The country's Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States (US) is continuously under negotiation and evolution to see what would be the best for the Philippines' defense.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. gave this clarification on Thursday, Dec.1, following reports that he had ordered a review of the MDT after the visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines last week.
In an interview with reporters, the President said the MDT between the Philippines and the US is under constant review to adapt to the changing environment.
The Philippines and the US signed the MDT in 1951.
"Well, the Mutual Defense Treaty is continuously under negotiation and under evolution. I always call this 'evolution' because things are changing," he said.
According to the President, Americans have been making requests and proposals, particularly for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and they are studying them to see what is better for the country.
"There have been many requests and proposals from the Americans, especially under EDCA. So all of that is under study now to see what is really feasible and what will be the most useful for the defense of Philippine territory," Marcos said.
"Yes. We covered that and many more subjects," he added, referring to his bilateral meeting with Harris in Malacañang last week.
Marcos said the proposals were about the joint exercises, the EDCA, and the use of the country's bases, among others.
"All of these, we're in the middle of that," he said.
Meanwhile, President Marcos ensured that the picture would be clearer in 2023.
"Palagay ko (I believe), by early next year, we'll have something more concrete to tell you," he said.
Last week, Harris said the US would be there for the Philippines if any of the country's armed forces or assets in the disputed West Philippine Sea are attacked.
She added that the relationship between the Philippines and the US is based on "mutual concerns about security for the region" and "upholding international rules and norms."
"As it relates to the Philippines, I will say that we must reiterate, always, that we stand with you in defense of international rules and norms," she said.
"As it relates to the South China Sea, an armed attack on the Philippines' armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US mutual defense commitments, and that is an unwavering commitment that we have to the Philippines," she added.
During his visit to New York in September, President Marcos said Manila's ties with Washington are vital to resolving the issue in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite this, the President said that the Philippines would continue to work with the parties involved and would do everything to resolve the matter peacefully. The Philippines, China, Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam all have claims in the South China Sea.
During his trip to Singapore in September, President Marcos and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a bilateral meeting, called for the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).