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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Holding off VFA abrogation for another 6 months good for PH, says Sotto

Holding off VFA abrogation for another 6 months good for PH, says Sotto

Published Nov 5, 2020 01:23 pm

Suspending anew the abrogation of the Philippines' visiting forces agreement (VFA) with the United States could give the government more time to review and assess the two countries' defense relationship, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Thursday.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)

Sotto said holding off the VFA termination for another six months will be a "good move while exec department is reviewing the pros and cons of the agreement."

" Gives us time to review, rethink and assess our defense relationships," he said in separate text messages to reporters.

In conducting its review, Sotto said there might be no need for the two countries to come up with a new VFA, saying "we can simply come to some agreements on amendments."

" Example: A provision on automatic US defense posture on any aggression against the PH," he told the Manila Bulletin.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing elections in the US, Sotto said he hopes the winning presidential candidate will help the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China.

"Pinabayaan tayo ni Obama sa WPS issue (Former US President Barrack Obama abandoned us in the West Philippines Sea issue). I hope the winner does not follow his thinking," the Senate chief said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday said that President Duterte was mulling to again suspend the abrogation of the VFA with the US. 

"What I am saying is, there is no immediate rush for the President to decide because the notification we sent to the Americans gives them at least one year leeway before it’s abrogated," Roque told CNN Philippines.

Last June, the government suspended its planned termination of the VFA with the US "in light of political and other developments in the region," according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.

The six-month suspension ends next month, although in the diplomatic note sent to the US Embassy, the Philippines said the suspension could be extended by the government for another six months.

Locsin on Tuesday said the military presence of the US in Asia is "essential" to the stability and balance of power in the region.

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