MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippine government has no plans to grant the United States access to additional military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
The agreement, signed in 2014, allows the US military to utilize designated Philippine installations for various purposes.
Initially encompassing five sites, additional locations were granted access in February last year, sparking criticism from China due to their strategic locations.
Despite tensions in the South China Sea, Marcos emphasized that the additional installations would primarily serve disaster response and humanitarian operations.
The President’s remarks followed a recent summit among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, where discussions on the South China Sea dispute took precedence.
The Philippines remains a vital ally for the US in the region, with commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty reiterated by US President Joe Biden during the summit.
Marcos affirmed that the treaty would be invoked in the event of an attack against Philippine interests.
Last year’s expansion of EDCA reflects efforts to strengthen ties amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.
Marcos emphasized the importance of honoring agreements between the Philippines and the US regardless of political changes, highlighting the enduring nature of their partnership.
(El Amigo(MNM)
