Cuisia said the Philippines stood to receive more U.S. military assistance once the pact was signed. For this year, the U.S. allocated about $50 million in foreign military financing, nearly double the previous year's sum.
"It's up to the Philippine Armed Forces to determine what they need," Cuisia said. "I think they are looking at getting newer vessels."
He said Washington also promised to help acquire long-range maritime patrol aircraft to enable the Philippines to keep closer watch on its maritime borders in the South China Sea.
Military sources said the agreement would increase ship visits and deployment of surveillance aircraft. Last year, there were 149 U.S. navy ship vists, up from 68 in the previous year.
Batino said the agreement complied with the Philippine constitution, meaning U.S. forces will have no permament presence and will set up no military bases.
"United States access to and use of the armed forces of the Philippines facilities and areas will be at the invitation of the Philippines," he said.
The agreement, he said, excluded the import of nuclear weapons and also had "robust provisions on the protection of environment, human health and safety".
The United States had two large military bases in the Philippines up to November 1992. The Philippine Senate voted to evict the American military forces in 1991, ending 45 years of special relations from Manila's independence in 1946.
The U.S. military returned in 2000 after Manila signed an agreement allowing the two sides to train and hold exercises together on conventional and counter-terrorism operations.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=78113.0
Topic: Philippine, United States reach agreement on new security deal (Read 568 times)