February 7, 2020 – President Rodrigo Duterte on January 23, 2020
intimidated the United States by terminating the Visiting Force Agreement, due
to the cancellation of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s visa.
During his speech in the province of Leyte, President
Duterte gives US one month to reverse their decision for the cancellation of
the Senator’s visa - “I’m warning you. This is the first
time. Kapag hindi ninyo ginawa ang correction diyan, I will terminate the
Visiting Forces Agreement. “
According to Cabinet Sec. Karlo Alexi
Nograles, the notice of termination was already prepared for the termination of
the VFA. However, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teddy Locsin Jr is still
waiting for the President directive although the President gives 1 month after
Senator’s cancellation of its visa.
As of now while there is no directives
yet, Nograles stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) are evaluating the
possible effect of dismissing the VFA to other agreements between the US and the
Philippines.
Meanwhile. Teddy Locsin said prior to
the VFA agreement; it is needed to write a letter for breaking an agreement to
either both country.
Once the notice of termination received,
there are 180 days before it will be effective.
Nograles - As instructed by the president, nakahanda na po ‘yung
termination, tapos naghihintay na lamang ng further instruction si Secretary
Locsin tungkol do’n sa communication ng termination. In the meantime, sinusuri
at pinag-aaralan ng DOJ, under kay Secretary Guevarra, ‘yung magiging epekto
nung termination sa iba pang mga treaties.”
The VFA covers the visiting of American soldiers in the Philippines
that conducts military exercises. However, Filipino public officials who were
involved in De Lima’s arrest are banned from entering US. Thus, Pressident
Duterte stated that the US did not believe De Lima labeled as a criminal. As we
remembered, De Lima was involved in the New Bilibid Prison’s
controversial drug trade while she was still the Justice Secretary back then.
