If they build it, we will own it
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert del Rosario AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – All buildings and infrastructure that the United States (US) military will build under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) will be owned by the Philippines upon their completion.
“Under EDCA, before constructions and other activities can be undertaken, prior consent of the Philippines will have to be secured through the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB) which were established under the MDT and the VFA,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said in a statement Monday after the signing of the agreement.
“The AFP base commander will have access to the entire area of the facilities shared with the US military. The Philippines will also own any building and similar infrastructure that will be built by the US military,” he said.
The US and the Philippines signed the 10-year agreement Monday following eight rounds of negotiations over two years.
Militant groups protested the agreement, arguing it would violate the Philippine Constitution’s prohibition against the establishment of bases for foreign troops.
“The Philippines and US signed a defense pact that would further allow de facto US basing in the Philippines,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr., said in a statement Monday.
“No matter how much the US denies it, US troops have been stationed in the Philippines since 2002 under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA),” he said.
Del Rosario said that the EDCA will enhance the self-defense capabilities of the country including the strengthening of maritime security and maritime domain awareness.
“These are valuable components of a responsible and responsive security engagement that will benefit both our countries and peoples, and contribute to regional and international security and stability,” he said.
Del Rosario reiterated that there will be no permanent US bases and that the agreement adheres to the Philippine Constitution.
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