Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) Termination Due to Senator Bato Dela Rosa's US VISA Cancellation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte earlier threatened to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) if the United States does not “correct” its cancellation of Senator Bato dela Rosa’s visa.

The termination of the VFA is a serious matter. We have fought for it since 1999. It is NOT a mere bargaining chip to get Bato back his US Visa. The termination of the VFA is needed because it is an affront to our national sovereignty.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr eagerly puts the President's words in motion after the Philippine chief warned the US government it had one month to 'correct' Senator Ronald dela Rosa's canceled visa. He has asked Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to start the termination process, but also said that he and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will contact the US Senate first to inform them of the country's intent to withdraw the agreement.

The abrupt termination of the VFA could deal a big blow to the country’s efforts to combat terrorism, warned a former envoy to the United States.

Renato Reyes Jr., Bayan secretary-general, said the termination of the VFA should be based on US’ alleged abuses of the treaty, and not because the visa of Dela Rosa was revoked.

Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon says an immediate scrapping of the VFA may compromise national security.

However, at the height of Duterte's threat to end the VFA with the United States, his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was in the U.S. for a conference with American city mayors.

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