Malacañang is willing to get the concurrence of Senate on the termination of a military deal with the United States if the Supreme Court orders it.
Even after it insisted there is no need to get Senate nod to junk the visiting forces agreement (VFA) with the United States, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace would follow any decision of the Supreme Court on the matter.
Some senators reportedly plan to challenge President Duterte’s unilateral decision to terminate the decades-old VFA with the United States. The senators wanted to ask the Supreme Court to define the Senate’s role on the termination of treaties and other international agreements.
According to Panelo, there was “no problem” if the senators would elevate the matter before the Supreme Court.
“Eh di susundin natin. Basta kung ano ang sinabi ng batas, yun ang susundin,” he said in an interview with reporters at the Palace Friday when asked if the court recognizes the Senate’s role in treaty withdrawal.
“Hihingi tayo ng concurrence sa Senado kung yun ang sabi ng Korte Suprema. Wala namang problema dyan eh,” he said.
The Philippines government recently informed the United States government about its desire to terminate the VFA, which governs the conduct of American troops visiting the country.
The VFA termination came after President Duterte denounced the United States meddling in the country’s affairs.
The last straw, according to the Palace, was the cancellation of the US visa of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the former police chief who led the controversial war on drugs in the country.
United States President Donald Trump has downplayed Duterte’s notice of termination of the VFA, saying he did not mind such move and it would actually save the US “a lot of money.” The Palace later said the President will not entertain any US attempt to salvage or renegotiate the deal.
Meanwhile, Panelo affirmed that the government was not keen on entering into military alliances with China or any other nation for now. After walking out of the VFA with the United States, he said the President declared his intention for the country to stand on its feet and strengthen its defense capability.
“Kaya nga tayo mag-uupmisa maging independent ibig sabihin we have to work ourselves towards that goal of strengthening our defenses,” he said.
He also said any scheduled military exercises between Filipino and American troops may continue until the VFA termination formally takes effect.
“Hanggat hindi pa natatapos, lahat ng pending, matutuloy pa rin ‘yun,” he said.
Manila’s notice of VFA termination was sent to the US government last February 11. It will take effect 180 days upon receipt by the Washington. (Genalyn Kabiling)
