+ A
A -
DPA
Manila
The Philippines has suspended for at least six months the termination of a 21-year-old defence pact with the United States, which would have taken effect in August.
Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said Tuesday that he has informed the US Embassy in Manila of the decision to suspend the abrogation of the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) “in light of political and other developments in the region.”
The VFA provides legal cover for the entry of US troops in the Philippines for joint training exercises with Filipino forces. The pact can be terminated through a written notice from either party, which would take effect in 180 days.
Notice of the termination was first served in February. In a diplomatic note to the US embassy, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the suspension will be in effect for at least six months, and can be extended by another six months.
The US Embassy welcomed the government’s decision, adding: “Our long-standing alliance has benefited both countries, and we look forward to continued close security and defence cooperation with the Philippines.”
Manila
The Philippines has suspended for at least six months the termination of a 21-year-old defence pact with the United States, which would have taken effect in August.
Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said Tuesday that he has informed the US Embassy in Manila of the decision to suspend the abrogation of the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) “in light of political and other developments in the region.”
The VFA provides legal cover for the entry of US troops in the Philippines for joint training exercises with Filipino forces. The pact can be terminated through a written notice from either party, which would take effect in 180 days.
Notice of the termination was first served in February. In a diplomatic note to the US embassy, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the suspension will be in effect for at least six months, and can be extended by another six months.
The US Embassy welcomed the government’s decision, adding: “Our long-standing alliance has benefited both countries, and we look forward to continued close security and defence cooperation with the Philippines.”
