President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated he had various bases to order the termination of Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippine and the United States.
The President said he had consulted security forces of the government if the country can stand without the US support, and whose positive response delighted the Chief Executive.
“Mabubuhay ba tayo kung wala ang Amerika? Can we fight the wars that we are…? Do we need America to survive as a nation? Do we need America now to fight a rebellion in our entire country? Do we need their arms? And the military and police said: ‘Sir, kaya natin.’ So sabi ko… Kasi ‘pag hindi natin kaya, we have no business being a Republic,” President Duterte said.
The President also reechoed the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima has basis, contrary to the accusations of some US officials. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
