News peg: The DFA secretary and Defense Secretary said that in case of any Nokor attack on US territory, the Philippines would host US military bases as launching pad and military station.
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The following is the specific provision of the Constitution on military bases:
“Art. XVIII . Transitory Provisions. Section 25. After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America concerning military bases, foreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.”
Here’s the policy statement of Malacaňang made five months ago on occasion of Veterans Day : From the Office of the President at president.gov. ph, November 12, 2012: “Palace says there are no plans to allow Americans to put up military bases in the country
“Malacanang made an assurance Monday there were no plans to allow the return of American military bases in the country despite the announcement of the Obama administration to increase military presence in the Asia Pacific region.
“ “There are no basing arrangements with the Americans. That has been ruled out,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Monday during the regular press briefing in Malacanang.
“Allowing the US to revive its military bases in the Philippines is not consistent with the country’s 1987 Constitution, Lacierda said. xxx xxx
“During the commemoration of the Veterans’ Day at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City Sunday, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said the US government has no plans of putting up military bases in the Philippines despite President Barack Obama’s Pacific Rim policy. Under the new US policy, the American military aims to refocus its forces in the Asia Pacific region.
“Thomas said, however, that the US military will continue giving extensive trainings to Philippine military personnel under the existing military tie up.
“Aside from providing the Filipino soldiers’ training, the US military is also committed in assisting the Philippines by extending humanitarian assistance particularly during calamities, he said.
“Under its military engagement in the Asia Pacific region, the US government has increased its military presence in Singapore and Australia.
“In 1991, the Philippine Senate voted to shut down US military bases in Clark and Subic. The last American forces left in 1992.”
