MANILA, Philippines — The government should review not just the visiting forces agreement (VFA), but also the country’s relationship with the United States government, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said on Monday.
Cayetano made the remark after reports that President Rodrigo Duterte gave instructions to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to ask the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to send an official notice to the United States on the termination of the military agreement.
The House leader, in a statement, noted how the United States has “neglected” the Philippines as he underscored that a friendship is only real if it is built upon a foundation of equality and mutual respect.
“They (United States) have stood by blindly as we (were) abused by our neighbors and our territory snatched from us. And their former enemies – despite still differing values on democratic process and human rights – continue to get better treatment and more resources from them than their old friend, and ever reliable ally, the Philippines,” he said.
While acknowledging the benefits of the agreement, Cayetano said that “those protective arms are not so protective when the US interest clashes with ours.”
“We hold dearly our connection to America, and our affinity to the American people. But does that mean we become a ‘yes man’ to their policies and throw away the constitutional mandate of an independent foreign policy?” Cayetano asked.
“Do we value US interests more than our own dignity and our right to be treated as an equals?” he added.
Cayetano likewise agreed to Duterte’s call for the improvement of the country’s own military force.
“Should we not take on the responsibility of defending our own nation and our people? To expand horizons and benefit from homegrown resources as well as the friendship of many other military powers – some old, others – friends to the Philippines all,” he said.
He also called on the public to be better informed on the issue of VFA and not judge without the facts, as he noted that the military agreement was “a product of a different time, when the lines of national interests were simpler.”
Thus, Cayetano said that the country’s relationship with the United States should also be reviewed, noting the “evolving global relationship among nations.”
“Let’s spend the next few days reviewing not only the VFA but our long relationship with the United States Government. Their position on critical issues vis-a-vis our position – especially those affecting Philippine domestic matters – must be reexamined,” he said.
Further, Cayetano asked: “Is the US ready to stand by its most loyal ally, or will its interest dictate neutrality at a time when ours need them to be firmly and unequivocally by our side?”
Cayetano expressed hopes that the US government would meet halfway in finding a mutually beneficial and mutually respectful balance to its relationship to the Philippines.
Duterte earlier threatened to scrap the VFA if the United States will not “rectify” the revocation of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s visa.
The PH-US agreement took effect in 1999 and covers the conduct of visiting American soldiers in the Philippines and serves as a foundation for military exercises between the Philippines and the US.