PH seeks ‘new model’ for security ties with US

The Philippine and United States negotiating panels have started their seventh round of talks on a proposed enhanced defense cooperation leading to a “new model” for mutual ties, confident of hammering out soon a final agreement that is responsive to the evolving defense requirements of both countries amid changing regional security requirements.

In his opening statement, the Philippine panel head, Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, on Monday said the proposal for the increased presence of American forces in the country is in accordance with the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) signed by the Philippines and the US on August 30, 1951.