MANILA, Philippines - There is no guarantee that the United States, under the controversial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), will defend the Philippines from foreign invasion or territorial disputes.
This was according to Solicitor General Florin Hilbay during oral arguments yesterday at the Supreme Court over the constitutionality of EDCA.
“Counsel, even if we declare EDCA constitutional, there is still no guarantee from the US that they will defend us because there is no such thing as a guarantee?” Associate Justice Antonio Carpio asked Hilbay.
“Of course, your honor, there is no such thing, because I cannot predict what the United States will do,” Hilbay responded.
Hilbay said EDCA is limited to enhancing the country’s facilities that can be used by both soldiers from the US and the Philippines for training.
And the best that the Philippines can do is to “hope” for the US to “change its mind” and come to our aid should the territorial disputes with China escalate into war.
“Hope is free, your honor, so might as well have it. We do what we do. We do what we can. That is the EDCA,” Hilbay remarked.
He added the only guarantee a country has is its own self-defense.
For 15 minutes, Carpio reminded Hilbay that the US has repeatedly said it would not take sides when it comes to disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Meaning, the US does not consider these areas as Philippine territories, Carpio pointed out.
“I don’t want you to tell the world that we can rely on EDCA for our defense,” Carpio told Hilbay.
“Absolutely not, your honor. We are not saying that EDCA will save our country from all its problems. What we are saying is that this helps improve barracks, facilities, ports, those matters pertaining to training exercises in the Philippines,” Hilbay said.
Hilbay further explained that while there is no assurance of help from the US, “nothing prevents us from taking advantage of existing alliances.”
The SC, meanwhile, asked both parties to submit a memorandum on their position. The SC will then submit the case for resolution.