
Originally Posted by
bleedingboi
You don't need to lecture us about Section 25/ Article 18, we know it very well. But if you read it thoroughly, you'll notice that your statement is invalid. It reads (take note on the word EXCEPT):
“foreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines EXCEPT under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.”
In November 2002, the Arroyo administraton signed the Military Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA) allowing the US to use the Philippines as a supply base in the region. This includes non-combat assistance of Filipino forces against terrorist organizations. Washington and Manila negotiated on special rules of engagement. US military personnel will take directions from Filipino commanders and will use force only to defend thmselves.
The US role reportedly involved intelligence and communications support with SAF and AFP, including deployment of Navy Seal & Special Forces personnel which restricts to non-combatant roles.