An "improved" and "strengthened" major security pact that allows military training between Filipino and American troops in the Philippines is awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte's approval more than a year after he ordered its termination, Manila's envoy to Washington said Friday.
MANILA, Philippines President Duterte is expected to decide soon on the fate of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which is now “improved” following weeks of negotiations between the Philippines and the US, the country’s ambassador to Washington said yesterday. “It’s now in the Office of the President and I expect it to come out anytime now and we’re very hopeful that the VFA will continue because it’s an important piece of agreement,” Jose.
Duterte unilaterally cancelled the VFA last year in an angry rebuke after an ally was denied a U.S. visa, but twice suspended its termination to create what Philippine officials say is a window for better terms to be agreed.
A two-decades old defence pact between the Philippines and the United States has been revamped and its new terms submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for his consideration, Manila's ambassador to Washington told Reuters.
The Straits Times
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte unilaterally cancelled the Visiting Forces Agreement in 2020.PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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