EDCA: Philippines Security Upgrade

The Philippine government has a duty to protect the right to security of its citizen. This security is designated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Article 4 of the 1987 Constitution provides that “The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be composed of a citizen armed force which shall undergo military training and serve as may be provided by law. It shall keep a regular force necessary for the security of the State.[1]” Yet, the military forces in the country is not yet fully equipped and advanced in their machinery to fulfill their constitutional duty to secure the state from state security threat. On that sense, the Government entered into an agreement with the United States which is known as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which is envisioned to advance the implementation of the Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT)[2].  

EDCA is designed to promote interoperability, capacity building towards AFP modernization, strengthening AFP for external defense, maritime security, maritime domain awareness and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).[3] Definitely this is intended to undertake additional cooperation by way of (1) Construction of facilities and infrastructure upgrades; and (2) Storage and prepositioning of defense and HADR equipment, supplies and material.[4] Provided with this benefits the Philippines will strengthen its capabilities for external and territorial defense by continuing to work with its treaty ally in a mutually beneficial way in line with what is allowed by the Philippine Constitution.[5] We could say that this agreement does not violate the constitution in fact it protects and promote the right to life and liberty to a secure and developed community which is beneficial to every ‘Juan’.

 One word to describe this agreement between Philippines and United States is ‘development’. Who would not want the progress that it would contribute to the country. This agreement does not violate the independence of the country, but it is strategically forming a much upgraded independent country. EDCA will not establish a permanent military presence or base in the Philippines because this will just last for a period of 10 years which can be terminated anytime upon the clause provided in the agreement. Just open your mind to this possibility of advancement. This kind of change or transformation equates with the country’s security upgrade. Support the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.    

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[1] Article III Section 4 of 1987 Philippine Constitution

[2] http://www.gov.ph/2014/04/28/qna-on-the-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement/

[3] http://www.gov.ph/2014/04/28/qna-on-the-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement/

[4] http://www.gov.ph/2014/04/28/qna-on-the-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement/

[5] http://www.gov.ph/2014/04/28/qna-on-the-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement/