“As a diplomatic courtesy there will be no further factual announcements following this self-explanatory development.”
Thus said Teddy Locsin Jr., the country’s top diplomat citing that a notice of termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the United States and the Philippines has already been sent to the US Embassy Tuesday.
This comes after Washington cancelled the visa of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, which is a close political ally of President Duterte, and former PNP chief that led the bloody drug-war in the country.
Presidential Spokesperson Panelo said that the termination will be effective 180 days from now, and expects that ties with America will be “warmer” following termination.
Panelo added that Malacanang is hoping that Washington will be able to give “preferential attention” to Philippines with the termination of the 20-year military agreement.
“I’ve been noticing that those who’ve been criticizing the US government policies have been given the preferential attention by the US government. ‘Pag nababanatan sila, sinusuyo nila (When they are being criticized, they tend to court you back),” Panelo added.
The Visiting Forces Agreement was signed in 1998 that will enable US military troops from entering the country and being part of military activities such as military exercises and humanitarian activities.
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