Lorenzana backs Philippine government's suspension of VFA abrogation

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday expressed support for the national government's move to suspend the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, the pact which allows US troops to conduct military training with their counterparts in the Philippines.

In a press statement, Lorenzana said the DND is ready to continue working with its US counterparts in finding solutions to their common concerns, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

"In times of crises and global uncertainty, it is our belief that nations are only made stronger if we work together and focus our efforts on tackling the various challenges that confront us all," Lorenzana said.

Likewise, the Defense chief said that the military will continue to consult the Office of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces in regard to issues that still need to be addressed following this development.

In a television interview, Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte decided to suspend the VFA termination because the Philippines needs assistance from other countries amid the health crisis.

"I think the reason I was told was because of this pandemic. We need cooperation from the other countries to fight the pandemic," Lorenzana told CNN.

Asked if he was consulted on the matter, Lorenzana said he had a brief talk with Duterte and Senator Christopher "Bong" Go about the issue a month ago.

Foreign Affairs chief Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier said that the Philippine government has suspended the termination of the VFA for six months "in light of political and other developments in the region." 

In a note verbale dated June 1, the government stated that "the suspension shall start on even date and shall continue for six months, which period is extendable by the Philippines for another six months, after which the tolling of the initial period in Note Verbale No. 20-0463 dated 11 February 2020 shall resume."

The US government then welcomed this development, saying that it "looks forward to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines."

On February 11, the Philippines formally sought the VFA's termination after the US revoked the visa of his ally, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.

The VFA took effect in 1999 after being ratified by the Philippine Senate, effectively allowing American soldiers to train and advise their Filipino counterparts in disaster response and its fight against terrorists.

However, under the agreement, US forces are not allowed to take part in combat operations.

The VFA would be deemed terminated upon a party's written notice of its intention to end the treaty, which becomes effective after 180 days. —LBG/KBK, GMA News