Tokyo on Feb 9. - Reuters

MANILA (Bloomberg): Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said he’s open to a potential reciprocal military access agreement with Japan if it would protect the country’s fishermen and its maritime territory.

"I don’t see why we should not adopt it,” Marcos said, according to a transcript of his interview with reporters on his flight back on Sunday (Feb 12) from a five-day official visit to Japan. The Philippines is studying if the potential pact will indeed help the country and won’t intensify tensions in the South China Sea.

5.5 PAYDAY OFFER: 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.04/month

Billed as RM 9.04 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Philippines , Japan , military , agreement

Next In Aseanplus News

Over US$6.6mil lost by Singapore-based firm in business e-mail scam recovered by police
Japan, Philippines to launch working-level destroyer export talks
Indonesia warns of high waves up to 4 metres
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (May 5, 2026)
Singaporean man allegedly linked to Cambodia scam ring arrested; two more Singaporean suspects wanted
Ultra-low-priced tours exploiting mainland Chinese visitors survive despite crackdown
Thailand's manufacturing sector growth slows in April as West Asia conflicts bites
Korean man who killed teen in Gwangju says he committed crime while contemplating suicide
Thai hot-shots Buriram United relishing hot semis against Malaysian super-heavyweights JDT in Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup
Daniel Wu's wife Lisa S hits back at age-shaming posts and ‘broke’ claims after return to spotlight

Others Also Read