Miriam, Akbayan file joint reso terminating VFA

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago and the Akbayan Party-list on Monday filed a joint resolution terminating the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Santiago, chair of the Senate foreign relations committee and the legislative oversight committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement, called for the abrogation of the defense agreement due to its "unfavorable effect" to Philippine sovereignty, environment and human rights record.

She also cited the perceived inequity of the VFA on the jurisdiction and custody over American servicemen who have committed crimes in the Philippines.

The joint resolution enumerated the following controversies involving US military forces in the country:

• Glen Defense Marine Asia, a US Navy contractor, was investigated in 2012 for allegedly dumping hazardous wastes in Subic Bay
• The USS Guardian ran aground the Tubbataha Reefs in 2013, causing massive damage to the Reefs
• On October 11, transgender Jennifer Laude died in an Olongapo City motel, allegedly in the hands of US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton

The joint resolution said the incidents clearly violate the Constitution and Philippine laws, trample on Philippine sovereignty, and infringe on local and international laws pertaining to the protection of the environment.

"The cases show that the VFA is used to shield transgressions made by US military on Philippine soil, seriously infringing on the country's ability to prosecute these criminal acts," it said.

Santiago further claimed that the VFA does not ensure the US' commitment to defend the Philippines.

"The VFA does not imply that the U.S. will come to our aid, in case of a firefight with China over the West Philippine Sea. On the contrary, in 2013, then U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton said that the U.S. would be neutral," she said.

The joint resolution directs Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario to serve the notice of termination of the VFA to the US.