Philippines, U.S. not to rush talks on increasing U.S. military presence: official

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The Philippines and the United States are not rushing the negotiations for the framework agreement on the increased rotational presence of American troops in the country in time for U.S. President Barack Obama's visit here next month, a senior government official said on Sunday.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Rick Carandang in an interview over a state-run radio station said that discussions on increased rotational presence of U.S. forces here have been ongoing for over a year now.

So, whether an agreement would be signed when Obama visit here on Oct. 11-12, he said that the government could not be accused for rushing the negotiations on the matter.

"I don't think we can say that they are being rushed ... whether or not we will sign something during the Obama visit is not something I can answer at this point," Carandang said.

"What I can assure our countrymen is that these discussions with the U.S. will lead to enhanced security for the Philippines and that's why we're entering into these discussions," he added.

While talks on the increased rotational presence of U.S. forces here have been ongoing for more than a year, formal talks on the framework agreement only started in August.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Obama are expected to discuss security alliance of the two countries.

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