Duterte again signals plans to scrap US defense deal

By Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines (AA) – The Philippines' president has reiterated that he does not want foreign troops in his country, again indicating intentions to do away with long-existing deals with the United States.

Before boarding a flight to Japan on Tuesday, Rodrigo Duterte referred to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) -- which allows American military forces to operate from five bases in the Philippines.

“We have the EDCA. Well, forget it,” the Rappler news website quoted him as telling a press conference at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“I do not want to see any military man [here] of any other nation except for the Philippines... That’s the long and short of it. I want an independent [foreign policy] that doesn’t follow anyone."

In the past month, Duterte has made a succession of outbursts against America -- the Philippines’ long-time ally -- along with talk of forging links with Beijing and Moscow.

Members of his cabinet have tried to underline that Duterte means less dependence, while the president has insisted that “separation of foreign policy” does not mean the severing of ties.

The EDCA, which was signed under Duterte’s predecessor in 2014 and ratified by Philippines congress in July, gives U.S. troops and equipment wide access to Philippine military bases on a rotational basis.