Ople: New US tack does not mean new US bases

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said yesterday a review of the US global defense posture would not mean the re-establishment of US military bases in the country.

"Our defense, security and military relations with the United States have undergone a dynamic re-definition over the years," he said.

"And although these relations have become active and vibrant and responsive to the new challenges of today’s world, they are no longer anchored on the need for the presence of military bases in the Philippines," he said.

Ople said the defense relationship between the Philippines and the US is now limited to joint military exercises like the Balikatan.

"(The relationship) has since evolved from the sole promise of the military bases to a clear idea of the specific threats that need to be addressed and on the framework provided by our international obligations and our Constitution," he said.

Ople said the Philippines is looking forward to the forthcoming consultation with the US on the Joint Defense Assessment signed by Filipino and American defense and military officials.

The issue of the re-establishment of military bases is no longer relevant as the Philippine and US governments do not see any need for them, he added. — Marvin Sy