Binay sees defense accord as deterent to aggression

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Thursday (Friday in Manila) the new defense cooperation agreement the Philippines and the United States signed will not only deter aggressors and provide a quick response mechanism to disasters but will also help the government achieve its goal of improving the lives of the Filipino people.

Speaking before the Banyan Tree Leadership Forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) here, the Vice President said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that was signed in Manila on Monday is an important pillar of the country’s regional security policy as well as an effective response mechanism to humanitarian and natural disasters.