PNoy denies deal on US presence already sealed

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino on Friday said that he is not sure if President Barack Obama will be signing the new agreement with the Philippines on the increased rotation presence of US troops.

Quashing rumors that the deal has been sealed behind closed doors, Aquino said both camps are still in the process of crafting some provisions.

"Hindi pa tapos, meron pa ring mga meetings na ginaganap lahat ng detalye nitong rotational presence to meet our needs, and the Americans' needs," Aquino said in a televised press briefing with reporters.

Aquino also revealed that both panels of negotiators from the Philippines and the United States want to fast track the talks and be in accord regarding the extent of the military forces' enhanced cooperation in the country.

The fifth round of negotiations, which started last August, was concluded earlier this month amid the Philippines' diplomatic rift with China on the opposing maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.

Aquino echoed the Philippine panel's statement on its stance in stressing the country's key fundamental principles such as on sovereignty and other interests.

"Masasabi nating may mga nuances na nasa batas natin, nasa batas nila. Yung principles na we want to uphold klaro yung details. Sabi nga nila the devil is in the details, so yung details kailangan pang plantsahin," the president said.

Pio Lorenzo Batino, chair of the Philippine Negotiating Panel, meanwhile said that the negotiators will ensure the "non-permanence of US troops and no US basing in the Philippines, mutuality of benefits and respect for the Philippine Constitution, including the prohibition against nuclear weapons."

Aquino is set to meet with Obama during the US president's visit to Manila in April. The two leaders are expected to discuss the Philippines' territorial row with China.

Observers have said that Obama's trip may push for the quick resolution of the defense talks.

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