DND backs Duterte on extension of VFA termination
THE Department of National Defense (DND) has expressed full support to the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreementn(VFA) for another six months.
DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the country’s bilateral cooperation with the U.S. is geared towards upholding our national interest.
“Our bilateral cooperation with the U.S. is geared towards upholding our national interest and to the extent necessary to enhance the Philippines’ defense capability,” Lorenzana said.
He explained that with the additional six months, the government will further review the pros and cons of the VFA especially regarding various concerns of mutual importance to our two countries with the end in view of helping the President arrive at an informed decision on the matter.
On Monday night, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Teodoro L.Locsin announced Duterte’s decision to extend the suspension of the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) by another six months.
The United States Wednesday welcomed the decision.
“We welcome the Government of the Philippines’ decision to again suspend termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Our alliance continues to contribute not only to the security of our two nations, but also strengthens the rules-based order that benefits all nations in the Indo-Pacific,” said the statement of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.
