Reconsider VFA abrogation amid ‘warming’ PH-US ties, solon urges gov’t

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Ed Edens, 113th Maintenance Squadron Egress system mechanic, left, and Philippine Air Force Tech. Sgt. Roderick Domingo, 430th Aircraft Maintenance Group Egress system supervisor, right, perform a visual inspection of a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during the Bilateral Air Contingent Exchange-Philippines (BACE-P) at Cesar Basa Air Base, Philippines, Jan. 22, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Small)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government should reconsider its move to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States amid the “warming” relations between the two countries, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said Thursday.

Biazon, vice chairperson of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, made the remark after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III recently reiterated the American government’s commitment to its defense alliance with the Philippines.

“In light of this warming relations between the Philippines and US under the fledgling Biden administration, it might be the opportune time for the Philippines to reconsider the termination of the VFA, which was decided during different circumstances and an administration that has been replaced,” Biazon said in a statement.

Austin recently talked with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana where one of the topics discussed was the VFA and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MTD) between the US and the Philippines.

The two officials also discussed the importance of enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and increasing interoperability between their troops “through a variety of bilateral security cooperation activities,” the US Embassy said.

Biazon said the opportunity for a “fresh start” may also be the time to recalibrate the two nations’ relations, including the possible tweaking of the VFA.

“It would be an appropriate response to the law passed by China authorizing its Coast Guard to use weapons against Filipinos in disputed waters,” Biazon said.

The Philippines in November 2020 suspended for a second time President Rodrigo Duterte’s unilateral decision to terminate the VFA.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. recently said the Philippines and the US will meet this month to iron out differences on VFA amid renewed regional concerns over China’s assertive maritime agenda.

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