Marcos: EDCA sites won’t raise tensions

by Bernadette e. taMayo

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will see to it that giving the United States military access to four new bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) will not be seen as a “provocation” that could further heighten tension in the South China Sea.

The President was reacting to growing concerns that allowing the expansion of U.S. military presence in the country will not sit well with other countries, particularly China, which have staked claims in the disputed waterway.

“It’s a valid concern. And it’s something that we have to pay attention to, that we do not be seen as... anything that we do will not be seen as provocative to anyone,” the