'You’re welcome,' Pres. Duterte spox tells Trump on VFA termination

The United States President has a different take on the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States of America (USA).

US President Donald Trump said he was “fine” with the termnation of the military accord with the Philippines, and still touted his “very good relationship" with his Philippine President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

"You know, my views are different than other people. I view it as, 'Thank you very much. We save a lot of money,'" Trump told reporters at the White House.

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and US President Donald Trump
(photo credit to owner)

Atty. Salvador Panelo, Presidential Spokesman welcomed the US leader’s remark and noted that Trump might agree with the Philippines’ goal of a self-reliant military.

“Then, he is welcome. If he said that, how can we be more popish than the pope?” Atty. Panelo said.

“Maybe he (Trump) agrees with the position of the President (Duterte) that it is time that we stand on our own resources and defend our country from enemies of the state by ourselves and not rely on the help of other countries,” he added.

Atty. Panelo claimed that by terminating the military accord, the Philippines gained the respect of the US since it shows “we do not need them.”

“You must remember that the VFA and other treaties are there precisely because of the global strategic defensive positioning of the United States. You must remember that the perceived enemies of the US are very near this country, hence they need us,” Panelo said.

“Advantage sa kanila kapag kasama tayo nila eh.”

What can you say about the article?

Share us your thoughts by simply leaving on the comment section below. For more news updates, feel free to visit our site often.

Stay updated with today's relevant news and trends by hitting the LIKE button.

Thanks for dropping by and reading this post.

Report from ABS-CBN News

Disclaimer: Contributed articles does not reflect the view of THE PH CHRONICLES. This website cannot guarantee the legitimacy of some of the information contributed to us. You may do additional research if you find some information doubtful. No part of this article maybe reproduced without permission from this website.