No consensus yet on critical provisions of US-Phl bases deal

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and the United States have yet to reach a consensus on “critical” provisions of a deal that would grant American troops greater access to military bases in the country.

After four rounds of talks, officials admitted yesterday that there are still gaps that need to be threshed out.

“While we have narrowed down the discussions to the substantive issues, there are still gaps in our positions. Both panels scrutinized all the proposals that were put on the negotiating table,” Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said during a press briefing. 

Batino, who heads the Philippine panel, said there were more “focused discussions” on the scope, installations and facilities, defense equipment and supplies and security but declined to elaborate.

“We have different concerns and different requirements in internal processes. We cannot dwell too much on the details because I don’t think discussion of these details in public will be respectful of the negotiating process,” he said.

There were also discussions on the possibility of crafting a mechanism for regular bilateral consultations to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta, a member of the Philippine panel, said negotiations are moving despite differences in opinion.

“We try to meet halfway based on the instructions given to us. The discussions are cordial. Both sides are professional. We don’t slam tables or throw water at each other. Both sides want an agreement but both want to make sure that it is workable,” he said.

Sorreta said he is hoping the differences will be settled during the fifth round of talks, the date and venue of which have yet to be determined. – With Michelle Zoleta