The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between the Philippines and Japan took effect less than a year after the reciprocal access pact between the two countries entered into force last year.

In a statement, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the agency welcomed the new deal that entered into force last August 22.

"Signed in January this year, the ACSA framework further strengthens our operational cooperation through the efficient and coordinated provision of supplies and services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, which will greatly impact our bilateral activities including exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster response," he said.

"This agreement also demonstrates the practical application of our comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan, characterized by mutual trust and our aspiration for a free and open Indo-Pacific region," Andolong added.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said that as ACSA entered into force, "Japan and Philippines take another step forward in strengthening practical cooperation, mutual trust and comprehensive strategic partnership for regional peace, prosperity and stability".

The Philippines and Japan exchanged diplomatic notes for the entry into force of ACSA on July 23, 2026.

The ACSA which establishes a framework such as the settlement procedures for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will also promote closer cooperation between the two forces.

ACSA took effect almost a year after the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the two nations was implemented on September 11, 2025. Robina Asido/PHS