NCCP on Edca: ‘Not friendship or partnership’

The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)  strongly opposes the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).

The agreement gives the United States the right to use Philippine military facilities for up to 10 years, subject to renewal, and allows more US troops, aircraft and ships to be stationed in Philippine military camps. It enhances and promotes US military, economic and political influence and interest in the Asian region. Its objective is to counter the growing influence of China. It does not serve the best interest of Filipinos.

But our political leaders would rather support the US agenda than protect Philippine sovereignty and patrimony. The rationale they put forward to justify the agreement makes the sovereign interests of the Philippines subservient to those of the United States. This makes for neither friendship nor partnership.

While the sovereignty concerns over areas of the West Philippine Sea are being

addressed through international legal mechanisms, the view that the US-Philippine military alliance adds strength to the Philippine position is being propagated. But relying on military might, especially that of foreign nations, cannot lead to an environment of peace. Instead, it puts the Philippines in a vulnerable position—in the crossfire of international conflict, which does not serve our interests or guarantee us security from external aggression.

Past joint Philippine-US military exercises in the country have led to the exploitation of our women and children. Not only that, they have resulted in human rights abuses, displacement of communities, the destruction of our natural environment and increased militarization of the country. Making things worse, US soldiers are treated deferentially even when serious charges have been brought against them.

We pray for our government leaders that they may find the wisdom to uphold our national sovereignty and promote our people’s interests. And for our government that it may allow peaceful assemblies and not muffle protests so that people may express themselves in a democratic manner.

Filipinos, let us remain steadfast in guarding our sovereignty. Let us neither be deceived nor coerced into

accepting Edca, which will just add to our state of unpeace and bring about  more violence. This steadfastness stems from our faith in the Risen Christ who banished evil and who, by his life, death and resurrection, has shown us the ways of genuine concern for the whole of creation. His promise of abundant life is not for some future time. It is for us to experience in the resurrection of our Lord, made real and possible here and now because of the explosion of God’s love and justice everywhere.

Vigilant people are children of the resurrection; they heartily believe that “never again should we ever be

under the yoke of slavery.”

—THE MOST REVEREND EPHRAIM S. FAJUTAGANA,

Obispo Maximo XII, Iglesia Filipina Independiente,

chair, NCCP;

REV. REX RB REYES JR., general secretary,

NCCP