The Philippine Senate approves on third reading two resolutions concurring with the ratification of Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFAs) with Canada and New Zealand. The Inquirer.net report says Senate Resolution No. 354 covers the Philippines–Canada SOVFA, while a second resolution covers the Philippines–New Zealand SOVFA; both are passed in the Senate on Tuesday.
Inquirer.net adds that the Philippines and Canada signed the SOVFA on November 2, 2025, and that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ratifies it on March 26, 2026. It also notes the Philippines and Canada have had diplomatic relations for 77 years. Philstar.com reports that the Senate ratifies both SOVFAs unanimously, with a 19–0 vote and no objections or abstentions. The outlets align on the Senate’s action and the agreements’ subject, differing mainly on vote details and specific timeline elements for the Canada agreement.
