Guingona hits reports on US bases in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Teofisto Guingona III yesterday criticized Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario for floating the idea of allowing the US to put up their military bases here in view of the tension in the Korean peninsula.

“They should be prudent and they should be reminded of the requirements of the Constitution. And the Constitution has these requirements whether there’s an emergency or not,” Guingona said.

Guingona said he is wary that such arrangements with the US military would bring nuclear weapons into the country. 

“That has to be safeguarded. If there would be a military base, then there should be no nuke arms,” he said.

Guingona said there are requirements under the Constitution that should be followed even in times of extreme emergency.

He advised Del Rosario and Gazmin against setting aside the Constitution in view of the latest developments.

“The implication here is that they are setting aside the sense of the people and the requirements of the Constitution because of the emergency situation. That is alarming because we cannot set aside the requirements of the Constitution. Never,” he said.

Guingona outlined the need for two countries to pass a treaty, which has to be ratified by their respective legislative bodies.

In the case of the Philippines, the treaty should be passed by two thirds or 16 out of 24 senators. A national referendum should be conducted to determine the people’s sentiments on the issue.

“Be that as it may, if there will be bases in the future, the requirements should be met. Treaty, getting 16 votes or more at the Senate, a national referendum and that it should be recognized by the other party as a treaty,” Guingona explained.

The primary consideration of putting up military bases is that it should serve the interest of the Filipino people, not the foreign powers. 

“If it will help the Philippines, if it will help the interest of the country, if it will protect the Philippines, then we can talk about meeting the requirement,” Guingona said.

“If it will just serve the interests of the foreign power, then let us stop talking about it,” he added. – With Jess Diaz