Duterte threatens VFA termination over US vaccine delivery

President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US if it fails to deliver at least 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Senator Richard Gordon criticized Duterte's threat as inappropriate and mercenary, emphasizing that national interest should guide VFA decisions.

Palace spokesperson Harry Roque defended Duterte’s stance, stating it reflects an independent foreign policy rather than coercion.

Senator Panfilo Lacson warned that Duterte's tough stance might force the Philippines to settle for China’s Sinovac vaccine instead of US-made Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.