US not seeking permanent bases in Philippines, Pentagon chief says

MANILA, Philippines - The United States is seeking to increase rotational military presence, but it does not plan to establish permanent bases again in the Philippines, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel assured the public on Friday.

Noting the "deep and unbreakable alliance" between the Philippines and US, the Pentagon chief clarified that they are only looking to increase rotational presence like what they have done in other countries such as Singapore.

"The United States does not seek permanent bases in the Philippines. That would represent a return to an outdated cold-war mentality. Instead we are using a new model of a military-to-military cooperation befitting to great allies and friends," he said at a televised press briefing.

Hagel said he and President Benigno Aquino III "reaffirmed the progress being made" in the ongoing discussions for framework agreement of the proposed increased rotation of military forces.

He said such arrangement will benefit Aquino's defense modernization agenda.

"This agreement will strengthen cooperation between our two militaries and help them work together more effectively," said Hagel.

Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the US may use the country's military facilities if needed.

"As soon as the framework agreement is complete, we will provide the necessary access to all these facilities. This is not limited only to Subic, but to [other] Philippine military facilities if necessary," Gazmin said.

Hagel, meantime, emphasized that the US is committed to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.

"Continuing the close partnership between our nations is an important part of America's long-term strategy of rebouncing in the Asia-Pacific," he said.