US Embassy: EDCA beneficial for US-Philippines relationship

MANILA, Philippines - The United States (US) on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the  Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement as it would further strengthen its bilateral relationship with the Philippines.

"EDCA is a mutually beneficial agreement that will enhance our ability to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and help build capacity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines," the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

Voting 10-4, the high court upheld the constitutionality of the executive agreement between the Philippines and the United States.

"We look forward to working closely with our Philippine partners on the implementation of this agreement," the US Embassy said.

The Department of Foreign (DFA) Affairs also welcomed the SC decision, stressing that the EDCA is a critical component of the country's efforts to enhance and strengthen national security.

"With the Supreme Court's decision, the Philippine and US Governments can now proceed in finalizing the arrangements for its full implementation," the DFA said in a statement.

The EDCA is an implementing agreement of existing treaties, including the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement.

The agreement would allow the presence of US military in the Philippines.