Mas makuha sa diplomasya! Ping details how diplomacy better than ‘strong words’ on VFA

Diplomacy and civility will go a much longer way than strong words in ensuring the Philippines benefits from the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Sunday.

Lacson said a civil, diplomatic and statesmanlike approach would be more effective than using strong words to send a message to a longtime ally.

“The President may have used strong words to send his message across to the US. But certainly, there is a more civil and statesmanlike manner to ask for compensation from a longtime ally using the usual diplomatic channels and still get the same desired results,” said Lacson, who chairs the Senate defense committee.

He added one cannot put a price tag on the value of the PH-US VFA on the Philippines.

Lacson pointed out that while the Philippines should make sure the US holds up its end of the agreement, diplomatic channels are a better route to accomplish the same results.

“At least give the other party an elbow room to save face instead of looking bullied and stripped of dignity,” he said.

For national interest, we should. The diplomatic channels should be a better route to accomplish the same desired results. At least give the other party an elbow room to save face instead of looking bullied and stripped of dignity.

— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) February 13, 2021

On Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte said that if the US wants the VFA done, “they have to pay,” adding the US’ “share of responsibility does not come free.” Lacson noted such a statement may have given the impression that the Philippines is a nation of extortionists.

“It was in that context that I posted a tweet on the matter on Saturday. I decided to take it down after giving it a thought that the President’s intention was to get a fair shake of the agreement, only he could have said it in a more diplomatic way. On crucial issues such as this, there should be no room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding moving forward,” he said.

Earlier, Lacson said the Philippines needs the VFA especially with recent Chinese intrusions into Philippine territory, particularly the West Philippine Sea.

He added the last thing the Philippines should lose is the balance of power that its allies, including the US, “can provide to suit our national interest and territorial integrity.”

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)