MANILA, Philippines – Amid refusing to discuss the latest impeachment complaint filed against President Benigno Aquino III, Malacañang on Thursday insisted that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) would help the country address new security threats in the region.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement that while they are aware that the third complaint questioned the constitutionality of the Edca, they will “leave it to Congress, as an independent and co-equal branch of government, to assess and decide on its merits.”
“We maintain that the Edca is a response to the evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific Region on account of disputes among countries with maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
Coloma reiterated that the Edca is based on the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) “which for more than 60 years, has served as the main platform for the strategic defense partnership between the Philippines and the United States.”
The Executive has in the past claimed that the Edca did not require Senate ratification because it merely builds on the MDT.
US and Philippine marines storm the beach to simulate a raid during the joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise dubbed Balikatan 2014 Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Naval Training Exercise Command, a former US naval base, and facing the South China Sea at San Antonio township, Zambales province northwest of Manila, Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO
However, the latest impeachment complaint endorsed by Gabriela Representative Emmi De Jesus alleged that the Edca is “another violation of the Constitution” and a betrayal of public trust.
The complaint, signed by 20 individuals led by Makabayan Coalition President Satur Ocampo, said the Edca violated the Constitutional prohibition on foreign military bases.
“The Edca is essentially a basing agreement. No amount of euphemism by President Aquino, his representatives and other officials will cure the constitutional violation caused by this agreement,” the prefatory statement said.
It said the agreement undermines Philippine sovereignty.
Other signatories of the complaint were:
1. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Chairperson Maria Carolina P. Araullo
2. Atty. Evalyn G. Ursua
3. Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon (SELDA) Chairperson Amaryllis Hilao Enriquez
4. Teodoro A. Casiño
5. GABRIELA Vice-Chairperson Gertrudes R. Libang
6. Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) Executive Director Mary Joan Gua
7. Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns Secretary General Kharlo Felipe C. Manano
8. Prof. Phoebe Zoe Maria U.Sanchez
9. Lila Pilipina Lola’s Center, Inc.President/Executive Director Rechilda A. Extremadura
10. Lila Pilipina Co-President Virginia V. Villarama
11. Lila Pilipina Vice-President Narcisa A. Adriatico
12. Lila Pilipina Treasurer Felicidad B. De Los Reyes
13. Lila Pilipina Auditor Estelita B. Dy
14. Luningning V. Lituañas of Lila Pilipina
15. BAYAN– Central Luzon (BAYAN-CL) Chairperson Roman L. Polintan; Suara Bangsamoro President Amirah Ali Lidasan
16. Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment Convenor Clemente Guevarra Bautista, Jr
17. Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights Secretary-General Cristina Palabay
18. PISTON President George F. San Mateo
19. Alliance of Health Workers (AHW)President Jossel I. Ebesate
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