Thread: Philippines: Senate calls for Cancellation of VFA with U.S.

Philippines: Senate calls for Cancellation of Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Washington


by Rolly T. Carandang
Manila Bulletin - 2009-08-29


Senators are inclined to abrogate the existing Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, citing allegations that US troops are going beyond military exercises and have extended their presence in actual combat operations in Mindanao.

Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago, Joker Arroyo and Francis Pangilinan cited scores of loopholes in the agreement, one of which is the alleged involvement of US troops in combat which they described as unconstitutional.

Adminsitration officials led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo defended the agreement, citing the many advantages and benefits that the VFA provides for the country particularly for the military.

Santiago, who heads the legislative oversight committee on the VFA, said she will recommend to the Senate the abrogation of the agreement.

“My reference is Col. David Maxwell, commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines,â€

The Philippines screwed with us once before by demanding more money for the use of Clark AB. What did we do? We left instead. Now their economy is even worse. Serves them right. I say the hell with them.