Pentagon downplays Duterte's threat to scrap EDCAAgence France-Presse
Posted at Oct 04 2016 03:54 PM
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/04/16/pentagon-downplays-dutertes-threat-to-scrap-edcaWASHINGTON - The Pentagon on Monday downplayed comments from Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, after he threatened to cancel a defense accord with the United States.
Duterte on Sunday said he might scrap the treaty, known as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), that went into force in January.
That agreement, sealed under the administration of Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, allows US forces access to five Philippine bases to help counterbalance a growing Chinese presence in the South China Sea.
"This EDCA is an official document... but it does not bear the signature of the president of the republic," Duterte said.
"Better think twice now because I will be asking you to leave the Philippines altogether," he added.
Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said the military was aware of Duterte's comments.
But "it hasn't really so much translated into tangible actions that we've seen with regards to our actions under the alliance," he said.
"In as much as our alliance with the Philippines is concerned, it's very much solid and stable and secure and on track," he added, pointing to continued cooperation in military exercises and assistance with counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines.
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