Malacañang said yesterday that the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement will not affect the military alliance of the Philippines and the United States since the treaty is more for the privileges given to American military personnel in the country.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Mutual Defense Treaty, “Balikatan” exercises, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the US will continue.
“Nandoon pa rin. Hindi naman mababago ‘yun. ‘Yun lang naman VFA ang pinag-uusapan,” he said. “VFA refers more to the privileges granted to the American military. It does not include all other treaties which are and relative to the security of the Philippines, and alliance to the United States,” he added.
The Palace official also said that the termination of the VFA does not mean that the Philippines will form a military alliance with other countries, especially after President Duterte praised China and Russia and slammed the US for its lack respect for the nation’s sovereignty.
“’Yung VFA lang naman ang mate-terminate so there is nothing to speculate about ‘yung alliance natin with the States,” he said. “Basta ganoon pa rin ‘yung alliance, hindi naman nababago,” he added.
The VFA between the Philippines and the United States exempts US military personnel from the country’s visa and passport regulations. It also benefits American military officers who are accused of committing crimes in the Philippines. (Argyll Geducos)
