Miriam: Noy can be impeached over EDCA

MANILA, Philippines - The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States could be a ground to impeach President Benigno Aquino III, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said Thursday.

Santiago, chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, said Aquino can be held accountable for impeachable offenses by agreeing to the EDCA, a 10-year deal that allows greater American military presence in the country.

"These are culpable violations of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust, for allowing a foreign government to maintain military bases without Senate concurrence," the senator said.

Earlier this year, the House of Representatives justice committee junked an impeachment complaint filed against Aquino over the EDCA.

Santiago explained that the constitutional prohibits foreign military bases, troops, or facilities in the country, except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate.

She said the EDCA allows the maintenance of military bases in the country, which cannot be done without the approval of the Senate.

"Contrary to the claim that the EDCA does not involve the establishment of military bases, the EDCA gives the US rights of possession, control, and use over areas of Philippine territory described as 'Agreed Locations," she said. "These rights amount to the maintenance of military bases in the Agreed Locations."

Santiago said she will hold a public hearing on the EDCA on December 1, to pass upon whether the Senate should concur with the defense deal.

The hearing will also determine if the EDCA is necessary, beneficial and practical.

"The Constitution is categorical. It requires Senate concurrence whether the document is called a treaty or any other international agreement," the senator said.

The senator said the Senate can conduct its own hearing even if a petition against the constitutionality of EDCA is pending before the Supreme Court.

"Under the Senate Rules, no proceeding before any government agency can inhibit the Senate from conducting its own proceedings," she said.