Presidential Commission of Visiting Forces Agreement
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Understanding the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States has been in place since 1999, providing a legal framework for the presence and activities of American military personnel in the Philippines. The VFA covers various aspects such as jurisdiction, visa and passport requirements, taxes, customs, and health and safety standards. It also includes provisions for joint military exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
However, the VFA has been controversial and contentious for many Filipinos, who see it as a remnant of colonialism and a threat to national sovereignty. The VFA has been criticized for allowing American troops to engage in combat operations in the Philippines, violating human rights and environmental laws, and not benefiting the Philippine economy or security. The VFA has also been questioned for its validity and constitutionality, particularly since it was not ratified by the Philippine Senate as a treaty but only as an executive agreement.
In February 2020, the Philippine government announced its intent to terminate the VFA, following the revocation of Senator Ronald dela Rosa`s US visa, which was seen as a retaliation for his role in the Philippine drug war. However, the termination was suspended in June 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategic importance of the US-Philippine alliance in regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
To address the issues and challenges surrounding the VFA, President Rodrigo Duterte created the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (PCVFA) through Executive Order No. 103 on February 11, 2021. The PCVFA is tasked to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the VFA, taking into account the national interest, the constitutional framework, and the relevant laws and policies. The PCVFA is composed of 13 members, including representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of National Defense, the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives, and the public and private sectors.
The PCVFA is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the President within six months from its organization. The PCVFA has already held its first meeting on March 4, 2021, which focused on the scope and methodology of its review. The PCVFA aims to conduct consultations and public hearings with various stakeholders, such as civil society groups, legal experts, political parties, and military officials, to gather input and feedback on the VFA.
The PCVFA has a crucial role in shaping the future of the US-Philippine alliance and the VFA, which affects not only military and diplomatic relations but also national identity and sovereignty issues. The PCVFA needs to balance the interests and values of the Philippines and the United States, and to address the concerns and aspirations of the Filipino people. The PCVFA also needs to ensure that its recommendations are based on evidence and analysis, and that they are communicated effectively and transparently to the public.
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