Former United Nations ambassador Reynaldo Arcilla on Thursday backed the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement, saying both VFA and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States of America are violating the 1987 Constitution.
"Even the US Senate refused to sign the agreements, therefore VFA and EDCA were "null and void ab initio," he maintained.
He cited Article 18 Section 25 stating that after the expiration in 1991 of the agreement between the Philippines and the US concerning military bases, foreign military bases, troops or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines, except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.
Arcilla served the Department of Foreign Affairs for more than 30 years, and as deputy permanent representative (with a rank of ambassador) to the UN.
"The Philippines can be self-reliant when it comes to enhancing its military's defense capabilities without the USA," he said.
