ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (MANILA BULLETIN)



ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro is urging the House of Representatives to investigate what she calls the "covert flights" of United States (US) military planes in the Philippines. "These 'covert' flights of US planes all over the country, conducted without even the knowledge of airport authorities, are deeply troubling," Castro, a House deputy minority leader, said in a statement Monday, July 10. "It is clear that the EDCA and VFA have turned the entire Philippines into a de facto US military base, compromising our national sovereignty," reckoned the Makabayan lawmaker. Castro was referring to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)--two military-centric deals entered into by the Philippines and its longtime ally, the US. In seeking a probe on the supposed secret flights, the Minority solon said that these flights may be contributing to the increased presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). "It is possible that these flights are serving as a catalyst for China's assertiveness in the area. The continued presence of US military forces in our country only exacerbates tensions and compromises our ability to assert our own sovereignty," she noted. "We must thoroughly examine the nature and purpose of these flights, as well as the potential consequences they may have on our national security and sovereignty. It is imperative that we take immediate action to protect our country's interests," Castro said. "We cannot allow our nation to be used as a pawn in geopolitical power struggles. It is our duty as representatives of the Filipino people to ensure that our country's interests are protected," she added.