US, Phl to resume talks on American troops' presence

MANILA, Philippines - Manila and Washington are expected to discuss the joint use of United States (US) equipment when they resume talks on a deal granting American forces greater access to Philippine bases.

A statement by the Defense department said the third round of negotiations for the increased rotational presence of US troops would be held Friday (Manila time)  in Washington.

“Duration (of the agreement) and joint use are among the issues that are still under discussion. Hopefully the two sides will be able to come to an understanding with regard to these important aspects of the framework agreement,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta said in a statement.

Sorreta, who serves as the spokesperson for the Philippine panel, clarified that the two countries have yet to agree on the duration of the framework agreement on the increased rotational presence.

He said details of the arrangement for the joint use of equipment have yet to be crafted.

Previous reports claimed that the deal increasing US presence in the county could last up to 20 years.

“The Philippines is looking at a ‘much shorter duration’ as opposed to the 20 years that characterize similar agreements of the US with other countries,” Sorreta said.

Another key issue up for discussion is the mechanism for monitoring of military equipment that the US will bring to the country.

“It is clear to both sides that there will no basing for US troops and defense equipment. What we will see is a minimal support of personnel and as such, no dependents will be allowed,” Sorreta said.

The Philippines and the US have adopted a policy of increased rotational presence amid China’s recent aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, the subject of a territorial dispute in the region.

Security officials believe providing temporary access to US troops will help the country achieve a minimum credible defense.

The Philippine panel is led by Sorreta and composed of Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III and Defense Assistant Secretary Raymund Quilop.

The US panel, meanwhile, is headed by State Department senior negotiator for military agreements Eric John and consists of State Department Attorney Advisor Elizabeth Jones, Brig. Gen. Joaquin Malavet, and Capt. Greg Bart.

The first round of negotiations was held in Manila last Aug. 14 and focused on key features of the agreement like its working title, preamble, objectives and scope of discussions.

Philippine officials also pushed for activities aimed at improving security and disaster response capabilities.

During the second round of negotiations held last Aug. 30, both sides agreed that US troops will not establish a permanent military presence in the country in compliance with the Constitution.

They also agreed that any joint training or exercise needs the approval of the Philippines.

“Any approval will contain specific areas and time for the temporary activity,” Sorreta said.