Philippines strenghtens its bilateral military relationship with US 31201162

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Defence & Security News - Philippines
 
Philippines strenghtens its bilateral military relationship with US
The United States on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the Philippine Supreme Court to uphold the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) as it would further strengthen its bilateral relationship with the Philippines allowing more US Forces in the area.
     
Philippines strenghtens its bilateral relationship with US 640 001Philippine Marines take part in joint exercises with their US counterparts in Ternate, west of Manila, on October 8, 2015 ©Ted Aljibe (AFP/File).
     
"EDCA is a mutually beneficial agreement that will enhance our ability to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and help build capacity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines," the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

The 10-year agreement, signed in 2014 but not implemented due to legal challenges, will see more US troops and warships rotate through the Philippines, and the hosts will receive help in building military facilities.

Voting 10-4, the high court upheld the constitutionality of the executive agreement between the Philippines and the United States.

The Department of Foreign (DFA) Affairs also welcomed the SC decision, stressing that the EDCA is a critical component of the country's efforts to enhance and strengthen national security.

"With the Supreme Court's decision, the Philippine and US Governments can now proceed in finalizing the arrangements for its full implementation," the DFA said in a statement.