OFFICIALS see a much stronger defense partnership between the United States and the Philippines following the end of talks between visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro and top Philippine defense and military officials last Friday.

Shapiro, who was accompanied by US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr., met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief of staff, Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa and other senior defense officials at the Department of National Defense in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Discussed during the meeting was an increase of activities in the field of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, based on the experiences of both countries.

“This is a tangible way of making the Philippines-US alliance work for the Filipino people. We are continuing to explore any and all avenues for deepening ties between the two countries,” Gazmin  said.

Also discussed was the possibility of using the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for the maintenance of acquired equipment, particularly the Hamilton-class cutter BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.   

“As they noted the judicious and wise use of the FMF, this is one avenue we can explore,” Gazmin said.

The Defense chief reassured the Filipino people that any agreements entered into are in accordance with the Constitution and Philippine laws.

The visiting US Official will also travel to Indonesia and Malaysia after his Philippine visit.

San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito has joined other lawmakers in expressing opposition to the United States’ intention to increase military forces in the country as part of the US-Philippine military and economic plan.

Ejercito has expressed his concern over reports that the US will be sending US marines on rotation which is in line with strengthening US presence in Asia Pacific region.

Aside from the Philippines, reports said that US is also sending military forces to Guam and Australia.

“We fought long and hard to oust the US bases in Subic and Olongapo City. To re-open the US bases or set up new bases anywhere in the country should be non-negotiable. Clearly, at this point, our country does not have much to gain from this strategic military and economic plan of the US,” Ejercito said.

He stressed that if the plan is not handled well by the government, then it may eventually lead to the comeback of US bases in the Philippines.