Department of Foreign Affairs building INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is prepared to “explain and defend” the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) between the Philippines and United States (US) should the Supreme Court compel it to do so.
“If the Supreme Court issues an order to submit the agreement to the Senate, then the DFA is prepared to explain and defend it,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in a press conference Tuesday.
Militant groups have expressed their intent to question the defense agreement before the Supreme Court saying that it violates the Constitution.
They also say that the 10-year agreement that allows US troops access to Philippine bases should first be brought before the House of Representatives and Senate for scrutiny.
“It is a clear violation of our Constitution particularly Sections 3 and 7 and possibly Section 8 of Article II. We are also of the position that this is not a mere executive agreement but a treaty and should be scrutinized by the Senate and the House of Representatives,” Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares said in a previous report.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV submitted a resolution on the same day urging the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security to conduct an inquiry on Edca.
RELATED STORIES
Palace points out Joker Arroyo’s misconception on EDCA
What is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and what does it mean for PH?
No mention of China at signing of defense deal
Obama: Allies never stand alone