Even long after the Military Bases Agreement was abolished back in 1991, US troops are still present in the Philippines, undermining its sovereignty. The ongoing special operations done by US troops together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines have spawned many human rights violations. The US military’s presence has also caused other negative events and incidents (e.g., the Tubbataha reef accident, rape of Filipino women by American servicemen).
This is a worldwide occurrence: There are 148 countries with a US military presence. The United States is No. 1 when it comes to military spending: Its current budget is $682 billion. In the Philippines, the presence of US troops is made possible by the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA).
Under the VFA there are 600-700 US troops stationed here in the Philippines at any time; the number could rise up to 7,000 during joint military exercises, civil-military actions and relief operations.
In the aftermath of Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” the United States deployed a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, four cruisers, jet fighters, war helicopters, and 5,000 soldiers. The increased presence was justified as part of relief operations. Other countries sent disaster response teams or soldiers that were specifically trained for disaster response; the United States sent in soldiers and war vehicles.
In accordance with the MLSA, the Philippines serves as the US supply base in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is obliged to provide the US logistics supplies, support and services during exercises, training, operations and other US military deployments. The agreement defines these to include food, water, petroleum, oils, clothing, ammunition, spare parts and components, billeting, transportation, communication, medical services, operation support, training services, repair and maintenance, storage services, and port services. The construction and use of temporary buildings are also covered by the agreement. To make things worse, US troops can be stationed anywhere in the country.
In short, our impoverished country will carry the logistical burden of the US military. There are a lot of other things where the money that is going to be used for the MLSA should go, like basic public services. It is a very sad situation when a backward country that cannot even feed its own people is feeding the army of a more advanced country, the same country keeping the Philippines backward.
The VFA and the MLSA do not only violate the sovereignty of the Philippines, they also make the Philippines a target for the enemies of the United States.
We should all study our society and how it is being affected by US imperialism—then and now. Every Filipino who is concerned with the sovereignty and safety of the Philippines should stand up against the ongoing US intervention.
—VENCER CRISOSTOMO,
national chair, Anakbayan,
anakbayan.media@gmail.com