DFA: Gov’t bid to let US, allies use Phl bases constitutional

MANILA, Philippines - A government plan to grant the US and other allies access to the country’s air and naval facilities will not violate the Constitution, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr. told reporters at the DFA in Pasay City the agreement cannot go beyond the Constitution.

“We want to make sure that whatever agreement is entered into is going to be in line with the Constitution,” he said.

“We’re not going into it if it will not benefit the Philippines. It has to be beneficial to both the US and the Philippines. We are discussing this as part of the bilateral strategic dialogue every year for the last two years.”

Cuisia said allowing US and Japanese troops access to Philippine military facilities is still being studied.

“It will definitely contribute to our armed forces, our navy, our air force and so on,” he said.

Cuisia said among the benefits are the enhancement of the country’s capability because of increased military training and exercises.

“We also hope to get more assistance from the US in terms of military security assistance.”

Earlier, Sen. Gregorio Honasan said the temporary access might be a violation of the Constitution, which prohibits foreign military bases in the country.