PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte has decided to recall the termination of the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) on the ground of the two nations’ respect for their partnership being “sovereign equals,” Malacañang said on Friday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement, the same day when Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced Duterte’s move to retract the abrogation of VFA following his meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Thursday.
“PRRD’s (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) decision to recall the abrogation of VFA is based on upholding PH strategic core interests, the clear definition of PH-US alliance as one between sovereign equals, and clarity of US position on its obligations and commitments under MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty),” Roque said in a statement.
Roque was referring to the 1951 MDT that aims to step up the defense and security cooperation between the US and Philippine troops.
Duterte ordered the VFA’s revocation in February 2020.
The controversial military pact was supposed to be officially scrapped in August last year, but its termination was suspended for three six-month periods.
The latest was in June this year when Duterte decided anew to extend the VFA’s validity for six more months.
Lorenzana said the Philippines would continue to hold negotiations with the US to revisit the VFA.
The VFA, a 1998 defense deal between Manila and Washington, allows American forces to enter the Philippines sans passport and visa to allow them to participate in joint military drills in the host country.
The two countries are currently holding talks to come up with a “side agreement” that will serve as an addendum to the VFA.
During a meeting at Malacañang, Duterte and Austin agreed that “enhanced communication and greater cooperation” can further boost Manila and Washington’s alliance, the Palace said.
Despite the latest development, Roque said the Philippines would continue to engage other countries for “partnerships that work based on our core national interests.” (RUTH ABBEY GITA-CARLOS )
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