SUBIC, Philippines — The Philippine defense chief says the country’s air force and navy will go ahead with a plan to open camps in a bustling freeport facing the disputed South China Sea even if a proposed American military presence doesn’t happen.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin unveiled plans two years ago to open air force and navy camps at the Subic Bay Freeport so fighter jets and frigates can respond faster to any contingency in the disputed waters.
The Philippines signed an accord last year to allow allied American forces to temporarily station in camps including Subic, but the pact became uncertain after its constitutionality was questioned.
Gazmin said Friday the military will start to establish the Subic camps soon with or without U.S. forces.