AFP prepares for 2023 Balikatan...

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez saying it should be “further broadened” to deter “further aggression” by China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“I support that decision. It is in our national interest to pursue and expand our defense partnership with the US to deter further aggression from China in the WPS and possible Chinese seizure of islets that belong to us under international law,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

“More sites along our western seaboard, where Chinese aggression and harassment of our fishermen have been taking place, should be covered,” he pointed out.

Four more locations have been added to the current five Philippine bases where U.S. troops would be allowed to operate under EDCA.

The five current locations are Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.

EDCA is a supplemental element of the Visiting Forces Agreement which allows U.S. troops to use Philippine bases on a rotational basis.

“I support the Philippine Air Force base at the former Lumbia airport in