‘Superpower tensions,’ pandemic led Duterte to backtrack
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has suspended his decision to terminate a two-decade-old troop deployment agreement with the United States (US) due to “political and other developments in the region.”
Foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced Tuesday that President Duterte reversed his decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and ordered the suspension of the agreement for six months.
“We look forward to continuing our strong military partnership with the US even as we continue to reach out to our regional allies in building a common defense towards enduring stability and peace continuing economic progress and prosperity in our part of the world,” Locsin said.
The termination VFA, which is central to one of Washington’s most important alliances in Asia, was due to take effect in August and was Duterte’s biggest move yet towards delivering on longstanding threats to downgrade ties with the Philippines’ former colonial ruler.
On Feb. 11, Duterte ordered the abrogation of the VFA after the US revoked the visa of former Philippine National Police chief and now senator, Ronald Dela Rosa, his close ally.
Locsin said many countries in the region and the world find the Philippine government’s decision reassuring.
“Let me assure you that this action alarms no countries in Asia and the rest of the world. On the contrary it greatly reassures everyone,” Locsin said.
The US welcomed the Philippine government’s decision in a statement released after Locsin’s social media post.
“Our long-standing alliance has benefited both countries, and we look forward to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines,” a US Embassy statement said.
Meanwhile, Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomed the development saying this could mean more US assistance at the time the country is facing the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
The VFA governs the treatment of US servicemen in military units and defense personnel who are in the Philippine territory for short periods for joint military exercises approved by both the Philippine and US governments.
It entered into force on May 27, 1999 , eight years after the closure of US military bases in the Philippines in 1991. It was negotiated and signed during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos and ratified during President Joseph Estrada’s time.
Over the years, the US military also assisted the Armed Forces of the Philippines in combating extremist groups by providing technical assistance and enemy surveillance to Filipino troops battling the militants. (With Reuters/PN)
