The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) will address the “creeping aggression” of China over the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea, a lawmaker said Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon said he supports the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the Edca despite petitions to declare it unconstitutional.
“The basic question is do we need Edca? If you ask me, my answer is yes,” Biazon, a former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said.
He said the Edca would not only address the aggression of China but would also address the “aggression on global tourism and man-made disaster.”
Responding to critics who say Edca should be ratified by the Senate, he said the agreement was “not a political issue but a security issue.”
READ: EDCA needs no Senate ratification, says Biazon
He also allayed the fears of the public, saying foreign military would “behave” according to Philippine rules.
“Philippine rules and regulations and Philippine policies will prevail,” he said.
“Meaning they will behave according to our rules,” he said. CDG