Palace denies rushing to ink US-PHL deal in time for Obama visit

Malacañang on Thursday denied it is rushing to seal the agreement for increased rotational presence of US troops in the country in time for the visit of President Barack Obama late this month.

"On our part here, we have commented on the talks without relation to any other event, because the primary consideration is that the national interest is promoted and upheld," Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said during a press briefing.

He issued the statement as the US and the Philippines resumed negotiations on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation (EDC) agreement, which includes increased rotational presence of US soldiers in the country.

Coloma said the Philippine panel is working to ensure that the new agreement will enhance the country’s capability to address national security issues.

He also said talks may tackle non-traditional defense, specifically disaster risk reduction and management.

Coloma cited how countries in the region showed the capability of their defense forces in assisting the civilian population in coping with the after-effects of calamities.

"We saw this in the aftermath of Yolanda where we witnessed the comprehensive support extended by the Japanese self-defense forces," he said.

Coloma, however, said the concept of non-traditional defense is not just for the ongoing talks.

"It is a policy of our government in response to the emerging trends in the region and in the world that defense has taken on this new aspect. So it does not pertain specifically to the EDC talks," he said. — KBK, GMA News