MANILA, Philippines — Representative Arlene Brosas from the Gabriela party list has expressed firm opposition to the increase of the United States military presence in the Philippines.
Her concerns arose after the US Carrier Strike Group One, led by USS Carl Vinson, sailed between the regions of Leyte and Mindanao on December 26. Brosas characterized this event as a bold demonstration of US military power within Philippine territory.
Brosas stated that such actions could undermine Philippine sovereignty. She urged the Philippine government to carefully review the military agreements with the United States.
She highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the two countries under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This agreement allows US forces to increase their presence in specific Philippine military bases.
She believes that the US military’s presence in the Philippines should not be expanded without careful consideration. Brosas called for transparency in the government’s dealings with US forces, emphasizing the potential risks to the country’s independent stance.
The timing of the US Navy’s presence coincides with heightened tensions in the South China Sea. Several countries, including the Philippines, have overlapping territorial claims in this region.
The United States has consistently expressed its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in these waters. This has led to an increase in US military activities in the area.
