Marcos: MDT between PH-US under negotiation; proposals, requests on EDCA under review

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States of America continues to be “under negotiation and evolution.”

He also said that proposals and requests of the US about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are “under study.”

“The Mutual Defense Treaty is continuously under negotiation and evolution. I always call it an evolution because things are changing,” Marcos told reporters in a chance interview in Quezon City.

Marcos said there had been many requests and proposals from the US about the MDT and the EDCA, and the Philippine government is currently studying it.

“All of that is under study now to see what is really feasible and what will be the most useful for the defense of Philippine territory,” he added.

He said concerns on security and defense were among those tackled issues during his meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris last week.

“By early next year, we will have something more concrete to tell you,” the President said.

During her recent visit to the Philippines, Harris said the attacks made against Philippine forces in the South China Sea would invoke the US’ mutual defense commitments to the Philippines.

JMS