House should have role in increased US presence talks – Biazon

Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives should have a role in the talks for increased American forces presence in the country, especially as the lower chamber has the power of the purse, a former Armed Forces chief turned lawmaker said.

Muntinlupa City Representative Rodolfo Biazon said Malacañang should consult with the House if public funds would be used in implementing the “Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation.”

“In the implementation of the agreement, if public funds are used, Congress cannot be ignored because it will be the one to give the budget,” Biazon, who chairs the House committee on national defense and security, said at a news briefing on Tuesday.

Under the Constitution, an appropriated budget originates in the lower chamber.

The lawmaker earlier said the latest defense pact might need Senate’s ratification as its upper counterpart has the sole power to ratify treaties.

Biazon made the statement after the Philippines last Friday agreed to allow US access to the country’s military bases. The new security agreement is under talks by the two allies amid mounting concern over China’s increasing assertiveness in the disputed waters of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

The US used to have military bases in the country until the Senate in 1992 voted to end their lease contracts due to strong anti-American sentiment.

Militant Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares criticized the latest agreement as proof that the Philippines is reverting into an American colony.

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