MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – It is known as the Enhanced Defense Cooperative Agreement, or EDCA. It grants the United States access to military sites in the Philippines and that privilege has recently been increased from five to nine sites.

Many Filipinos have expressed disapproval for this agreement and expanded access because they believe it will put the Philippines in harms way with China amid the territorial dispute in the South China Sea. The U.S. has a vested interest in the region.

But lo and behold, just in time for the commemoration of the 37th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution which ousted his father, President Bongbong Marcos has announced a change of mind with regards to EDCA.

“From now on, EDCA will no longer exist,” Marcos said. “We have decided to rename it EDSA — the Enhanced Defense and Security Agreement.”

Manila Times columnist Rigoberto Tiglao told The Adobo Chronicles that Marcos’ move will make everyone happy: the U.S. will continue to have access to the nine sites; the Philippines will continue to rely on U.S. protection in case of any intrusion into its territory; and the pro-Aquino and activist groups will continue to bask in the memory of the symbol of their opposition to the Marcoses — EDSA!