South Korea eyes VFA with Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — South Korea is considering a proposal for a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the Philippines.

Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa said the Korean Defense Ministry has been considering a possible signing of VFA.

“The Korean side has been considering, has been giving a thought to the idea of a Visiting Forces Agreement. I’m not privy to the details of how it has been reviewed by relevant authorities,” Lee told reporters. “That is I think on the table. So let’s see how it goes.”

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said South Korea has been instrumental in supplying essential military equipment in upgrading the Philippines’ naval capabilities.

“Both the Philippines and Korea are committed to freedom and democracy, to inclusive growth and a rules-based international order. The Philippines is glad to note the alignment in our position on peace and stability in the Pacific region, including in the South China Sea,” Daza said.

The Philippines has a Visiting Forces Agreement with the US that came into force in 1999. Former president Rodrigo Duterte threatened to terminate the VFA, but after meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III in July 2021, he retracted the letter terminating the VFA.

The VFA provides the legal basis and status protections for US military and Department of Defense civilian personnel in the Philippines on official business.