“We have a vibrant strategic relationship with the US and we hold a number of joint training exercises with them, but establishing military bases in the Philippines is not part of the equation that defines our close relations,” Secretary Albert said.

The Secretary said that there are no plans for the return of US bases.  “Our military relationship with the US is based on the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement.  These agreements allow for joint exercises but not basing.  We have no intention of adding a basing agreement to these agreements.  These agreements sufficiently address our national security needs and our strategic interests,” the Secretary emphasized.

On reports that joint exercises between the Philippines and the US will be held in areas where there are secessionist rebels, Secretary Albert said that the policy basis and legality of such exercises have been firmly established. She emphasized that as always, “no US troops will engage in combat and that Filipino soldiers will do the fighting.”

“Bringing the exercises closer to where our soldiers can best apply what they learn multiplies the value of the knowledge and skills that they gain from these exercises.  In terms of legality, no less than the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of such exercises when the legality of Balikatan in Basilan was raised to the high Court.  We have not closed the door to replicating the success of the Balikatan exercise in Basilan in other places, provided that the local communities are properly consulted,” the Secretary said.
 
On the possibility of ASEAN military exercises, the Secretary clarified that the recent ASEAN ministerial meeting in Jakarta did not discuss this matter. “However, we are discussing bilateral and even multilateral military training exercises with our ASEAN neighbors and with our strategic partners.  The Philippines has participated in some exercises in our ASEAN neighbors, but there is still no discussions of ASEAN-wide military exercises,” the Secretary said. END.