THE Senate on Tuesday concurred with the ratification of two separate visiting forces agreement resolutions allowing the Philippines to pursue joint military activities with Canada and New Zealand (NZ) respectively. 548 and 549, the chamber ratified the Philippines’ Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with the two countries, which seek to enhance Manila’s military capacity through joint training with Canada and New Zealand. The SOVFA with the two countries also laid the legal framework for when exercises with military troops from Canada and New Zealand are being held in the Philippines and vice versa. Senator Rafael T. Tulfo, author of Senate Bill No. 2116, said the measure will aid in ensuring maritime and environmental safety at sea through providing the PCG with legal authority and administrative independence.