Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 21) — The Philippines has no discussions with the US government on increasing the number of military sites for American troops in the country, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said.
“There was no discussion, no specific discussions. There is nothing on my table to increase the number of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) facilities on Philippine bases,” he said during a briefing on Thursday.
“You can’t bite more than what you can chew… We gotta make things work first before expanding. A lot of conglomerates have fallen because of too quick an expansion without being able to absorb the capability to sustain,” the defense chief added.
When asked what assets would be deployed on the sites, Teodoro said that the US government must “follow the Philippine law, it’s clearly defined in the EDCA agreement.”
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In April, Malacañang allowed the addition of four new EDCA sites, bringing the total number to nine.
China sounded an alarm, saying this may draw the Philippines into its rising conflict with Taiwan.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte even warned that China would “target” the Philippines amid the US’ expanded military presence in the country.
READ: Duterte warns: Beijing to ‘target’ PH if US-China tensions ignite war
However, government officials maintained that the EDCA sites were meant to boost Filipino troops’ capability and enhance the country’s response efforts to disasters and natural calamities.
