Press Release
May 11, 2006

DEFENSE CHIEF URGED TO CONSULT SENATE BEFORE SIGNING SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH AUSTRALIA

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today urged Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and Malacañang to consult with the Senate before signing a security agreement with Australia that will permit the deployment and stationing of its troops to the Philippines.

Pimentel advised Cruz to act cautiously in forging a status of forces agreement (SOFA) with Australia that will allow its military troops to enter the country to conduct join exercises with Filipino troops, including those against terrorism.

Noting that the Arroyo administration plans to enter into similar agreements with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, the minority leader said the Senate should be consulted on such important bilateral security arrangement.

Secretary Cruz should slow down on any agreement to deploy Australian troops in the Philippines. Questions on why there is a need for such agreement have to be answered. To avoid embarrassment, he should share details with the Senate foreign relations committee before signing, Pimentel said.

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