Obama: US won't reclaim, establish bases in PHL - GMA News

PNoy, Obama to discuss mutual defense pact. US President Barack Obama talks with President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang on Monday, April 28. Obama is in the Philippines for a two-day state visit. The two leaders are expected to discuss the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which was signed by Philippine and US officials hours before Obama's arrival. Reuters/Larry Downing

A few hours after the US and the Philippines signed a new defense deal, US President Barack Obama clarified that they will not be reclaiming or establishing any military bases in the country.

During a joint press conference with President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang, Obama said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed earlier in the day will only rotate US troops in Philippine facilities.

Obama said this is so that they can train and work together to build the defense capability of both countries.

EDCA

Finalized after eight rounds of talks that began in August 2013, the new accord grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and pre-position equipment, aircraft and vessels.

But the pact rules out permanent basing, as the Philippine Constitution bans foreign military bases in the country unless covered by a treaty.

A fact sheet provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the pact has an initial term of 10 years and was signed as an executive agreement within the scope of the Visiting Forces Agreement that had been ratified by the Philippine Senate in 1999.

The DFA added that there is no definite number on the visiting US troops, adding that their presence will depend on the scale and frequency of activities approved by the two governments.

Read: Highlights of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

— RSJ, GMA News

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