‘Pact with the devil,’ say critics

Militants and a lawmaker cautioned the Aquino government against entering into another agreement with the US on access to US forces and equipment in the Philippines. Both governments began on August 14 the first round of talks on a plan to increase US presence here. It’s a “pact with the devil,” says Akbayan Rep Walden Bello, noting that “the very same sovereignty that we try to protect would be the first casualty.” The militant group Bayan also said it’s naive for the government to think the US will fight with it in case of an armed conflict with China. Americans will always pursue their own interests, the group said.

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