Snubbed by media, Duterte warns of EDCA bases

SOMETHING strange happened much of last month that demonstrates how local media has almost entirely shied away from reporting the dangers of letting American forces use nine bases of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) being fast-tracked by the Marcos government.

Normally, if a former president differs with the incumbent on a major national issue, it would hog headlines, especially if it happens for the first time. Indeed, the predecessor, if he is hugely popular, would almost surely be featured by several leading newspapers and broadcasters after his initial remarks.