Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
EDCA is a two-sided coin with its disadvantages outweighing its benefits.
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA is a bilateral pact that serves as an advancement of the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. This became effective on April 28, 2014 and is classified as an Executive Agreement by both Philippines and US government. (Thayer, 2014)
According to Foreign Affairs Secretary, Albert del Rosario, EDCA was originally titled as Increased Rotational Presence Framework Agreement and the change in title reflected the desire of our country and the US for a more comprehensive agreement that will cover the full range of enhanced defense cooperation. (Mangosing & Santos, 2014)
National Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo F. Batino, in an interview with Rappler.com, said this pact is needed in modernizing our poorly armed and “less-skilled” Armed Forces by providing joint-military exercises between Filipino and American soldiers. He also said that with this agreement, AFP will have a better access to U.S. military equipment and a greater ability in responding to humanitarian operations. “Under EDCA, there is a provivion (Article V) stating that from the time the new facilities introduced by the US – of course, with the consent of the AFP using US money – would already be [a] Philippine government property,” he added.
The Aquino government has also been pointing to the increased territorial dispute with China over conflicting claims to Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands to justify the need for this agreement.
National Defense Secretary Voltaire even stated in one of his speeches that “EDCA will help the Philippines strengthen its military capabilities for external and territorial defense most especially now that the country is experiencing increasing challenges. The agreement…does not only manifest deepened relationship between Philippines and US, but, it serves as a framework for
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA is a bilateral pact that serves as an advancement of the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. This became effective on April 28, 2014 and is classified as an Executive Agreement by both Philippines and US government. (Thayer, 2014)
According to Foreign Affairs Secretary, Albert del Rosario, EDCA was originally titled as Increased Rotational Presence Framework Agreement and the change in title reflected the desire of our country and the US for a more comprehensive agreement that will cover the full range of enhanced defense cooperation. (Mangosing & Santos, 2014)
National Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo F. Batino, in an interview with Rappler.com, said this pact is needed in modernizing our poorly armed and “less-skilled” Armed Forces by providing joint-military exercises between Filipino and American soldiers. He also said that with this agreement, AFP will have a better access to U.S. military equipment and a greater ability in responding to humanitarian operations. “Under EDCA, there is a provivion (Article V) stating that from the time the new facilities introduced by the US – of course, with the consent of the AFP using US money – would already be [a] Philippine government property,” he added.
The Aquino government has also been pointing to the increased territorial dispute with China over conflicting claims to Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands to justify the need for this agreement.
National Defense Secretary Voltaire even stated in one of his speeches that “EDCA will help the Philippines strengthen its military capabilities for external and territorial defense most especially now that the country is experiencing increasing challenges. The agreement…does not only manifest deepened relationship between Philippines and US, but, it serves as a framework for
References: Avendano, C. (2014). Edca challenged in Supreme Court: Tañada, Saguisag among 10 petitioners. Retrieved September 24, 2014. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/105126/former-senators-ask-sc-to-declare-edca-unconstitutional Beech, H Full-text of 1987 Philippine Constitution. Retrieved September 24, 2014. http://www.chanrobles.com/philsupremelaw2.html#.VCOuweNdWSp Lopez, V