Senators consider the decision to suspend the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the US as a welcome development.
“I am in favor of having a VFA at this time, maybe for another 50 years or until we are economically strong and militarily capable to defend ourselves,” Senator Ralph Recto said.
Senator Panfilo Lacson stated the decision of the President is a “welcome development as far as defense and economic security is concerned… The Philippines needs the Visiting Forces Agreement especially now that Chinese intrusions into our territory, particularly in the West Philippines Sea, have become commonplace.”
Lacson added that it is a “no-brainer that we can’t stand on our own and protect ourselves from harassment”.
Senator Win Gatchalian suggested reviewing the VFA, ensuring its fairness and making it pro-Filipino as the VFA in the past has only been “leading towards the counterpart” or the US.
Senator Francis Tolentino affirmed the move will contribute to the strong cooperation between the nations while opening doors for more opportunities.
Senator Vicente Sotto III disclosed that they are still asking the Supreme Court if the concurrence of the Senate is needed for the abrogation.
Meanwhile, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa seconded the suspension of the VFA termination as a “welcome development.”
“Foreign policies can be flexible at times depending on the realities obtained in the bilateral, regional, or global arena of foreign relations. – Report from Eunice Samonte
