Aquino approves US use, not ownership, of local military bases

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 2): Aquino approves US use, not ownership, of local military bases

American troops will soon be allowed to use the country’s bases but will not be permitted to establish their own military facility here. 

President Benigno S. Aquino III has given the green light to the proposal of the Department of Defense (DND) to give the United States increased access to the country's military bases, saying this is "a natural circumstance" to achieve a “credible alliance.”

The President, however, made clear that the proposed access agreement with the US troops will not lead to their permanent presence in the country.

At present, Aquino said the country has two strategic partners, the United States and Japan, citing that any military training between forces should be done “within our territory or the allies’ territory.”

“So, it is but the natural circumstance of, if you want a credible alliance, then you will have to have mutual training and that will normally occur within our territory or the allies’ territory,” he added.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier announced the government is drafting an agreement that will provide the United States greater access to the country’s bases. Gazmin clarified though there is no plan for the US troops to establish bases in the country since the Constitution prohibits it.

The proposed access pact is reportedly one of the modalities being discussed for increased rotational presence of US forces in the region.

Some militant groups have criticized the government’s plan to allow increased US presence in the country due to concerns it could violate the country’s sovereignty.

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