The US plans to spend 66 million USD for the construction of military camps in the Philippines under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), announced US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on February 5.
Speaking at the Pandesal Forum in Quezon city, Goldberg said EDCA is designed to support what the Philippines is trying to do in terms of building a minimum credible defense, in terms of modernising and equipping its armed forces.
The new plans will not include the construction of a new military base due to the EDCA’s term, he added.
Instead, the current plans will focus on helping the Philippines develop maritime patrol ability and establish a national coast watch centre.
Golderg also said the US is open to the possibility of conducting joint patrols with the Philippines in the East Sea.
EDCA was reached by the US and the Philippines in 2014 with the aim of enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening Manila’s defence power.
VNA
