MANILA, Philippines – Rappler talks to Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, head of the Philippine panel for the negotiations with the United States on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
After United States President Barack Obama declared an “ironclad” commitment to defend the Philippines against attacks, all eyes are now on the defense deal between the Philippines and the United States.
The defense deal is a 10 year-agreement. It means more American troops, more facilities that Americans will construct inside existing Philipine military bases, and more US ships, aircraft, and other military assets.
The Philippines, under the EDCA, is going to be an arsenal for US weaponry for the next 10 years.
Some lawmakers past and present, like former Senator Joker Arroyo, say the deal was rushed, and the Philippines got “zero” from it. The EDCA was also criticized for its lack of transparency.
What does the Philippines stand to gain from the defense agreement?
Watch the interview.
– Rappler.com
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