President Marcos expressed willingness to establish a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Germany amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, highlighting expanded military and security engagements.
During a joint press conference with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Malacañang Palace on June 16, 2026, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines is open to entering into a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Germany. Recognizing the current geopolitical volatility, Marcos emphasized the importance of forging broad partnerships and alliances to achieve stability. He noted, “We are increasing our engagements, especially in military, defense, and security areas,” and expressed that when the timing is appropriate, the Philippines would warmly entertain negotiations for a VFA with Germany, seeing no apparent disadvantages to such an agreement.
Steinmeier’s state visit to the Philippines seeks to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors including defense, peacebuilding, maritime affairs, trade, climate change, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges. The Philippines has existing defense partnerships governed by Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFAs) or equivalent arrangements with countries like the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, and France. These agreements provide legal frameworks for foreign troops to temporarily conduct activities within Philippine territory, addressing jurisdiction, logistics, and cooperation protocols.
Marcos reminded that the 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits permanent foreign military bases or activities without Senate concurrence on treaties, and noted ongoing efforts such as the SOVFA with New Zealand, which is pending congressional ratification. The President underscored the challenge of balancing stability, strength, and agility through multilateralism, noting the interconnectedness of global affairs.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/991630/philippines-germany-agreement-forces-vfa/story/
