The United States has signed a deal to revive its military presence in the Philippines over 20 years after being forced to leave its bases. Under the 10-year agreement, U.S. forces, warships and fighter jets will be stationed on Filipino territory for training and exercises. The Philippines was a U.S. colony from 1898 to 1946, and the U.S. maintained bases until popular protest forced their ouster in 1992. In a signing ceremony today, U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg said the United States does “not intend” to re-establish permanent bases.

Philip Goldberg: “A commitment to democratic governance and international law, the mutuality of benefits for both nations as we develop our individual and collective defense capacities, respect for Philippine sovereignty over all locations covered under the agreement, and the understanding that the United States does not intend to establish a permanent military presence in the Philippines.”

The deal is being unveiled today amidst a visit to the Philippines by President Obama. At a protest in New York’s Times Square, a Filipino activist with the group BAYAN criticized the accord.

Gary Labao: “We are definitely against more U.S. troops in the Philippines and in Asia-Pacific region because we believe that the presence of U.S. military in the Asia-Pacific region is not beneficial to the sociopolitical and economic development of Asian countries.”