Senators on Duterte's retraction of VFA termination: Good move

Several senators on Friday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to retract the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.

“I concur. Good move!” Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a text message to reporters.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of Senate national defense committee, supported Duterte’s decision, saying the termination of the VFA will put the Philippines at the disadvantage considering China’s incursion in the West Philippine Sea.

“That's the way to do it. It goes without saying, I fully support the President's decision in this regard. Termination of the VFA will do our country's security situation more harm than good, especially at this time when incursions into  our territories in the WPS have become more aggressive and unabated,” Lacson said.

“This is not to mention the continuing threats of terrorism in our country. We have to accept the reality that we cannot do it alone and our bilateral agreements with more militarily capable countries like the United States and even Australia should be put into good use,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino said the retraction of the VFA termination “coupled” with the strengthening of the treaty is the “correct move” in light of the current geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and as part of the celebration of the Philippines’ 75th year of diplomatic relations with the US.

“It is a reflection of the strong alliance between the Philippines and the United States, anchored on a shared commitment to global security and national sovereignty,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senate foreign relations committee chairman Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III explained that the Senate must concur a new treaty if new terms were introduced in the VFA.

“Since there is no announcement that there is a new VFA treaty then we assume that what has been continued is the existing VFA. Hence, it is as if everything [regarding] the VFA is as it used to be,” he said.

Earlier today, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced that Duterte has decided to “recall or retract the termination letter for the VFA.”

The Defense chief made the remark in a press conference with visiting US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III.

Malacañang said Duterte’s decision to keep the pact upholds the country’s interests above all.

The VFA is an implementation of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty forged by the US and the Philippines as security partners after World War II. It is a framework agreement that covers the treatment and presence of American forces in the country with or without war games.

The VFA, however, prohibits US troops from engaging in combat operations.

Manila formally sought the VFA's abrogation back in February 2020 but decided to postpone such termination by six months in June 2020.

President Duterte again decided to suspend the VFA termination for another six months in November 2020.—AOL, GMA News