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PM for any hospital discharge problem
abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan
FMJ, Jpn PM tackle US tariffs, China sea aggression
By Nidz Godinoa
“On status of global economy, we discussed tariff measures taken by United States as well as impact felt on multilateral free trade regime and world economy because of reciprocal retaliations seen with United States and China,” Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru said.there are “better solutions” to dire impacts of reciprocal tariffs imposed by United States, as he vowed to listen more to other countries for insights.
At meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ishiba said Japan and Philippines agreed to start talks on security deals that would allow them to provide vital supplies and services and exchange intelligence information as they affirmed importance of rules-based order in the face of China’s aggressive acts in the region.
“Many Japanese companies have been playing role in local economy here in the Philippines… I conveyed to President Marcos that I will listen carefully to voices so that they will be able to bring forth better solutions,” he added.
Ishiba said Japan would also cooperate with Philippines so that it could use “Japanese strengths” to achieve its goal of attaining upper-middle income status.
“I explained that we will work with Philippines in package of cooperations covering telecommunications, AZEC ,Asia zero emission community, energy, mineral resources, infrastructure and disaster risk reduction and others…the President and I agreed to further strengthen our partnership in these areas,” he added.
Ishiba also invited Marcos to attend Osaka Expo 2025, started last April 13 and will run until Oct. 13.
Negotiations on potential Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and security of information deal were among topics discussed during their meeting.
Meeting was one of the highlights of Ishiba’s two-day official visit that seeks to further strengthen strategic partnership between Manila and Tokyo.
“Japan has been of great assistance in helping us achieve our aspiration for peace and friendship with all nations with strength and with integrity… further, we have agreed to start negotiations on Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement,” Marcos said after his bilateral meeting with the Japanese leader.
Ishiba was deeply moved that Japan and Philippines are “now partners closing in on alliance,” noting that the two countries’ bilateral security cooperation has deepened in multilayered way.
“We agreed to start negotiation through ACSA or acquisition and cross servicing agreement…we also confirmed to start government-to-government discussion on potential conclusion of security of information agreement in the future, I’d like to further strengthen communication as well as cooperation with President Marcos,” he said.
ACSA provides framework for reciprocal provision of supplies and services between two militaries.
Marcos and Ishiba announced plans to commence negotiations on ACSA nearly a year after Manila and Tokyo signed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) established procedures for cooperative activities between their armed forces. RAA was designed to facilitate implementation of cooperative activities, such as joint exercises and disaster relief, and improve interoperability between Philippine and Japanese forces.
While they did not mention China, the two leaders emphasized need for rules-based order in the region, continues to be gripped by tensions spawned by longstanding disputes over areas in East and South China seas.
“I look forward to continuing our strengthened strategic partnership with Japan, country that shares our ideals and aspirations of upholding democratic institutions and rules-based international order,” Marcos said.
“I hope that our two nations can continuously communicate with each other to oppose attempts to change status quo in East and South China Seas by force or coercion and to realize free and open Indo-Pacific based on rule of law,” Ishiba said.
China claims practically entire South China Sea while Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims. Hague-based arbitral tribunal voided China’s expansive claim in 2016 but Chinese government refused to recognize ruling.
Like Philippines, Japan is also embroiled in dispute with China as both countries claim ownership of Senkaku Islands in East China Sea.
Meanwhile, first of five new 97-meter patrol ships purchased from Japan are expected to arrive in late 2027, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, commandant of PCG, provided update on purchase contract during visit of Admiral Seguchi Yoshio of Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) to PCG headquarters.
Soon-to-be-delivered vessel would be similar to BRP Teresa Magbanua, he said. “We would be buying five more ships from Japan, same class as BRP Teresa Magbanua. This is one of the flagship projects of President Marcos,” Gavan said.
Gavan recalled when PCG was separated from Philippine Navy in 1998, Japan was first country to help in development of PCG, particularly in the aspect of human resources. Up to now, JCG has been organizing trainings for PCG officials and personnel.
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