Philippines:
Letters needed to stop return of US military

The Nuclear Free and Independent Philippines Coalition is calling for 
international assistance in their campaign to turn back US efforts to 
recolonise the Philippines.

In the last days of the Ramos Government the return of US military forces 
to the Philippines was negotiated under the guise of a "Visiting Forces 
Agreement" (VFA) between the US and the Philippines.

The agreement will allow the US to return to the Philippines, expanding its 
access to ports across the nation (initially to number 22!). As with the 
new "Guidelines" for US-Japan Military Co-operation, the US will have 
access to the entire country during "crises".

The air and sea port at General Santos in Mindinao (close to Indonesia and 
the strategic Malacca Strait), built with US aid money, is larger 
than were the US bases at Subic Bay and Clark Field combined.

The nuclear-free provisions of the Philippine constitution require that 
this agreement be ratified by the Philippine Senate before it can go into 
force. The VFA has been scheduled for Senate debate in March with voting 
expected on March 22-24.

The US has been exploiting both the regional/global economic crisis and the 
recent escalation of Chinese claims to the Spratley Islands to win 
ratification.

The outcome of the Philippine Senate vote is in doubt. The Philippine anti-
bases movement is urging people to write to four undecided Philippine 
Senators (of whom Juan Ponce Enrile is the most critical) urging them to 
vote against the VFA.

Please send letters to:

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile
Room 401 Marsman Bldg
Muelle de San Francisco
Gage 1, Port Area
Manila, Philippines
Fax: + 632 527-4837

Senator Anna Dominique M L Coseteng
Room 1202, Sunset View Tower
2230 Roxas Blfd
Pasay City, Philippines
Fax: + 632 891-7783

Senator Teofisto T Guingona
Fax: + 632 721-4805

Senator Vincente C Sotto III
Room 306 Diplomat Bldg
Roxas Blvd, Baclaran
Paranaque, Philippines
Fax: + 632 831-4194.