Palace sees gains from US' use of local bases

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 11): Palace sees gains from US' use of local bases

Malacañang is eager about the country's potential gains from a proposed greater access of the United States to the local military bases.

The proposal on increased presence of the American troops, which was recently given the green light by President Aquino, will help enhance the capability of Filipino soldiers, according to Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier wrote to leaders of Congress about the imminent negotiations with the United Sates on the proposed access agreement with the US troops. Allowing the US soldiers to have increased rotational presence will supposedly help the country achieve a minimum credible defense to guard its territory.

"We have been pretty straightforward with what we want to achieve when it comes to these talks," Valte said in an interview with DZRB. "The increase, if ever, in the rotational presence would benefit our soldiers because they will have more knowledge and information-sharing when it comes to upgrading our capabilities," she added.

Valte also said the upcoming talks on the larger US access to Philippine military bases would be done strictly under the purview of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

The military pact, forged between the Philippines and the United States in 1998, governs the treatment of US troops visiting the country for joint military exercises. The accord allows the Filipino soldiers access to new defense and security tactics and technologies.

"For all those who are awaiting for it, let us wait for more information as they figure out the modalities on how to implement it," Valte said.

Last month, President Aquino endorsed the proposal of the Department of National Defense to give the US greater access to the country's bases, saying this is "a natural circumstance" to achieve a credible alliance." Aquino however made clear that the proposed greater access pact with the US will not lead to its permeant 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.” 

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