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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider '50-50': Dela Rosa skeptical over expanded PH-US EDCA

'50-50': Dela Rosa skeptical over expanded PH-US EDCA

Published Feb 6, 2023 02:56 pm



Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday, February 6 admitted he has qualms regarding the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and United States (US), saying he will study the latest development.



“Masasabi ko, 50-50 ako dyan (I can say I am 50-50 in agreement with that),” Dela Rosa said in an interview at the Senate.

“Bubusisiin natin yan, hindi natin basta-basta ia-accept yan ( We will scrutinize that, we will not just accept it) hook, line and sinker,” the senator said.

Dela Rosa said he agrees that the presence of American troops can be a deterrent against bullying from its own neighbors, especially in the West Philippines Sea (WPS), where it has an ongoing maritime dispute with China.

“They can see that the US is here, ready to help Filipinos, when push comes to shove,” he pointed out.

But Dela Rosa said he is concerned over the possibility the US will not respect the country’s sovereignty, something which was raised as a problem during the time the US forces were in the country’s territory.

“Andito sila sa territoryo natin pero hindi nila nire-respeto yung ating batas, yung ating soberenya (They are here in our territory but they do not respect our laws, our sovereignty),” he recalled.

“Kapag andito sila sa ating territoryo (if they are in our territory, they should) follow our rules,” the senator stressed.

“Andito sila sa ating (They are in our) jurisdiction, (so) sumunod sila sa ating batas (they should follow our laws). Hindi yung may sarili silang (They should not act as if they have a) republic within our own republic.

The lawmaker cited the country’s experience of then Lance Corporal Daniel Smith who was put into trial for a rape case involving a Filipino woman and was later convicted and sentenced to prison.

The Subic rape case, Dela Rosa said highlights the need to ensure that these foreign troops are complying with Philippine laws and respecting the country’s sovereignty.

Nevertheless, he said, he also believes the joint patrols between the Filipino and American troops will also test the degree of dedication and commitment of the US government to help the Philippines should it be attacked by external forces.

“I know right now, kailangang-kailangan natin (ang EDCA). Wala tayong maaasahan (we really need the EDCA. We have no one to rely on) aside from us,” the senator stressed.

“But since they are here, they should be open to our government. If the6 have a soldier who abused or killed a Filipino, they should be subjected to our rules,”

“Hindi pwedeng kukunin na lang nila at dadalhin pabalik sa Amerika dahil citizen nila yun, at meron silang exemption or kung ano man alibi nila. Hindi pwede yun, mananagot sila pag gumawa sila ng krimen dito sa ating bansa (They cannot just get and retrieve their compatriot back to America just because he is a US citizen and they have an exemption or whatever alibi they have. That should not be, they should be prosecuted for the crime they committed in our country,” Dela Rosa reiterated.

Related Tags

Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) bato dela rosa United States Philippines expanded EDCA West Philippine Sea
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