Lacson on AFP, PNP assurance that Philippines can do without VFA: ‘Alangan namang kumontra pa’

The assurance given by the military and police that the Philippines can boost its defense capabilities despite the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States can be considered a mere acquiescence, according to Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday.

"What do you expect? Siyempre nag-decide na 'yung Presidente. Alangan namang kumontra pa, we are not trained that way sa military and sa police," Lacson said during the Kapihan sa Senado.

"Sa amin, pag sinabi ng commander-in-chief ito na 'yung desisyon, we also court. So they will also court the decision of the President--right or wrong. Desisyon na 'yun eh," he added.

On Wednesday, Duterte said the police and the military assured him that the Philippines can boost its defense capabilities without the assistance of the United States.

Lacson, on the other hand, pointed out that cutting ties with the US troops would also affect the maintenance of the military equipment in the country.

"'Yung nakukuha natin na tangible and intangible benefits from the VFA masyadong malaki. 'Yung Philippine Air Force alone, sa Armed Forces na lang, 'yung air assets natin pag naputol 'yung VFA ang daming maaapektuhan because most of our equipment nanggaling sa United States and we cannot change that anymore," he said. "Paano 'yung repairs, 'yung maintenance ng mga helicopter, mga C-130, medyo mahihirapan tayo."

Cabinet execs 

Further, Lacson said that some members of President Rodrigo Duterte's Cabinet also have misgivings on ending the VFA.

"Maraming takot kay Presidente. Nag-eexpress sila, but you know, lagi silang nanantiya ba how to bring it with attention, how to persuade him or dissuade him from proceeding doon sa abrogation... Sa tingin nila made up na 'yung mind ni Presidente," Lacson said during Kapihan sa Senado.

"'Yung mga nakausap namin, more or less, halos unanimous naman sila na not really against but mayroon silang mga apprehensions, mayroon silang reservations doon sa pag-terminate," he added. "Wala pa yata akong nakausap na parang all out supporting the President to abrogate."

Asked how many were the officials he was referring to, Lacson said not more than 10. He added that he was able to learn about these Cabinet members' sentiments after he had informal talks with them.

Earlier this month, the Philippine government sent the notice of termination of the two-decade old pact which governs the conduct of visiting US personnel holding military exercises in the Philippines. — RSJ, GMA News