No written agreement yet on new Edca sites, senators told

FILE PHOTO

MANILA,  Philippines—The Philippines and the Unites  States have no written agreement yet on four new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), senators learned on Wednesday.

During the hearing of the Senate committee on foreign relations, panel head Senator  Imee Marcos pressed topped foreign and defense officials to disclose details about the new Edca locations identified by Malacanang last month.

Marcos noted that as early as February, Philippines and US officials were discussing about the new locations but lamented that until now it could not furnish the committee a copy of the terms of reference (TOR).

Foreign Affairs Secretary  Enrique Manalo reiterated that the two parties have yet to discuss the TOR of the new sites while  Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. cited an existing standard operating procedures (SOP) under the Edca as basis  of the additional locations.

When Marcos asked for a specific document, Galvez  answered that the SOP is a document though it would still require “further legal basis.”

“You are therefore telling us that we are adding sites without any document in hand,” the senator said.

Manalo explained that under  Edca, the agreed locations may be listed in an annex to be appended to the agreement.

“Before they are listed in the annex, it would have to be  subject to an exchange of notes between the Philippines and the United states,” the Department of Foreign Affairs chief  said.

The Philippines, he said, is still discussing the substance of the exchange of notes with the US.

“But once we agree on the exchange of notes on the new sites that would then be included in the annex on the new sites,”  Manalo further explained.

This explanation has baffled Marcos.

“Despite the many announcements, we’ve not agreed or have we agreed? We’ve agreed in sentiment and in principle is that correct but we’ve not agreed in writing therefore it’s not binding?” the senator asked.

Manalo reiterated that once the two parties agree on the exchange of notes, then it would be reflected in the annex of the agreement.

“As far  as the four new sites are concerned, there’s no written  agreement contained in an annex of the Edca,” Marcos  then pointed out.

“Yes, Madam chair,” Manalo answered.

At present, he said, there are no activities in the new Edca locations  pending the approval of an exchange of  notes between the Philippines and the US.

JPV