SC rules with finality: EDCA is constitutional

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday affirmed its earlier decision that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States is constitutional.

Voting 9-4, the high court denied the motion for reconsideration filed by militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) against the decision of the SC upholding the EDCA.

On January 12, the SC ruled that the executive agreement between the Philippines and the US is constitutional and does not require Senate concurrence.

READ: SC upholds constitutionality of EDCA

Bayan filed an appeal before the high court to reverse its decision on the EDCA, citing that it violates the sovereignty of the Philippines.

As part of the EDCA, the Philippines has allowed the US to use five military bases in the country where their troops and supplies can be stationed.

The military facilities identified were the Antonio Bautista air base on the western island of Palawan, Basa air base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia airport in Cagayan de Oro and the Mactan-Benito Ebuen air base in Mactan.