The Philippine Supreme Court has ruled that a military accord with the United States is constitutional. That paves the way for more US forces in the former American colony as tensions simmer in the South China Sea.
The 10-year Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement was signed in 2014, but it was not implemented because of legal challenges. Under the deal, US troops will rotate through the Philippines for war games and help their hosts build military facilities.
Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te said the accord was upheld with a 10-4 vote. Dozens of anti-US activists protested outside the court, saying the deal would make the country "a launching pad for military intervention in the region".
