A lawmaker on Friday welcomed the government’s decision to extend the suspension of the Visiting Forces Agreement’s abrogation, calling it “sound and strategic” considering the outcome of the United States elections.
“I think it is a good move for the government to extend the suspension to give time for the new US administration to settle in and possibly pursue talks with the Philippines on issues concerning the VFA,” Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said.
“The impending change in administration in the US offers the Philippines an opportunity to engage the new administration and discuss concerns pertaining to the PH-US relationship and come to a refresh or reboot of security arrangements in the Region.”
Biazon said the official reason for the extension of the suspension of the termination of the VFA showed the United States that the Philippines was not abandoning its long-standing strategic alliance.
The suspension of the termination of the VFA was extended “to find a more enhanced, mutually beneficial, mutually agreeable and more effective and lasting arrangement,” according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
“This shows that the Philippines is serious in coming up with an agreement which is strong in upholding peace and order in the areas around the West Philippine Sea but sensitive to the interests of both countries and consistent with mutuality,” Biazon said.
Biazon, vice chairman of the House committee on national defense, says the Philippines lies smack in the middle of the area covered by the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States, giving it a strategic value to the US, which in turn makes a defense and security agreement between the two countries desirable.
“I don’t see the US changing its FOIP Strategy even with a change in administration. It is a national defense and national security issue to them, which usually remains geared towards a specific strategic direction regardless of the party in power,” Biazon said.
“The US would like to ensure that Freedom of Navigation remains in the international waters and sea lanes crossing from the Indian Ocean through the WPS to the Pacific Ocean.”
He said President-elect Joe Biden mentioned his desire to reinforce and strengthen alliances with Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region when he took part in separate congratulatory calls from the leaders of the three nations.
