US Defense chief Austin arrives in PH to meet with Galvez

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday night.

He was met at the airport by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

Austin will meet with his Philippine counterpart Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

"Wheels down in the [PH flag] Philippines where I’ll meet with Secretary of National Defense Galvez & other senior leaders to build on our strong bilateral relationship, discuss a range of security initiatives, and advance our shared vision of a #freeandopenpacific," Austin tweeted, sharing a video of him being given honors upon disembarking from the plane.

Among the topics expected to be tackled during his meeting with Galvez and other senior leaders is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the accord between the US and the Philippines inked in 2014, according to a report on Unang Balita on Wednesday.

The EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels, but rules out permanent basing.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said last December that the requests and proposals of the US regarding the EDCA are being reviewed.

This is Austin's second visit to the Philippines, the first one being in 2021.

"Honored to welcome @SecDef Austin back to the Philippines. His visit shows the United States’ ironclad commitment to our [PH flag] #FriendsPartnersAllies. @DNDPHL," Carlson tweeted. —KG, GMA Integrated News