Sen. Marcos suggests new terms for EDCA renewal

Senator Imee Marcos advised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to discuss potential new terms and conditions with US President Joe Biden for the renewal of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

She believes the President's US visit is a good opportunity to clarify provisions and evaluate a possible renewal of the defense pact under new terms, including payments for the use of Philippine military facilities by US forces.

Other suggested considerations include the protection of Filipino women from prostitution and benefits for the Filipino community from the presence of US troops.

The EDCA, signed on April 28, 2014, grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities and allows them to build facilities and pre-position equipment, aircraft, and vessels.

The agreement is currently in its initial 10-year term, which provides that it shall continue to be in force unless terminated by either party with one year's written notice.