Duterte to pursue scrapping VFA despite negative concerns for the country - DND Chief

The termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States of America is pushing through.

The President has not changed his mind, despite it the pro’s and cpn’s were laid in front of him and that such termination as such time would definitetly negatively affect the country.

"The President said he is terminating the VFA. I asked for clarification and he said he is not changing his decision," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a text message with ABS-CBN.

President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
(photo credit to owner)

In yesterday’s Senate hearing on the matter, the Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary said the country may lose billions worth of assistance  and even its good relations with regional neighbors should it scrap the accord.

"While the Philippines has the prerogative to terminate the VFA anytime, the continuance of the Agreement is deemed to be more beneficial to the Philippines compared to any benefits were it to be terminated," he said.

“The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will communicate its recommendation to the President following yesterday’s hearing,” said Lorenzana, without disclosing matters discussed behind closed doors.

Lorenzana said the President still has the last say considering the President has the authority  all foreign policy of the country.

“The pros and cons were laid out and it is clear that we also benefit in terms of grants (mil equipment, training, HADR) from the VFA. But the President, as the ultimate authority on foreign relations, has decided. And whatever he decides on this matter has my unqualified support.”

With the effectivity of the VFA termination occurring still 180 days from notification, Lorenzana said the upcoming Balikatan exercises this April are pushing through.

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Report from ABS-CBN News

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