The Philippines and Japan will activate their landmark Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) on Aug. 22, further strengthening defense cooperation as both countries seek closer security coordination amid growing regional tensions.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi formalized the agreement’s entry into force by exchanging diplomatic notes during their meeting in Manila on July 23.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ACSA will officially take effect on Aug. 22, 2026.
The agreement will allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces to exchange logistics support and services-including food, fuel, water and other essential supplies-making it easier for the two militaries to operate together during joint exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions.
The activation of the ACSA marks another milestone in the two countries’ expanding security partnership as they prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations.
During their meeting, Lazaro and Motegi reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed to further strengthen defense and diplomatic cooperation.
The ACSA complements other bilateral security arrangements, including the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which provides the legal framework for the deployment of military personnel for joint training and other activities, and Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, under which Tokyo provides defense equipment such as coastal radar systems to the Philippines.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional security issues, particularly developments in the South China Sea, and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional and international concerns.
‘They also exchanged views on future cooperation between Japan and ASEAN as well as regional and international affairs such as issues concerning the South China Sea, and confirmed that they would continue coordinating closely,’ Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The ministers said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to serve as the framework for expanding bilateral cooperation in defense, diplomacy and other areas of mutual interest.
Japan also reaffirmed its continued support for the Philippines through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program.