No sovereignty issue on additional EDCA sites, DND insists
Published Apr 8, 2023 07:15 am
The Department of National Defense (DND) has rejected arguments that the Philippine government’s decision to allow more locations for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is in violation of the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement, the DND stressed that the EDCA Agreed Locations are not permanent basing facilities for the US, but will be jointly operated by the two sides, and their use by our treaty ally is subject to our permission and mutual agreement.
It added that EDCA sites primarily consist of storage facilities, which require minimum use of utilities since they will only be utilized during exercises and emergencies, and improvements on existing facilities owned and operated by the AFP.
“In addition, the US is funding the construction and development of the EDCA Agreed Locations and, in doing so, is creating jobs and boosting the local economies of the communities where the sites are located,” the statement read.
As such, the DND argued that the Philippines retains sovereignty and responsibility over EDCA Agreed Locations and has therefore, no gross violation of our national sovereignty.
“The Department of National Defense reiterates that access to and use of EDCA Agreed Locations by US personnel is by invitation of the Philippines, and is by no means ‘unhampered’ or ‘unimpeded’,” the statement read.
“The EDCA, which is an offshoot of the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty), was deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court,” it added.
Malacañang earlier announced that there will are four locations that have been considered as "suitable and mutually beneficial" to become additional EDCA sites: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and, Balabac Island in Palawan
The Palace said the four new EDCA sites are expected to boost the country's disaster response.
Several groups, however, assailed the Palace decision citing the laws on sovereignty as it involves US military.
The Chinese government, on the other hand, also criticized the additional EDCA sites and called the decision of the Philippine government “uncalled for”.
But the DND said the Philippines-US activities, including efforts facilitated through EDCA, are intended to enhance the partnership between the Philippines and the US.
“These are not directed against any particular country but to modernize our alliance with the US and maintain a peaceful, free and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” it said.
The department then called on the public to understand then issue beyond the arguments and perception that strengthening the military's capabilities means inviting war or conflict.
“Time and again, the AFP's assets and facilities have been utilized to respond to various threats to the security and safety of the Filipino people. Allocating resources for the development of the country's defense capabilities and the enhancement of the skills of its troops is a part of the functions of a state such as the Philippines,” it said.