Military base at Subic in planning stage

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ decision to convert portions of the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales into a military base is in the planning stage.

Philippine Air Force chief Gen. Jeffrey Delgado said air force and navy camps were expected to rise at the former “Subic US naval base” which has been identified by the Philippine military for upgrading and development.

“We are developing existing bases as of now because of the limited budget,” Delgado told a press briefing at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. “Of course, Subic has been identified as one but we’re still in the planning stage as far as Subic is concerned.”

On Friday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin confirmed the AFP would proceed with the opening of the Subic naval base with or without the presence of United States forces. The freeport was one of the biggest overseas military bases of the US 23 years ago.

He said the plan to open air force and navy camps at Subic was hatched two years ago to allow fighter jets and frigates to respond faster to any contingency.

The Philippines signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the US in April 2014 to allow American troops to use military facilities in the country. The agreement, however, was challenged in the Supreme Court, effectively stalling it.–Cynthia D. Balana