Statement on the 34th Anniversary of the Ouster of US Bases in the Philippines
Additional resource: Not Your War Game Zone: A Primer on the Violation of People’s Rights Under US-led Military Build Up in the Philippines
Today, 34 years after the Philippine Senate rejected the extension of US military bases in the country, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) joins the call of the mass movement in the Philippines for an end to US-led military intervention. We call on all governments around the world to end military agreements and support to the fascist Marcos Jr regime, and for a diplomatic solution to the escalating political and military tensions in Southeast and East Asia.
Following the so-called “independence” of the Philippines from US rule after World War II, the various governments in Manila accepted a series of unequal treaties and agreements with the US. These allowed the continuing domination of the country by the US in economy, military, and politics, firming up the neo-colonial relationship that continues until today.
The US maintained military bases in the Philippines under the 1947 Military Bases Agreement until 1991, when the Filipino people rallied to push the Philippine Senate to reject then President Cory Aquino’s proposed extension to the agreement. Using the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the later Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the US military has continued to operate de facto military bases in the Philippines. These US troops train, advise, and practice alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and are stationed inside of Philippine bases for extended periods of time.
ICHRP condemns the increasing presence of the US military and its allies in the Philippines over the past year, which has been welcomed by the Marcos Jr regime with open arms. This year alone, a US surveillance plane carrying four personnel crashed in Mindanao during operations; more than 14,000 Philippine, American, Australian, British, and Japanese soldiers participated in full battle simulation during Balikatan 2025; and the US proposed the creation of a munitions plant in Subic Bay. In August, Australia announced a new Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that would allow for Australia to construct “military infrastructure” in the country. While Philippine authorities have denied the Australian DCA is based on the US EDCA, which allows US troops to base in Philippine bases, one fact is sure: the deal will increase foreign troop presence.
Contrary to claims of disaster relief efforts or national defense, the presence of foreign troops in the Philippines only puts the Filipino people in a more precarious situation. The entry and stationing of foreign soldiers not only makes the Filipino people more likely to be collateral damage in a war against China; it also requires occupation of people’s lands and destroys the people’s crops and livelihood. Foreign military presence is a display not only of US economic dominance over the country, but also of foreign protection for Filipino landlords and corrupt politicians who are now exposed for pocketing funds meant for flood control projects for their own profit.
ICHRP calls on the international community to stand with the Filipino people in their fight for national sovereignty, and the removal of all foreign military bases.
