MANILA, Philippines — After two former senators marched to the Supreme Court Monday morning demanding that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement be declared unconstitutional, the Department of National Defense fired back and stood its ground.
DND spokesman Peter Galvez maintained the constitutionality of Edca, saying that it falls within the bylaws of the 1987 Constitution.
“We maintain that it’s within the constitution and existing laws,” Galvez said.
Former senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tañada led several other petitioners in asking the high court to issue a restraining order against the implementation of Edca.
“We respect their initiative,” Galvez said. “Nonetheless, we hope they will see the merits and bigger picture on how the Edca will impact our country.”
Galvez added that the “country’s interest has been paramount” during the ratification of Edca.
“We will be cooperating in whatever hearing will be required.”
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