Edca provides more advantages than drawbacks

OPPONENTS OF the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or Edca should bear in mind that, on the whole, this new agreement with the United States has more advantages than drawbacks. On our own, we would have a hard time securing our coastal waters as this would be so costly and demand more resources from our government and the Philippine military. With Edca, our naval ships can more easily deter any incursions near our shores and shield Filipino fishermen from harm and harassment by hostile countries.

The Edca is legitimate and is in consonance with existing international laws and agreements on mutual defense. We should be thankful that the United States has come to our aid, sincerely. Besides, although the agreement has been signed, it is still being reviewed—to satisfy criticisms and to see if it has violated any law, which is most unlikely.

Edca is good for the Philippines considering our ongoing dispute with China. Let’s all look at the benefits Edca brings us.
—SAMUEL TENORIO, [email protected]