Addressing issues much of the media missed

Opposing Views on April 25 and Beyond Politics on May 7 looked into the issues surrounding the EDCA and asked whether the agreement is necessary or not. The programs presented the costs and benefits of the EDCA to the Philippines. Beyond Politics had several sources for the story.

Among the problems addressed were the implications on national security, the “long-term threat” that the agreement may pose to the region’s stability, the possibility of US troops’ violating human rights, and the damage to national interest and sovereignty.

Opposing Views interviewed Renato Reyes, secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Professor Demetrio Salipsip, Jr., president of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies. Beyond Politics interviewed former senator and defense secretary Orlando Mercado, Renato Reyes, and lawyer Harry Roque.

Opposing Views added that the Philippines may be “dragged into war” once the US decides to wage war against other nations. Beyond Politics pointed out that there was no mention of payment for damages in the environmental provisions of the EDCA, and that it lacks a provision on the criminal liability of American troops visiting the country.

The benefits of the agreement include the opportunity to improve the defense capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the country’s “protection” from threats from other countries.

During a joint press conference on the second day of Obama’s visit, the US president was asked if the US will defend the country against China. Pres. Obama said the US is not seeking to “counter” or “contain China.”