Drilon assures no permanent US bases in PH

From ABS-CBN (Dec 5): Drilon assures no permanent US bases in PH

Senate President Franklin Drilon assured there would be no permanent basing of American troops here as a result of a framework agreement the Philippines is discussing now with the US government.

"I have briefed [US Ambassador Philip Goldberg] on the necessity of a treaty [if] it would involve permanent basing. Our discussion clearly involved there would be no permanent basing here. And as emphasized by Ambassador Goldberg, it would be beyond the military aspect of the relationship, meaning [it will also cover] the aspect on the humanitarian and relief readiness,” he said.

Goldberg told reporters that the immediate plans of the American government for the Philippines have been dominated by the relief efforts and the ongoing rehabilitation stage. The US has already committed around $60 million for the relief efforts.

He explained that the discussion between him and Drilon was also in the context of humanitarian assistance.

"[The increased rotational presence can] help in the areas of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, being able to preposition supplies, being able to do things that will help here in working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines…Everyone saw that the first stage of disaster relief is often the military, then we move to the civilian side,” he said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/05/13/drilon-assures-no-permanent-us-bases-ph