City hall readies for more anti-US rallies

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

MAYOR Oscar Moreno yesterday said city hall would be on top of the situation as the local government anticipates more anti-US demonstrations in the city in the wake of an announcement that Americans would make use of the Lumbia airport under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).

An alliance of progressive groups reportedly met yesterday to map out plans to stage mass actions here.

Moreno’s pronouncement was made in the wake of a proposal made by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd District for residents to organize protest actions against the plan.

Moreno said, “Our duty is to make sure that  democratic processes are met–that’s a  part of  democracy–and to ensure  that our city remains peaceful.”

Last week, the government and the US announced that the Lumbia airport has been included in the final list of sites that would be utilized based on the Supreme Court-upheld Edca.

The announcement, according to Moreno, would likely spark a series of protest actions in the city.

“Kanang mga protesta batok sa Edca,  that is already expected. But we will respect that, and protect those who would take part in the protests,” Moreno said.

He however said the use of the Lumbia airport based on the Edca is a matter for the national government to decide on, and there was nothing city hall could do to stop it.

Moreno explained that the Local Government Code cannot be used to oppose the plan, pointing out that the 1991 law provided only the devolution of basic  services to local government. Matters pertaining to national defense, he said, have remained to be the responsibility of the national government.

Moreno also said the use of the Lumbia airport by the US has limitations, and it would not be turned into an American military base like the former US bases in Subic.

“There is no surrender of sovereignty in the Edca unlike the US military bases before that required the conference of the Senate because military bases are permanent,” he said.

Moreno said the Supreme Court’s decision on the Edca has to be respected, pointing out the high tribunal already ruled that the controversial agreement is constitutional.

“The Supreme Court has already decided that the Edca is constitutional. Of course, that  agreement between the Philippine government and the US, I’m sure, mentions that appropriate  constitutional and legal processes will have to be followed. So atong subayon ang legal processes,” said Moreno.