Is it worth it? Duterte weighing in on possible VFA extension: Palace

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte is carefully weighing his decision on the future of the two-decade-old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States (U.S.), his spokesman said.

“Tinitimbang niyang mabuti kung sapat ba iyang mga military hardware na iyan doon sa ibubuwis natin pagdating sa mga buhay ng ating mga mamamayang Pilipino,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in his virtual presser Tuesday.

Roque was reacting to the statement of Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez that the U.S aid for the military modernization program will satisfy Duterte.

The Chief Executive, he also said, would listen to public sentiment regarding the VFA, an accord between the two countries allowing American forces, including their military ships and aircraft, to be stationed in the Philippines.

“Hayaan po nating makinig muna ang Presidente sa pulso ng bayan at hayaan po natin siyang gumawa ng tamang desisyon,” the presidential mouthpiece added.

Asked when Duterte would decide on this issue, Roque said: “In due course po, huwag nating i-pressure ang Presidente.”

In February last year, the President sought to end the VFA, citing the intervention by the U.S. government in the country’s internal affairs.

Four months later, he suspended the termination for six months “in light of political and other developments in the region.”

The government in November 2020 decided to extend the suspension for another six months amid persistent tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

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