Despite legal roadblocks, Gazmin sees no delay in Edca implementation

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After the Supreme Court ordered the Executive Department to answer the petitions seeking to quash the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that the high court directive will not derail the execution of the accord.

During the induction of the new officers of the Defense Press Corps, Gazmin said Wednesday the Department of National Defense, which would also comment on the Edca together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, would also consolidate their answer before the 10-day deadline that began Tuesday elapses.

“I think the Edca implementation would not be delayed, and right now it’s still on the planning stage,” Gazmin said.

He added that the DND’s comments would be formulated during the meeting sessions of the Mutual Defense Board and the Security Engagement Board.

Edca’s legality has been questioned on two petitions, first was from former senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tañada, two of the 12 senators who voted to eject the American bases in 1991.

While leftist groups led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Makabayang Koalisyong ng Mamamayan filed the second petition.

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