MANILA -- House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Al Francis Bichara believes the planned increased rotational presence of US forces in the country will boost the country's defense systems. In an interview with ANC, Bichara said upgrading and modernizing the Armed Forces will be easier and cheaper through an enhanced military partnership with the US. He added that the additional American troops will help safeguard Philippine waters. Talks for the new proposal began Wednesday. Malacañang earlier said the negotiations will not lead to the establishment of a new US military base in the Philippines. ANC Dateline Philippines, August 14, 2013
