Marcos: Frequency of military drills with Australia will depend on WPS situation

MELBOURNE, Australia - President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said the conduct of annual military exercises between Manila and Canberra is something that could be studied, noting that this will also depend on the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

''Well, the scheduling of this is really a risk, really depends upon the situation in the West Philippine Sea, whether or not the threat levels and the tension levels are increasing or decreasing,'' Marcos said in a video message before departing for Manila.

''And as to having yearly exercises, well, that's probably something that we can discuss. But again, we will have to assess the situation at the time and if we need to continue these exercises, then I think we will be able to agree on that,'' he added.

The Philippine president said the joint military drills would benefit the Philippines because ''we are conducting these exercises so that we are able to work together with our foreign partners.''

''And when I say work together, it is not only for defense and security, it is also for disaster preparedness, disaster assistance that they might bring should there be a disaster such  as Yolanda or Odette, once again, in the Philippines,'' Marcos said.

Asked if the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement was tackled with the Australian government, Marcos said talks would continue and this could be amended if situations will change.

''Kaya’t patuloy lang ang ating agreement sa kanila at patuloy lang ang ating usapan at siguro pagka may nangyari o may kailangan palitan saka natin babaguhin,'' Marcos said.

(Our agreement with them shall continue and so should our discussions. When developments occur we can make the necessary changes.) 

Australia and the Philippines signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, or SOVFA, in May 2007, which they separately ratified later.—RF, GMA Integrated News