Palace not keen on junking VFA

By: Kristine Angeli Sabillo - 10 years ago

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Despite protests spurred by a US Marine’s alleged involvement in the murder of a Filipino transgender woman, Malacañang remains lukewarm at the prospects of scrapping the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“The Visiting Forces Agreement is part of the overall strategy of the Philippines’ national defense, following the Mutual Defense Treaty,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday.

The VFA is a bilateral agreement between the Philippine and the United States governments, in reaffirmation of the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. It came into force in 1999, several years after the Military Bases Agreement was terminated.

“The reason why we have a Visiting Forces Agreement is because the US military bases agreement ended and we needed new rules for the occasional visit of US military forces for the joint military exercises between the US and the Philippine Armed Forces. That is why we should be looking at the bigger picture,” Coloma said.

The VFA has long been criticized by groups opposing US military presence in the Philippines.

A particular bone of contention is the custody issue. Under the VFA, a US soldier facing charges for violating Philippine laws remains under the custody of the US military. This issue was raised during the so-called “Subic rape case.” Suzette Nicolas accused Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of raping her inside a van at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Malacañang earlier admitted that the provision on custody has yet to be resolved by the two governments.

However, Coloma said, “If we are referring to those particular provisions, the two countries – the Philippines and the US – have agreed of the importance of close coordination to ensure that justice will prevail.”

He said they are currently focusing on ensuring that due process is followed, especially since criminal jurisdiction remains with the Philippines.

Last October 11, the lifeless body of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude was found slumped over a toilet bowl in an Olongapo City lodge. Witnesses said the victim was last seen with Private 1st Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is currently held on board USS Peleliu.