Signing of agreement on US troops IRP still a subject of discussions, Palace says

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): Signing of agreement on US troops IRP still a subject of discussions, Palace says

Since discussions on increased rotational presence (IRP) of United States forces in the Philippines are still ongoing, there is no certainty as to whether an agreement will be signed before US President Barack Obama’s visit to Manila this month, Malacanang said Friday.

“Insofar as the Philippines is concerned, they are still in discussions with the US panel,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a Palace media briefing.

“So, whether it will reach the (President Obama’s) visit is not something that we are aware of,” he added.

Lacierda also said that he has yet to be updated as to whether “all the kinks have been ironed out.”

“In the realm of possibilities, it is easy to say 'yes' or 'no.' But it is better for us to have a more -- better for us to be informed as to the status of the discussions,” he said.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte previously noted that the government was in no hurry to sign the IRP agreement before President Obama’s visit to the Philippines later this month.

What was more important, she said, is assuring that what is being discussed and agreed upon conforms with the 1987 Constitution and is under the framework of the existing Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

On another note, Lacierda said that he has yet to receive a complete schedule of the visit of President Obama since it is part of the normal protocol which is for the Department of Foreign Affairs to announce.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. earlier said that there is a high chance that the issue on the disputed parts of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) may be discussed between Presidents Benigno S. Aquino III and Obama.

He, however, noted that there will be other issues that will be tackled since what is involved is a strategic partnership between the two countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632474