EDCA : The return of U.S. Military Bases

                What is Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement? EDCA is an agreement between the Philippines and the United States which envisioned advancing the implementation of the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty.

                It is clearly stated in the agreement that the purpose of EDCA is to modernize the capacity of AFP in dealing future disputes with other countries. In my own point of view, the other country that the agreement is pertaining to is, China. Nowadays, we are dealing with territorial issues with China, EDCA will serve as a way to enhance our capacities and to add protection for our country with the help of the U.S. Armed Forces.

                But, does the agreement also entail the return of the U.S. Military Bases in our country?  Remember that sometime on 1991, when Mount Pinatubo  erupted, the Subic Military Base did not remain operational. Which resulted to the American withdrawal plans and broke down the issues of the U.S. Military's storing nuclear weapons in the base area. On the 27th December 1991, President Aquino issued a formal notice for the U.S. Military to vacate the area by the end of 1992.

                 From then on, the Subic Area was converted into a business central, where the courier and manufacturing companies which are owned by foreign countries was built. The economy of Subic has generally flourished since the U.S. Military Departure.

                    Militant groups however contested that upon the implementation of the EDCA , there is a huge possibility that the U.S. Military Bases will return and that will affect the economy of our country and issues regarding increase of crime rate will also arise. However, the agreement is very clear on this matter. It was stated that the US is not allowed to create or build a permanent military bases in the Philippine territory. The EDCA does not authorize the establishment of military bases. It  allows U.S. military to access only to Agreed Locations.

                   There are many issues involving EDCA, its constitutionality, implementations, benefits, etc. Buts despite of it all, I am still in favor of this agreement. We will never know, maybe this will be the way to improve not only the system and economy of our country , but as well as its resources.


[1] http://www.gov.ph/2014/04/28/qna-on-the-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement/
[2]http://thediplomat.com/2014/05/analyzing-the-us-philippines-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement/
[3]newsinfo.inquirer.net/597859/what-is-the-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement-and-what-does-it-mean-for-ph