MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has vowed to respect no matter President Duterte decides to do with the nation’s Visiting Forces Settlement (VFA) with the US.
Because the chief architect of the nation’s overseas coverage, Duterte has the prerogative to make any resolution on the matter as a result of the Philippines is a “sovereign and an impartial nation,” Go stated on the groundbreaking of the Northeastern Misamis Normal Hospital in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.
The senator stated the general public ought to keep in mind that Duterte solely has nationwide curiosity and the welfare of Filipinos in thoughts.
“No matter is determined by the President gained’t imply demanding fee – simply the fitting compensation for the Filipinos,” he stated.
He burdened that he and the President gained’t let any nation reap the benefits of Filipinos.
“We won’t enable Filipinos to get the uncooked finish of the deal. The curiosity of the Filipino individuals will at all times be our precedence,” Go stated in Filipino.
Duterte earlier demanded that the US authorities pay if it needs to maintain the VFA, which permits US troops to keep up presence within the nation and maintain joint maneuvers with Filipino troops.
Duterte ordered final 12 months the abrogation of the settlement, however suspended its enforcement because of the pandemic and “heightened superpower tensions.”
When Duterte first proposed the abrogation of the VFA in February final 12 months, Go expressed confidence that the event could be a chance for the nation to show that it’s not depending on any nation.
The termination of the VFA, he stated then, “is an opportunity for us to put in writing a brand new and higher chapter in Philippines-United States relations. We should always now have the ability to renew our friendship, reaffirm our ties and resume cooperation as true co-equals.”
In response to his Senate colleagues’ criticisms of the President’s place on VFA, Go stated he acknowledged their place as members of an impartial department of presidency.
“We’re a separate department of presidency and it’s the proper of every senator to specific their views. In any case, we’re a working democracy,” he stated.
“Regardless of some variations in opinions, the Senate as an entire has been very supportive of the legislative agenda of President Duterte,” he added.
