New AFP Chief says country needs EDCA implementation urgently

From AngMalaya (Jul 26): New AFP Chief says country needs EDCA implementation urgently

“If [Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement] is delayed, we might not be able to respond immediately if there are strong typhoons. We want to pre-position HADR [humanitarian assistance and disaster response] equipment, airplanes and boats. There will be a big effect if we do not [implement it],” said Armed Forces Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang defending EDCA.

The military chief emphasized that the country needs it as soon sa possible. “It’s really urgent. It is really urgent. And it should be implemented as soon as possible.”

Catapang also said the Supreme Court, who recently declared DAP as unconstitutional, has the final say on EDCA’s constitutionality.

“This is a free country. You can talk. You can file cases and hopefully it will be decided upon by the Supreme Court. We’ll just await the Supreme Court decision.”

Before the week ends, another impeachment complaint was filed by militant groups against Aquino, this time, using EDCA. According to them EDCA violated the constitution and Aquino commits betrayal of public trust.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/26/2579-new-afp-chief-says-country-needs-edca-implementation-urgently