The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday directed the Philippine government to defend the constitutionality of a 10-year defense pact it signed with the US government.

The SC gave Philippine officials 10 days to answer petitions seeking to declare as unconstitutional the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) forged in April.

Petitioners argued that the agreement violates the Philippine Constitution which requires that any foreign military bases, troops or facilities "shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate."

They also charged that the government of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III committed "grave abuse of discretion" in signing the agreement.

Philippine officials earlier said EDCA, which will have an initial term of 10 years, is envisioned to advance the implementation of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the US and the Philippines.