PH does not need VFA indefinitely, says defense chief Lorenzana
MANILA, Philippines -Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday said the Philippines does not need the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States “indefinitely.”
Lorenzana voiced his opinion during the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on the government’s plan to terminate the VFA.
Senator Richard Gordon asked Lorenzana if it would be in the country’s interest to cancel the VFA now.
“I think our long term interest is to be self sufficient in our defense, we should have at least a minimum deterrent capability,” Lorenzana replied.
“Now whether we need the VFA indefinitely, I think we don’t need the VFA indefinitely. We should use the interim to build up our capabilities,” he added.
The Senate hearing on the VFA was prompted by President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to end the VFA after the US revoked Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s visa.
Duterte orders start of VFA termination process—Palace
Dela Rosa was Philippine National Police chief when the Duterte administration launched its brutal war on illegal drugs.
