NextGen Day

Claims that the Philippines’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation (EDCA) with the United States does not amount to a “gross infringement of our national sovereignty” were dismissed by the Department of National Defense (DND).

“The Supreme Court determined that the EDCA, which is a byproduct of the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty), is lawful. The EDCA Agreed Sites will be jointly administered by the two sides and used by our treaty ally only with our approval and agreement. These are not permanent basing facilities for the US “Over the weekend, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong released a statement.

He also emphasized that the EDCA sites mostly comprise storage facilities, which use less energy because they are only used during drills and emergencies, as well as upgrades to current facilities owned and run by the Philippine Military Forces (AFP).

Additionally, according to Andolong, “the US is subsidizing the building and development of the EDCA Agreed Sites, creating jobs and enhancing the local economies of the areas where the sites are located.”

He also mentioned that the Philippines’ attempts to strengthen their capacity to guarantee their security include enhancements on EDCA sites.

“The DND reiterates that US troops may only enter and use EDCA Agreed Areas at the Philippines’ invitation and that such access and usage are in no way “unhampered” or “unimpeded.” The EDCA Agreed Sites remain under the control and responsibility of the Philippines “The representative for DND emphasized.

Prior to this, the Philippines listed Balabac Island in Palawan, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan, and Naval Station Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, as other EDCA locations.

The US and Philippine military departments announced their plans to expand the EDCA locations in February.

The five EDCA sites that Manila and Washington, D.C. previously chose are Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

The DND representative continued by saying that these EDCA stations are essential for protecting the nation’s borders, responding to disasters, and protecting Filipino fishermen who depend on the country’s vast oceans for their livelihood.

“We urge the public to examine and comprehend the problem from a wider perspective than the narrow assumption that increasing military capacity inevitably leads to war or conflict. Assets and facilities of the AFP have frequently been used to address threats to the security and safety of the Filipino people, including “said he.

Andolong also emphasized that one of the duties of a state like the Philippines is to allocate funds for the improvement of the nation’s defense capabilities and the training of its military personnel.

He also gave the people the assurance that the DND and AFP are using the funds allotted for the nation’s defense posture wisely, which will enable the military to carry out its duties.

“Furthermore, initiatives between the Philippines and the US, particularly those made possible by EDCA, aim to strengthen their relationship. These are not intended to harm any one nation specifically, but rather to modernize our partnership with the US and uphold an Indo-Pacific region that is free, peaceful, and wealthy “Noting, Andolong.

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