Ping cautions DND on allowing US troops to use Subic, Clark

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday cautioned the Department of National Defense (DND) against allowing American troops to use their former naval and air facilities in Subic, Zambales and Clark Field in Pampanga.

Lacson pointed out that under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, there is a clear provision that the American forces cannot have permanent or semi-permanent basing privileges in the country.

“That is provided in the VFA. The VFA does not say if they have basing and access there. The agreement, the VFA, is only temporary, only if there are military exercises. If you station the troops there semi-permanently at Clark and Subic, that is the problem,” Lacson said.

Sen. Joker Arroyo said the plan to station troops there would cause disastrous consequences for the country.

“That would be problematic... because it would be enlarging the coverage of the VFA to more than what is printed,” Arroyo said.

Lacson said there is a need to go back to the treaty to ensure that recent developments will still be in accordance with the VFA.

“We must make it clear what are the intentions of the treaty. Like now, the VFA is very clear that it is not a basing agreement. We are not allowed to have (foreign military) bases here, even if it is semi-permanent,” Lacson said.

He said any actions that will not be in consonance with the VFA would need amendments.

Senators Francis Escudero and Gregorio Honasan, however, shared different views.

“As long as it is not a permanent base, I guess (it’s okay),” Escudero said in a text message to reporters.

The senators had mixed reactions on the statement made by Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta, who revealed that US forces could come, provided that they have prior coordination with the government.

Lacson and Honasan, however, have open minds on the possibility of the Philippine government striking a mutual defense treaty (MDT) with the People’s Republic of China.

“Why not? If I may suggest, and I really suggested this in one of the meetings with DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), why don’t we take the initiative to forge a mutual defense treaty with China? After all, they are our neighbors in Asia,” Lacson said.

Lacson said it is better if the Philippines enjoys the support of the world’s top superpowers – the US and China.

“It would be beneficial to us to have two big brothers on our side instead of one. This is to avoid any animosity and controversies. If allowed, I think China will welcome the idea to have MDT with them,” Lacson said.