The Philippines and Australia formally signed a renewed bilateral Defense Cooperation Arrangement (DCA) on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Eva Macapagal Cruise Terminal, Pier 15, Manila South Harbor, according to the Department of National Defense (DND).
Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Marc Innes-Brown signed the Arrangement, witnessed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Renewed Arrangement Follows 30 Years of Implementation
The DND said the renewed DCA follows 30 years of effective implementation of the original 1995 DCA between the two countries. The renewed DCA provides a basis for further enhancing defense engagements and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, building on existing bilateral arrangements.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Secretary Teodoro said the new arrangement will streamline the coordination process under the Philippines-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).
"It will make things much, much faster and easier. Rather than 100 steps to do a single thing, it will just now take 10. And it will be more purposive and not ad hoc," Teodoro said.
Groundwork Laid in August 2025
The DCA builds on a Statement of Intent on Enhanced Defense Cooperation signed by Secretary Teodoro and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles on August 22, 2025. The statement recognized the need for an updated framework to reflect the breadth, depth, and growing importance of defense cooperation between the two countries.
The statement recognized the need for an updated framework amid an increasingly complex regional security environment.
Signing Timed to ASEAN Summit and Diplomatic Milestone
The signing took place ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit, which the Philippines is hosting in its capacity as ASEAN Chair. The timing also coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia, marking eight decades of longstanding ties and cooperation.
Photo credit: Department of National Defense