US-Philippines defense deal made public

MANILA, Philippines — The government released late Tuesday the full text of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the increasing demand that it be made public.

The agreement essentially allows American forces to be present on a rotational basis in "agreed locations" within Philippine territory.

The 10-page document consists of a preamble and 12 articles. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the negotiations took eight rounds and lasted almost two years.

The deal was signed hours before US President Barack Obama arrived in Manila on Monday afternoon for his two-day state visit to the Philippines. The agreement was stamped by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg.

The EDCA cites the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement and the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, specifying that any international disputes that both parties may be involved in have to be settled without compromising international peace, security and justice.

Both parties also reiterate in EDCA their commitment under the 61-year-old defense treaty, not to use threat or force.

It also recognizes that the US armed forces can only use Philippines facilities and develop other facilities upon invitation of the host country.

The agreement similarly specifies the type of activities that both militaries can undertake in the country, namely security cooperation exercises, joint and combined training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities, and other joint activities agreed upon by the two governments.

The US, meanwhile, is allowed to use the "agreed locations" without rental and similar costs. The Western power can also construct and improve existing facilities in the areas with the consent of the Philippines.

"United States forces shall cover their necessary operational expenses with respect to their activities at the Agreed Locations," it further states.