6. What are the main features of EDCA?Consistent with the President’s guidelines, the agreement has the following main features:
-Clear provision that the US would “not establish a permanent military presence or base in the Philippinesâ€;
-US access to and use of designated areas in AFP owned and controlled facilities (“Agreed Locationsâ€) will be at the invitation of the Philippine Government;
-Prior consent of the Philippines, through the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB), with regard to US access and use of Agreed Locations which may be listed in an annex and further described in implementing arrangements;
-Philippines retention of primary responsibility for security of the Agreed Locations;
-Access of the AFP base commander to the entire area of the Agreed Locations;
-Philippine ownership of buildings and infrastructure once constructed by US military;
-Sharing and joint use of facilities in the Agreed Locations, including those built by the US military;
-Value of prepositioned materiel in the enhancement of AFP defense capabilities and possible transfer or purchase of materiel determined to be excess;
-Prohibition of entry to the Philippines of nuclear weapons, and reference to respective obligations of both Parties under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention;
-Strong commitment by both Parties in protecting the environment, human health and safety;
-Preference for Philippine suppliers of goods, products and service in US military procurement; and,
-Regular consultation on the implementation of the agreement.
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