MANILA - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Thursday denied saying that the damage caused by super typhoon "Yolanda" to the country proves the need for greater presence of US troops. Del Rosario said the planned increase in rotational presence of American troops has its advantages in times of disasters. He said the increased rotational presence will be a big boost to the country's defense systems as the Philippines tries to modernize the Army. "We are not talking about numbers. We are talking about initiatives and projects that are mutually agreed upon and that will dictate the number. The American troops will come in. Once the project is done, they leave," he said in an interview on ANC's Headstart. He also clarified the increase in US troops in the country does not involve putting up American bases in the Philippines. "No, no, no. Permanent basing is not allowed by the Constitution. We are committed to adhering to the Constitution," he said. Mornings@ANC, November 28, 2013
