United States (US) Vice President Kamala Harris's recent visit to the Philippines had nothing to do with the empowerment of women, according to pro-women group Gabriela Party-list.
Instead, the visit represented something that, in Gabriela's view, could end up hurting Philippine sovereignty.
Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said in a recent press conference that the US official's visit "symbolizes not women's empowerment but military and economic expansion at the expense of our national sovereignty".
She said that Harris carried with her the "geo-political agenda of the US". This includes the civil nuclear cooperation that the former claims could lead to the production of potentially harmful nuclear wastes.
"Maaari ring magbunga ito ng exportation at installation ng nuclear weapos sa bansa sa panahon na pinapaigting ng US ang military presence sa Asia-Pacific (This could also result to the exportation and installation of nuclear weapos in the country at a time when the US is stepping up its military presence in the Asia-Pacific)," the Makabayan solon said.
"We also reject the proposed installation of more EDCA sites which will signify the increased deployment of military troops in the country," added Brosas.
EDCA stands for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between Manila and Washington.
"We urge our fellow Filipinos to reject the nuclear deal between the US and the Philippine government, as well as the construction of more EDCA sites across the country which will make Filipino women more vulnerable to violence and abuse," Brosas further said.
Harris is hailed the world over as the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected as US vice president.
She is also the first South Asian American to serve in the US Senate.