MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines said Saturday it would not rush to complete a defense accord with the United States just so it could be sealed by the time President Barack Obama comes to visit next month.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesperson, Herminio Coloma, said there was no timetable to complete the agreement which would allow more US troops and equipment access to the Philippines.
The agreement, which the two close allies have been discussing for several years, is seen as part of a Philippine effort to counter China’s aggressive moves to back its claims to most of the South China Sea.
Asked by reporters if the accord would be completed before Obama’s visit, Coloma said, “The government’s priority is not with a timetable or with rushing something.”
“In our view, it is not deadlines but the quality and content of the agreement that is more worthy of attention,” he added.
Observers believed the agreement would be completed ahead of Obama’s visit to the Philippines.
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