Aquino faces 3rd impeachment rap, this time over Edca

By: Marc Jayson Cayabyab - 10 years ago

President Benigno S. Aquino III. (Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines—A third impeachment complaint was filed on Thursday against President Benigno Aquino III at the House of Representatives, this time over the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The complaint, endorsed by Gabriela Representative Emmi De Jesus, wants Aquino’s head over his alleged violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust through the recently signed accord.

Edca, essentially an implementation of the Mutual Defense Treaty, was signed as the Philippines aims to boost its defense capabilities with the help of the US in the midst of territorial disputes with China, while the US increases its presence in the region.

The agreement allows the US to preposition troops and equipment in the country, as well as build structures.

Militant groups have slammed Edca as a violation of the constitutional ban on foreign bases in the country, as it allowed American forces’ access in agreed military locations.

In a statement, Rep. De Jesus said they want Aquino’s head for purportedly selling out national sovereignty through Edca.

De Jesus said the Edca violates the constitutional ban on the presence of foreign troops and bases in the country, as well as on the entry of nuclear war weapons.

She added that the agreement places women and children in danger, harking back to the time when they were prostituted and raped where the US used to keep its bases in Clark and Pampanga.

The militant representative referred to the Subic rape case involving “Nicole,” who accused four US Marines of raping her while they were in Subic for a joint military exercise.

The controversial rape case had roused criticisms on the Visiting Forces Agreement, which allowed US troops to visit the country even after their bases were booted out of the country in 1991.

“In entering into this agreement President Aquino has placed women and children in a very vulnerable situation, knowing fully how women and children were prostituted and abused at the time when US military bases were in Clark and Subic and how victims are refused justice with perpetrators conveniently released to US custody as in the case of Nicole,” De Jesus said.

De Jesus also said EDCA violated the constitutional ban on the shipping of nuclear weapons in the country. But defense officials said the agreement bans the entry of nuclear weapons.

This is the third impeachment complaint against Aquino. The first two were endorsed by Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap and Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon over the President’s Disbursement Acceleration Program, parts of which were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

The complainants of the third impeachment rap are:

1. Makabayan Coalition President Saturnino C. Ocampo
2. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Chairperson Maria Carolina P. Araullo
3. Atty. Evalyn G. Ursua
4. Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon (SELDA) Chairperson Amaryllis Hilao Enriquez
5. Teodoro A. Casiño
6. GABRIELA Vice-Chairperson Gertrudes R. Libang
7. Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) Executive Director Mary Joan Gua
8. Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns Secretary General Kharlo Felipe C. Manano
9. Prof. Phoebe Zoe Maria U.Sanchez
10. Lila Pilipina Lola’s Center, Inc.President/Executive Director Rechilda A. Extremadura
11. Lila Pilipina Co-President Virginia V. Villarama
12. Lila Pilipina Vice-President Narcisa A. Adriatico
13. Lila Pilipina Treasurer Felicidad B. De Los Reyes
14. Lila Pilipina Auditor Estelita B. Dy
15. Luningning V. Lituañas of Lila Pilipina
16. BAYAN– Central Luzon (BAYAN-CL) Chairperson Roman L. Polintan; Suara Bangsamoro President Amirah Ali Lidasan
17. Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment Convenor Clemente Guevarra Bautista, Jr
18. Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights Secretary-General Cristina Palabay
19. PISTON President George F. San Mateo
20. Alliance of Health Workers (AHW)President Jossel I. Ebesate