Palace cites reasons for retraction of VFA termination

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte has retracted his order to abrogate the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States (US), Malacañang confirmed Friday.

Duterte received US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III in a courtesy call at the Malacañang Palace on Thursday, where the two officials had an “open and frank” conversation.

“[The President’s] decision to recall the abrogation of VFA is based on upholding PH strategic core interests, the clear definition of PH-US alliance as one between sovereign equals, and clarity of US position on its obligations and commitments under MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque added that the Philippines will continue to “engage other countries for partnerships that work, based on our core national interests.”

In February last year, the Department of Foreign Affairs sent the US a notice to terminate the two decade-old agreement due to the latter’s alleged interference in the domestic affairs of the Philippines.

The termination process was held off twice in June and November 2020.

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