Former BBM executive secretary leads anti-war movement in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez led the peace covenant during the Anti-War Congress in Cebu City last Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, that calls on Filipinos to oppose the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines.

Rodriguez stressed that expansion of the EDCA bases in the Philippines is not aimed for human assistance and relief operations, but a preparation for war against China, which the Filipinos should fight against.

Signed in 2014, the EDCA allows increased US forces in the Philippines with access to the country’s military facilities.

Rodriguez said that currently, there are nine US military bases in the country on record but there could be more.

“You heard me right, no to EDCA. Not EDCA bases but no to US military bases because whether they admit it or not they are here, they have occupied us,” Rodriguez told attendees composed of peace advocates, activists and concerned citizens.

“Hindi totoo na EDCA is for relief assistance and humanitarian response,” he stressed, adding that EDCA is in preparation for war against China, and this should not be allowed.

Rodriguez, the former spokesperson and chief of staff of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., said that every Filipino should be aware of this impending war.

He said that nobody wins in the war, which will only put the Filipinos in disadvantage, especially the youth.

“We love our Filipino youth, we want to protect them and be protected. We want them to live a life that all of us today, at least our generation, have long aspired for,” he said.

“Walang mananalo sa giyera except the US. I have nothing against the Americans pero nakakagalit kapag tinutulak nila tayo sa digmaan na hindi natin gusto,” Rodriguez added.

Instead of going to war against China, Rodriguez said it is best for the Marcos administration to go to war against poverty, corruption, unemployment and inflation, which is a pressing concern of more Filipinos. — (FREEMAN)