Colmenares: Philippines to become 'magnet of attacks' with EDCA

MANILA, Philippines - Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares on Wednesday said that the Philippines may become an easy target of the United States' foes, such as the Islamic State, due the Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Colmenares said in a telephone interview with ANC's Headstart that the petitioners against the agreement are set to file a motion for reconsideration against the ruling of the Supreme Court upholding its constitutionality.

The lawmaker argued that the decision of the high court was not unanimous and that there were dissenting opinions. He insisted that the EDCA should be reviewed by the Senate.

Colmenares expressed his concern that the Philippines would become a "magnet of attacks" due to the presence of US troops in the country.

The agreement would allow US troops to have access to existing Philippine military facilities.

"Ang mga facilities na 'yan will be used to attack the enemies of the United States... We don't want to be involved in the wars of the United States," Colmenares said.

The lawmaker expressed his doubts that the US would help the Philippines against China in connection to the West Philippine Sea dispute.

"Nagtayo na ang China ng airstrip sa West Philippine Sea wala man lang ginawa ang Amerikano," the lawmaker said.

Colmenares suggested that the Philippines seek assistance from the international community instead of the United States.

He added that the Philippines should unite with other countries in the Southeast Asia region who also have territorial disputes with China such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

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Meanwhile, the Philippines and the United States are now set to discuss the full implementation of the agreement following the SC ruling.

Voting 10-4, the high court ruled to uphold the constitutionality of the executive agreement between the two countries.

The SC also ruled that the EDCA is an executive agreement that does not need Senate concurrence.