Statement of Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Ralph G. Recto

3 February 2023

As the number of EDCA bases mutate into 9, the administration should brief Congress and tell the public on where these additional 4 will be.

National security is not harmed by that candor. But any secrecy will deal transparency, an avowed hallmark of this administration, a serious blow.

What are the benefits that we as a nation will gain from the EDCA 9? Panalo ba ang bayan diyan? At ano naman kaya ang maaring perwisyo, kung meron man?

The men from Washington who came to town said they would like to speed up EDCA’s implementation. If that is what they desire, then what is the ultimate goal? 

Ilang military bases pa ba ang sasaklawin sa darating na panahon? 

Are we being built up as their armed garrison in the Pacific as a tripwire to Chinese expansionism?

By agreeing to EDCA plus, Defense officials would have first studied its ramifications, specifically the potential reaction from other states, and our planned responses.

What triggered the expansion? Are the 9 bases the sum of our fears?

In principle, this is an administration prerogative I support. But I ask that whatever agreements be made public and the pros and cons be told.