A Precursor to EDCA

I was still young when the US Naval Base in Olongapo and US Air Force Base in Clark Pampanga were closed and its administration were transferred to the government of the Philippines. It was an important milestone to Philippine in the international arena. With big pride and conviction, we were able to tell the world that we are independent, we can stand on our own, we are not anymore a colony of Uncle Sam and our sovereignty is absolute and unqualified.

However, six years later, we resume that close military ties with Uncle Sam, the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) was signed, and US militaries again frequently visited our country to take part on various military operations. The VFA also outlined the other different benefits and special treatment of Filipinos visiting the United States. This is not just a regressive move to our direction to minimize Uncle Sam’s tremendous influence on every aspect of Filipino life, but a red flag to the international community that our government, and our country, is not equipped enough to defend its sovereignty.

The VFA’s adverse effect to Filipino social norms may not be quite imminent, but the various crimes, tragedies and discrimination complaints that indirectly implicated US military officers, which until now not any one US military officer has been convicted, clearly signifies that the VFA serves as blankets to the illegality and immorality being done by some US military officers.Now, another military agreement has been signed between the Philippines and United States – the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreemet or the EDCA.

According to the Philippine government’s website, the EDCA is an agreement between the Philippines and the United States which is envisioned to advance the implementation of the Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). In addition to the current Balikatan exercise, joint humanitarian efforts and undertaking disaster relief operations, EDCA is aimed to undertake additional cooperation by way of (1) Construction of facilities and infrastructure upgrades; and (2) Storage and re-positioning of defense and HADR equipment, supplies and material.

Now, only few people are questioning the substance of its provisions. More attention has been given to strike out EDCA for being unconstitutional upon its enactment. Protagonists of this agreement alleged that the President committed an impeachable offense by approving a treaty agreement with a foreign body that indirectly aimed in establishing foreign military bases, troops, or facilities in the Philippines. The previously mentioned acts is in violation of Section 21, Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

The EDCA, how noble may be its purpose, is highly susceptible to abuse. The government may have been induced to enter into this agreement to avail of the US protection against the Chinese government on the disputed islands. But the end, does not justify the means.

In view of the recent events, coolness and nationalism should prevail. How balanced and reciprocal may be the provisions of bilateral agreements, one party should gain more benefit with the other. Constitutionalists, members of the Congress, the Judiciary and the executive department should work hand-in-hand to give our country the most beneficial side without resorting to downgrading Filipino pride and infringing individual rights.