US, Philippines to Reach Deal on Economic Security Zone 'Sooner Rather Than Later', US Official Says The United States and the Philippines are expected to finalize a deal on an economic security zone "sooner rather than later", according to US Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg.
This agreement is part of the April pact between the two nations, which set a tight two year deadline for its completion.
The Philippine government has been cautious in its approach to this partnership, with Manila's development authority chief telling Bloomberg on May 18 that it had not agreed to grant diplomatic immunity for the zone as requested by the US.