“The Philippines and the U.S. have had a strong relationship with each other for a very long time now. We have a shared history. We have shared values, democracy, freedom, and we have been in all the wars together in modern history, the World War, Second World War, Cold War, Vietnam, Korea, now the war on terrorism.”
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
The United States’ military presence in the Philippines is more than a historical relic; it serves as a strategic pivot in one of the world’s most disputed areas. With a renewed emphasis on combating China’s expanding influence in the South China Sea, the United States has reestablished its presence at several critical bases in the Philippines. These stations, which range from Luzon to Palawan, are essential components of a larger strategy aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation, strengthening regional security, and maintaining a balance of power in the region. Let’s get into the specifics of where these bases are and why they matter.
History of US-Philippines military relations
The United States and the Philippines have maintained a strong relationship, often described as a “special relationship,” rooted in the Philippines’ history as an American colony from 1898 to 1946. Diplomatic relations between the two nations were formally established in 1946. This close bond is supported by deep historical and cultural ties, shared democratic values, and a robust security alliance underpinned by the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. This treaty remains a cornerstone of the two countries’ defense cooperation.
The US-Philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) is an annual forum for strategic discussions, covering all facets of the relationship. The people-to-people ties are particularly strong, with over four million Filipino Americans living in the United States and nearly 400,000 Americans residing in the Philippines, including many military veterans. Manila is home to the only Veterans Administration regional office outside the United States and hosts the Manila American Cemetery, the largest American military cemetery outside US borders. In 2023, more than 900,000 Americans visited the Philippines. Various exchange programs further strengthen this bond, including the world’s longest-running Fulbright program, the International Visitor Leadership Program, and the Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative. Over 9,000 Filipino alumni of US exchange programs reside in the Philippines, while 1,000 US citizens have participated in exchange programs there.
The importance of partnerships with Pacific treaty allies, particularly the Philippines, was emphasized in the 2022 National Security Strategy. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has visited the Philippines multiple times. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the two countries solidifies their military cooperation. Although the Philippine constitution prohibits foreign military bases on its soil, the EDCA allows US forces to be stationed at four new bases on a rotating basis.
“The Philippines is very important – I have many, many friends from the Philippines. They’re great people. The Philippines strategically is very important to us. I think we’ll have a great relationship with the Philippines. I think it’s strategically very important to do so.”
Donald Trump
Locations of US Bases in the Philippines
United States military bases in the Philippines were formed as a result of a treaty made after World War II and the US’s acknowledgment of Philippine independence. The bases established by that treaty were decommissioned in 1991 and 1992, when the Senate of the Philippines narrowly rejected a new treaty that would have allowed some of the bases to remain for another ten years.
Existing Bases
Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan
(Strategically located near the South China Sea)
The Antonio Bautista Air Base is critical for monitoring and responding to activity in the South China Sea. Its closeness to disputed waters makes it an important frontline location for surveillance and rapid deployment, thereby enhancing the strategic objectives of the United States and the Philippines in the region.
Basa Air Base, Pampanga
(The primary air force base for joint training exercises)
Basa Air Base, located in Central Luzon, is an important site for joint military exercises between the United States and the Philippines. Its strategic location provides easy access to both the South China Sea and Northern Luzon, improving air defense capabilities.
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija
(The largest military camp in the Philippines)
Fort Magsaysay, the country’s largest military station, serves as a crucial site for large-scale drills and operations. Its large facilities enable a wide range of military tasks, including infantry training and disaster response, making it a key hub for US-Philippine defense cooperation.
Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu
(Centrally located in the Visayas region)
Benito Ebuen Air Base, located in the heart of the Visayas, is perfectly positioned to support operations throughout the central Philippines. Its strategic location enables rapid deployment to various regions of the archipelago, particularly in the event of a regional crisis.
Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro
(Important for operations in Mindanao)
Lumbia Air Base is an important base for military operations in Mindanao, an area that frequently faces security issues. Its involvement is critical in counterterrorism activities and preserving security in the southern Philippines, demonstrating the strategic depth of the US-Philippines partnership.
New EDCA Sites
The United States and the Philippines have agreed to “rapidly pursue modernization projects” at four key locations: Camilo Osias Naval Base in Cagayan, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela, Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan, and Balabac Island in Palawan. Of these, only Balabac Island borders the South China Sea, while the other three sites are situated in the northern Philippines, closer to Taiwan. These northern sites are particularly significant as they enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) capability to conduct naval and air operations in the Luzon Strait and Benham Rise. The Luzon Strait, which separates the Philippines from Taiwan, connects the South China Sea to the Philippine Sea, making it strategically important. It serves as a potential passage for Chinese warships into the Western Pacific, posing a threat to Taiwan. Benham Rise, located 155 miles east of Luzon, was recognized as part of the Philippines’ continental shelf in 2012, though China has conducted seabed surveys in the area.
China has strongly opposed the development of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, arguing that the US military could use them to intervene in a Taiwan Strait crisis or potentially threaten China. However, China’s primary concern is not the specific location of the bases but the deepening security cooperation between the US and the Philippines. While China held significant influence during the Duterte administration, it is now frustrated by the current Philippine government’s less pro-China stance. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, expressed Beijing’s concerns, stating that “the US intends to take advantage of the new EDCA sites to interfere in the situation across the Taiwan Strait to serve its geopolitical goals, and advance its anti-China agenda at the expense of peace and development of the Philippines and the region at large.”
The US has increased its financial commitment to EDCA infrastructure from $82 million to $100 million to include the new sites. The five existing EDCA sites are Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro. These sites involve 15 infrastructure projects, though only five have been completed so far. In Palawan, these include a warehouse for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), a fuel storage tank, and a Command and Control (C2) fusion center. The rehabilitation of Basa Air Base’s 1.7-mile runway began in March and is expected to be completed by September. Additionally, construction has started on a 1.8-mile runway on Balabac Island, which will also include an HADR warehouse, barracks, and other military facilities.
These projects are designed to enhance the capabilities of both the AFP and the US military, enabling more effective bilateral training, such as the annual Balikatan exercises, and improving resilience for missions like HADR and national defense. Despite China’s objections, the US Department of Defense has affirmed its commitment to working with the Philippines on initiatives that benefit both nations, and the possibility of further EDCA locations being announced in the future remains open. AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar stated, “If we’re talking about expanding EDCA, this is doable. We are an archipelagic country, with several islands and a lengthy coastline. If we want to maintain our sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the protection of maritime resources that should be enjoyed by our people, we need 360degree protection capability for the AFP.”
Significance of U.S. Bases in the Philippines
Military and Strategic Importance
The US bases in the Philippines play important role in combating China’s assertive operations in the South China sea. Recent military advancements, such as the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in 2023, have allowed the United States to gain access to new bases in the Philippines, improving its ability to project power and undertake regional surveillance. This presence acts as a disincentive to Chinese militarization of contested territory, protecting freedom of navigation and crucial sea lanes. The integration of US soldiers with the Armed soldiers of the Philippines (AFP) through joint exercises like the annual Balikatan has greatly increased interoperability.
Economic and Social Impact
The presence of US military personnel provides significant economic benefits to local areas. For example, the development and expansion of EDCA facilities has resulted in greater employment and local business growth, particularly in Palawan and Pampanga. The United States has invested millions of dollars here thereby boosting economic activity and raising living conditions of locals. US investments in military infrastructure have resulted in considerable enhancements to local infrastructures such as airports, highways, and communication networks. These advances not only help military operations, but they also assist local communities by improving connectivity and access to key services. The ongoing modifications at locations such as Basa Air Base and Antonio Bautista Air Base demonstrate this dual-use infrastructure concept.
Humanitarian and Disaster Response
The strategic position of US bases in the Philippines allows for quick deployment of resources and troops for disaster relief operations. In recent years, these facilities have played an important role in response to natural disasters including typhoons and earthquakes, giving quick humanitarian and logistical support to impacted communities. Beyond military activities, US bases have played a critical role in delivering humanitarian relief during crises. For example, following Typhoon Odette in 2021, US personnel stationed in the Philippines rapidly mobilized to supply food, water, and medical supplies to devastated villages, demonstrating the bases’ dual duty in defense and humanitarian aid.
Challenges and Controversies
Political and Public Opinion
In 2024, worries about Philippine sovereignty continue to drive arguments over the existence of US military bases in the nation. Critics believe that the expanding US military footprint under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) violates national sovereignty, with some MPs and activists advocating for greater openness and restrictions on US military activity. These concerns are heightened by fears that the Philippines would be pushed into conflict because of its alignment with US strategic goals in the area, particularly in the context of China. Local communities and activist groups have organized protests, claiming concerns over potential social upheavals, land loss, and the perceived erosion of national sovereignty, which reflect a greater distrust of foreign military involvement and a desire for the Philippines to take a more autonomous foreign policy stance.
Environmental Impacts
The environmental impact of US military outposts in the Philippines has become a growing concern in 2024. Environmental groups have expressed concern about the potential damage to ecosystems, particularly in sensitive locations such as Palawan, where the Antonio Bautista Air Base is located. Deforestation, pollution from military exercises, and the potential of oil spills have all been cited as risks to the local ecology, prompting calls for tighter environmental regulation and responsibility. In response to these concerns, the US and Philippine governments have agreed to implement mitigation measures to mitigate the environmental impact of military operations. This includes stronger waste management legislation, biodiversity conservation measures, and green infrastructure expenditures.
End Note
In essence, the presence of U.S. military bases in the Philippines, reinforced by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), serves as a pivotal element in maintaining regional security, enhancing disaster response capabilities, and fostering economic growth. However, this strategic alliance also brings challenges, including concerns about sovereignty, environmental impact, and the potential for geopolitical entanglements. As the U.S. and the Philippines face these complexities, the partnership remains a cornerstone of both nations’ efforts to balance security needs.
