Manila pact allowing drills with Australian troops

The Philippine Senate on Tuesday ratified an accord that would allow Australian troops to train in combat exercises with Filipino forces in the country - a long-delayed pact backed by many lawmakers who were alarmed by Manila's territorial conflicts with China, AP reported. Sen. Loren Legarda, a key proponent, said the agreement that was approved by 17 of 23 senators would bolster national defense. Tensions with China have risen recently over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The presence of foreign troops has been a contentious issue in the Philippines, a former American colony. The Philippine constitution forbids foreign troops from permanently basing in the country and the Senate must ratify agreements governing activities by visiting troops. The Philippines has a similar 1999 pact with the United States and has allowed American forces to stay since 2002 to train and arm Filipino soldiers battling al-Qaida-linked militants. The Philippine government said the new accord would also allow Australian and Filipino forces to train in dealing with terrorism and natural disasters.