Senate resolution filed against VFA abrogation

MANILA, Philippines — Senate leaders filed a resolution on Monday calling on President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his plan to unilaterally withdraw from the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States in order to give the chamber a chance to study the impact of terminating the deal on the country and the region’s defense and security.

The resolution was filed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

The measure expresses the sense of the Senate that Mr. Duterte should not push through with the unilateral abrogation of the VFA while the Senate is conducting an impact assessment to ensure the safety and security of the country and the Asia-Pacific, and to maintain the balance of power in the region.

Study the effects

It noted that the President is the chief architect of the country’s foreign policy.

But it said the Senate, which had concurred with the ratification of the VFA, should be able to first study the effects of the treaty’s abrogation.

“Fully recognizing the authority of the Chief Executive and without intending to disrespect a coequal body, prior to unilaterally terminating the VFA, the Senate should be given the opportunity to conduct a review and assessment of the impact of the withdrawal on the country’s security and economy,” the measure stated.

In particular, the senators wanted to see the effect of the VFA termination on intelligence information sharing, military aid and financing, the technical assistance the United States extends with regard to continuing threats posed by domestic and foreign terrorist groups, and the stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Repercussions

The Senate should also be heard on the matter, the resolution said.

“A policy-making body, the Senate should likewise give its view and opinion on the repercussions that the said unilateral withdrawal will entail to the existing [Mutual Defense Treaty] and the [Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement] with the United States of America,” it said.

It said there should be a careful deliberation on the issue before a decision is made that could affect not just the security and economy of the Philippines, but that of the neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The VFA is a treaty that allows American troops to enter the Philippines and to conduct joint military exercises with its armed forces.

Duterte announced that he was ending the VFA after the United States canceled the visa of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, an ally of the President.

Sen. Richard Gordon, however, said that terminating the VFA would not be a good idea at this time since the country is facing a lot of problems.

When the country has security concerns, Filipinos turn to the United States and wonder if it would help.