As history would tell us, the United States of America has occupied the Philippines essentially by using deceit and lies. The Filipinos, who were then yearning to be free from the Spaniards, were enticed by the Americans with their promises of independence and sovereignty. Emilio Aguinaldo himself fell victim to the flowery words being thrown at him by the Americans. Little did we know, however, that America was already negotiating with Spain behind the scenes to gain control over our country. Fast-forward to today and here we are having yet another agreement, which may be detrimental to our country’s hard-fought sovereignty, with the same country who once deceived us. An agreement known as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA.
EDCA is a 10-year military agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. that allows the latter to rotate troops into the Philippines for extended stays. It allows the Americans to build and operate facilities on Philippine bases, for both American and Philippine forces. It is also said that the agreement will help boost the country's defense capability against external threats such as the fast-expanding Chinese presence in disputed parts of the West Philippine Sea. And lastly, it is also believed that the government's humanitarian and relief assistance capabilities will definitely be strengthen with the help of EDCA.
With all these benefits that EDCA promises, one would surely believe that it may indeed be the solution in promoting peace and security in our country. However, a deeper analysis of the terms and provisions of the agreement would tell us how it serves the best interest of the Americans and not ours. It may have marginal advantages for our country but the major advantage will definitely be gained by America. For one, EDCA promises to help in building our country’s defense, yet it does not commit the U.S. to spend in its modernization. It is the Philippine government that will cover the expenses on the upgrading of former U.S. military infrastructures as well as the building of new ones in new sites for the use of U.S. troops. In other words, it is us, the Filipino people, who will be spending for the use and stay of U.S. troops in our facilities. The agreement also increases the number of U.S. military troops in our country and allows them access to all AFP or PNP camps all over the country. Should they commit crimes or violate any Philippine law, they are given protection and special treatment under the terms of the VFA and the EDCA. One good example of this is the killing of Jennifer Laude by Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who received special treatment after being convicted. Lastly, it is also believed that EDCA is mainly motivated by the US strategic re-balancing towards Asia and is therefore in the service of US security and economic interest.
Aside from the fact that the EDCA can be disadvantageous to the Philippines, it also violates our Constitution and, most importantly, undermines our country’s sovereignty as pointed out by the four Supreme Court justices who dissented the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the constitutionality of EDCA. Even constitutionalist, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago stated that a treaty such as the EDCA requires the concurrence of the Senate before it becomes a law. It also violates the constitutional bar to the establishment of U.S. military bases in the country. I acknowledge the fact that the Philippines may not be able to stand alone and will need allies, but that should not be a reason for us to give away our sovereignty and transgress our very own Constitution. Just like what Justice Brion said on his dissenting opinion, “To accord a lesser respect for our own Constitution is to invite America’s disrespect for the Philippines as a co-equal, sovereign and independent nation.” Let us continue the fight to scrap EDCA before our beloved country is turned to a mere U.S. military base. Let us not let history repeat itself.
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