Duterte to decide soon on renewed VFA

An 'improved' and 'strengthened' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that allows military training between Filipino and American troops is awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte's approval over a year after he ordered its termination.

Manila's envoy to Washington, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, stated that Duterte is expected to decide soon on whether to renew the VFA following negotiations between the Philippines and the US.

Romualdez expressed confidence that Duterte will approve the VFA, emphasizing its importance in the Philippines' relations with the US and its role in the Mutual Defense Treaty.

The VFA's abrogation was ordered by Duterte last year amid tensions with the US, particularly after the US revoked the visa of his close ally, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.

Duterte suspended the VFA abrogation twice: first in June 2020, and a second time in November 2020, after Biden's electoral win, to make way for further negotiations.

US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires John Law mentioned that negotiations have been productive and that specific proposals to clarify and strengthen the VFA's implementation have been made.

Law emphasized the VFA's importance to the success of the Mutual Defense Treaty and the security alliance between the two countries, agreeing with Romualdez's statements.