Senators grilled defense and foreign affairs officials on the recently expanded EDCA, exacting a commitment from them that the pseudo-basing agreement will not in any way dilute the efforts to modernize the Philippine Armed Forces. Know more:
SENATORS on Wednesday grilled defense and foreign affairs officials on the recently expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement , exacting a commitment from them that the pseudo-basing agreement will not in any way dilute the efforts to modernize the Philippine Armed Forces, nor change any part of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.
Modernization, she stressed, should be the primary goal in the EDCA’s implementation, besides disaster preparedness, maritime security and counterterrorism. “Are we going to just rely on foreigners to defend us while our armed forces remain neglected, outdated . . .and completely abject in the face of any external threats?” Marcos asked in mixed Filipino and English.
“When we are discussing with our counterparts, the end product is an annex to EDCA, so we don’t even attempt to change the terms of EDCA, this is just an annex to be cleared…we are making the commitment that no matter how extensive the discussions are, there will be no attempt, desires, or intention to change any word in EDCA or the agreement,” Pimentel said.
Gatchalian wondered whether the four EDCA sites are really strategic for the Philippines and the Filipino people and not strategic for the United States.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Senators grill Galvez, DND on new EDCA sites choiceSenators on Wednesday quizzed Defense officials about the choice of four new military bases that American troops can access under
Read more »
No written agreement yet on new Edca sites, senators toldMANILA, Philippines—The Philippines and the Unites States have no written agreement yet on four new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), senators learned on
Read more »
Northern Luzon 'not vulnerable': Senators question choice of new EDCA sites'I don’t feel very vulnerable. Our fishermen in Cagayan and the Ilocos seas are not being harassed by anyone,' says Senator Imee Marcos, who hails from northern Luzon.
Read more »
Amid furor over EDCA sites,China’s FM coming to PHL | Malou Talosig-BartolomeCHINA’S State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang is flying to Manila over the weekend for an official visit, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said. This will be Qin’s first visit to Manila since he became foreign minister in December 2022, after replacing Wang Yi who was promoted director…
Read more »
6 EDCA projects with US to be completed in 2023 —ManaloDepartment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief Enrique Manalo on Wednesday said six of the 16 projects in the five initial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations would be completed this year.
Read more »
Sen. Marcos on Edca sites: Why do we rely on foreigners to defend us?Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday said it appears that the government is now relying on “foreigners” for its external defense following the approval of four more Edca sites in the country. | JEMendozaINQ
Read more »