The military base agreement between the United States and the Philippines has been a topic of discussion for decades. The agreement, which was first signed in 1947, allows the US to maintain military bases in the Philippines for strategic purposes. However, the agreement was met with controversy and opposition from various groups in the Philippines.
The agreement was set to expire in 1991, but it was extended for another ten years. In 2001, the Philippine Senate voted to terminate the agreement, effectively ending the US military presence in the Philippines. However, the two countries continued to work together on various military exercises and initiatives.
In 2014, talks were reopened to discuss the possibility of allowing the US to maintain a military presence in the Philippines once again. The talks were met with protests and opposition from various groups, who feared that it would compromise the country`s sovereignty.
Despite the opposition, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed in 2014, which allowed for the increased rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines. The agreement was seen as a way to strengthen the country`s defense capabilities against external threats.
However, in 2016, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that the EDCA was constitutional, but it needed to be implemented in a way that would not violate the country`s sovereignty. The ruling also stated that the agreement could be terminated at any time if it was found to be in violation of the Constitution.
So, when will the military base agreement be ratified? The answer is not clear. The EDCA is already in place, and it has been effective in enhancing the country`s defense capabilities. However, the controversy surrounding the agreement remains, and there are ongoing debates about its impact on the country`s sovereignty.
In conclusion, the military base agreement between the Philippines and the United States is a complex issue that has been met with both support and opposition. The EDCA is currently in place, but it remains to be seen how it will be implemented in a way that is consistent with the country`s sovereignty. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion for years to come.