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Philippines open to troop deal with Germany, Marcos says
Marcos said he saw no disadvantage to a VFA with Berlin, as Manila deepens defense ties with Western allies amid the South China Sea standoff.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday he was open to negotiating a Visiting Forces Agreement with Germany, a move that would expand Manila's network of military-access pacts beyond its current five partners.
Marcos spoke alongside German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is in the country for a three-day state visit. The Philippine leader said the two countries were still far from a formal deal but that engagement in defense and security was deepening.
“Why not? In reality we are way off of that but we are actually increasing our engagement especially in the military, defense, and security areas,” Marcos said. “Perhaps, when the time comes that would be something the Philippines would be very open to. I cannot see any disadvantage to that.”