President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. should not rush to accept the expanded coverage of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said on Monday, February 13.
Hontiveros made the appeal following Marcos' statement the Philippine government is still studying the possible locations for the additional EDCA sites.
The senator said Marcos should direct the government to build up the defense capabilities of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard as China continues its aggressive bullying in the West Philippine Sea.
"President Marcos should direct government to build up the capacity of our navy and coast guard to operate within the existing regional security framework," Hontiveros said in a statement.
"Additionally, he should not rush to accept the expanded coverage of the EDCA," she stressed.
While she is aware that the administration has agreed to designate four additional EDCA sites in the country, Hontiveros said this should be in close, constant, and active consultation with the local government units (LGUs).
"Residents should also have a say on whether or not they want, or even need, US military presence in their communities," she said.
"Dapat ang mga residente at ang taumbayan ang masunod kasi tayo naman ang lubos na maapektuhan sa mga desisyong ito (The residents and the people should be followed because we are the ones who will be greatly affected by these decisions)," the lawmaker stressed.