Visiting Forces Agreement: What’s at Stake for the Philippines and its President?
The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States has been a topic of debate for years. The agreement, which governs the rules and protocol for U.S. military personnel visiting the Philippines for joint training exercises and humanitarian missions, has been on the forefront of discussions once again.
President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has recently threatened to scrap the VFA amid diplomatic tensions with the United States. Here’s what you need to know about the VFA and what’s at stake for the Philippines and its president.
What is the Visiting Forces Agreement?
The VFA is a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and the United States, signed in 1998. It allows U.S. military personnel to visit the Philippines for joint military exercises and humanitarian assistance activities. It also lays out the legal framework for the status of U.S. military personnel while in the Philippines.
The agreement has been beneficial for both countries. The U.S. military has been able to maintain a strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region, while the Philippines has benefited from U.S. military training and support.
Why is President Duterte threatening to scrap the VFA?
President Duterte has expressed his dissatisfaction with the U.S. military’s presence in the Philippines since he took office in 2016. He has been critical of the VFA and its provisions, including the jurisdiction of the U.S. military over its personnel accused of crimes in the Philippines.
The president’s latest threat to scrap the VFA comes after the U.S. canceled the visa of Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who was instrumental in the administration’s war on drugs. The U.S. cited his alleged involvement in human rights violations.
What’s at stake for the Philippines and its president?
If the Philippines does end the VFA, it will lose access to the support and training that the U.S. military provides. This could weaken the Philippines’ military capabilities and the country’s ability to defend against external threats.
The loss of the VFA could also impact the Philippines’ relationship with the United States. The U.S. has been one of the Philippines’ closest allies, both economically and militarily. The Philippines could lose its strategic partner and its standing in the international community.
For President Duterte, his decision to scrap the VFA could be seen as a bold move to assert Philippine sovereignty. However, it could also be viewed as a reckless move that could result in negative consequences for the country.
In conclusion, the Visiting Forces Agreement is a crucial aspect of the Philippines’ relationship with the United States. Its potential termination could have far-reaching implications for the Philippines’ military capabilities, its relationship with its closest ally, and its standing in the international community. As such, President Duterte’s decision to scrap the VFA warrants careful consideration and weighing of the pros and cons.
