MANILA, Feb 22 (NNN-PNA) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is not keen on negotiating new military pacts with any countries, presidential spokesperson, Salvador Panelo said, on Friday.
Panelo told a local news network that, he asked Duterte himself, if the Philippine leader is “open to military forces agreement with other countries.” Panelo quoted Duterte as saying, “No. For as long as I am president, no.”
Duterte repeatedly said he wants to build a strong military and police force, to avert any future threats and challenges to national security.
For decades, the Philippines relied on the United States for its security needs. However, Duterte wants to break away from the American clutches, signalling a major break in U.S.-Philippines military relations.
The Philippines, upon direct instruction from Duterte, officially notified Washington about its intention unilaterally, to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.
The VFA governs the conduct of U.S. armed forces personnel, who come to the Philippines to take part in approved training and other activities, including, but not limited to, exercises related to the 1951 Defence Treaty.
Under the treaty, the Philippines and the U.S. agreed to respond, in the event of an armed attack by foreign forces, in the metropolitan or island territories, armed forces, public vessels or aircraft of either country.
The VFA agreement provides the legal framework for defence cooperation between the two countries.
The Philippines and the U.S. signed, in 1998, the VFA, allowing joint Philippine-U.S. military operations. The Philippine Senate ratified the agreement in 1999, seven years after the closure of the last U.S. base on Philippine territory.
Over 300 military engagements are scheduled between the two militaries during the entire year. These engagements include training exercises, expert exchanges, functional training and exchanges, planning and tabletop exercises.
On Feb 11, Philippine Foreign Secretary, Teodoro Locsin, officially notified the U.S. Embassy in Manila, about the Philippine government’s decision to junk the pact.
Article IX of the VFA says: “This agreement shall remain in force until the expiration of 180 days from the date on which either party gives the other party notice in writing, that it desires to terminate the agreement.”– NNN-PNA
