Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista maintains there will be no permanent US bases here under the proposed defense cooperation between the United States and the Philippines. Bautista said the Constitution does not allow foreign military bases in the country except under a treaty approved by the Senate. The proposed enhanced defense cooperation agreement will widen the access of American troops to Philippine military facilities while Philippine authorities will be given access to structures that will be set up by the US. The deal is expected to be signed later this month in time for US President Barack Obama's visit to Manila. ANC Headstart, April 8, 2014