US, Phl expected to discuss equipment sharing

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino and American officials are expected to discuss the joint use of US equipment when they resume talks on a deal granting US forces greater access to Philippine bases.

A statement from the Department of National Defense said the third round of negotiations for the increased rotational presence of US troops will be held today in Washington.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta said the duration of the agreement and joint use of equipment are among the issues that are still under discussion.

“Hopefully, the two sides will be able to come to an understanding with regard to these important aspects of the framework agreement,” he said.

Sorreta, spokesman for the Philippine panel, said the two countries have yet to agree on the duration of the framework agreement on the increased rotational presence.

“The Philippines is looking at a much shorter duration as opposed to the 20 years that characterize similar agreements of the US with other countries,” he said.

Sorreta said details of the arrangement for the joint use of equipment have yet to be crafted.

“It is clear to both sides that there will no basing for US troops and defense equipment,” he said. “What we will see is a minimal support of personnel and as such, no dependents will be allowed.”

Sorreta leads the Philippine panel comprised of Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III and Defense Assistant Secretary Raymund Quilop.

Heading the US panel is State Department senior negotiator for military agreements Eric John and consists of State Department Attorney Advisor Elizabeth Jones, Brig. Gen. Joaquin Malavet, and Capt. Greg Bart.

The first round of negotiations was held in Manila last Aug. 14 and focused on key features of the agreement like its working title, preamble, objectives and scope of discussions.

Previous reports said the deal increasing US presence in the county could last up to 20 years.

Another key issue up for discussion is the mechanism for monitoring of military equipment that the US will bring.

The Philippines and the US have adopted a policy of increased rotational presence amid China’s recent aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.