PH in talks with allies for greater access to bases

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 8): PH in talks with allies for greater access to bases

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario disclosed that efforts are being taken to schedule meetings with officials from the United States and Japan to discuss plans of allowing access of their war assets to the country's existing military bases.

"We're trying to do it as soon as we can, as early as we can," del Rosario told reporters at the sidelines of the celebration of the 46th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Wednesday night at the National Museum.

"I think if we're talking about access we need to discuss the modalities and parameters," he added. "That's something that we need to start doing, starting with the US."

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier announced that the Philippines will not build new air and naval bases, but simply allow access to the US, Japan and other allies to the country's military bases.
   
Gazmin said the government is still preparing the access agreement, adding that if the agreement is done, then the Philippines will allow access of US and Japanese war assets to Philippine bases. He said the former US naval base in Subic, Zambales province, was among the bases being considered to be covered by the access agreement.

He said Japan is welcomed to have joint military exercises with the Philippines. But Japanese troops cannot step on Philippine soil without a visiting forces agreement between the two countries, he said.

Malacañang defended the access plan, saying the country was free to do anything within its territory.

http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/26199/PH_in_talks_with_allies_for_greater_access_to_bases_#.UgRXZo7D9jo