ABS-CBN
US expects to invest $100 million for infrastructure in 9 EDCA sites
The United States is set to allocate at least $100 million for infrastructure development at nine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines by the end of Fiscal Year 2023.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that these investments are expected to stimulate job creation and economic growth within local Philippine communities.
The EDCA, established in 2014, permits US forces access to specific Philippine military bases, enabling them to construct facilities and store equipment, aircraft, and vessels.
Discussions regarding the precise number and placement of US military personnel and assets at these EDCA locations are ongoing, alongside efforts to finalize bilateral defense guidelines for alliance cooperation across all operational domains.
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See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
The Philippine government has designated four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.
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Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas argued that taxpayer money allocated for the four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites with the US should instead be used for social services.
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Senator Sherwin Gatchalian questioned the strategic advantage of the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites, but noted their potential benefits for disaster preparedness, maritime security, and counterterrorism.
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The Department of National Defense (DND) clarified that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States does not constitute a gross violation of Philippine sovereignty.
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