Senators welcome Duterte's VFA reversal

Several senators have welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to retract the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III described the move as a "good move."

Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate national defense committee, supported the decision, citing the Philippines' disadvantage if the VFA were terminated, especially given China's incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson further stated that the country cannot face security threats alone and should utilize its bilateral agreements with militarily capable nations like the US and Australia.

Senator Francis Tolentino added that retracting the VFA termination and strengthening the treaty is the correct action due to geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the celebration of 75 years of Philippine-US diplomatic relations.