Just after a peace pact with their Muslim insurgency. How convenient!
"Philippine court urged to block US defense pact | Associated Press May 27, 2014
MANILA — Two former senators, lawyers, and activists asked the Philippine Supreme Court on Monday to rule on the constitutionality of an agreement with the United States that gives the American military greater access to bases across the country. They also urged the court to halt the pact’s implementation until it issues a ruling.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed hours before a visit last month by President Obama will allow thousands of US troops to be temporarily based in Philippines for the first time in more than 20 years.
Temporarily = permanently
Related: Obama Forces Philippines to Reopen Subic Bay
And the Filipinos thought they won independence!
The accord signaled closer cooperation in the allies’ hot-and-cold relationship that has been shaped over the decades by war, terrorism, and now jitters over China’s growing military might and assertiveness.
Former senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tanada — two of 12 senators who voted to kick the US military bases out in 1991 — and 10 taxpayers filed the petition, suing five officials, including President Benigno Aquino III’s defense, foreign affairs, budget, and executive secretaries and the armed forces chief of staff for abuse of discretion.
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