A member of the Philippine panel, Ambassador Lourdes Yparraguirre, pointed out that the Philippine-US alliance ”continues to be and must remain relevant” and that in the framework of a dynamic and changing regional architecture” and “our only option is to make our alliance stronger if we are to maintain international and regional security.”
Saying the agreement is “a step toward realizing that objective,” Yparraguirre said “as we strive to further enhance our security cooperation, we are looking into new dimensions of significant strategic and operational value.”
She cited potential economic benefits from the agreement resulting from multiplier effects of joint activities under it.
Batino said the proposed agreement would provide significant benefits to the Philippines, notably critical and timely support to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, achievement of the country’s minimum credible defense posture, more expeditious humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and the provision of jobs and other economic opportunities through the local goods and supplies procurement that will be made by the United States military.
“Both the Philippines and the United States recognize these are valuable dimensions to this updated framework of cooperation, and we are working together for the realization of the full potentials of this closer defense partnership,” Yparraguirre said.
Highlighting the “maturing relations” between the two allies, she said the agreement being negotiated contemplates a “new model of security engagement” for both the Philippines and the United States.
“After 15 years of the Visiting Forces Agreement and given current realities, challenges and opportunities, the Philippines is ready for a heightened level of defense cooperation. This agreement, which should stand on mutual trust, is an idea whose time has come,” Batino stressed.
The other members of the Philippine negotiating panel are Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan 3rd and Raymund Jose Quilop, defense assistant secretary for strategic assessments.
PNA