(Photo courtesy of the DND)
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday assured that the Philippines would not allow the United States to launch offensive military operations from any Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site, even if armed conflict erupts in the region.
Speaking in an interview with 105.9 True FM, Teodoro said EDCA facilities are intended primarily for logistical support and cannot be used as launching points for offensive operations.
“Logistics site lang yan at bawal sila maglungsad nang offensive operations magmula sa, hindi lang EDCA site, (kundi) saan mang teritoryo sa Pilipinas kasi bawal sa ating Saligang Batas,” Teodoro said.
The defense chief made the statement when asked whether EDCA facilities could be used by American forces in the event of a military confrontation between China and Taiwan.
Teodoro emphasized that the Philippine Constitution renounces war as an instrument of national policy and that Congress is authorized to declare only the existence of a state of war.
He maintained that offensive military operations cannot be launched from Philippine territory, regardless of whether the facilities are covered by EDCA.
According to Teodoro, the agreement primarily serves the logistical requirements of American forces, whose major military installations in Guam and Honolulu, Hawaii, are located far from the Philippines.
He explained that EDCA sites function as storage facilities for non-lethal equipment and other logistical supplies.
Signed in 2014, EDCA allows Philippine and American troops to conduct joint training activities while permitting the United States to construct facilities and preposition equipment and supplies at designated Philippine military installations.
The agreement initially covered five locations: Cesar Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.
Four additional sites were subsequently identified: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.
Teodoro reiterated that the use of these facilities must remain consistent with Philippine constitutional provisions and the country’s defense arrangements with the United States.
His remarks come amid continuing concerns over regional security and the possibility of heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
