VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Palace negates AFP chief, says PH ‘not open’ to new military agreements

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo contradicted newly appointed Armed Forces Chief Felimon Santos Jr., who said the Philippines will “push” for the approval of visiting forces agreements (VFA) with other countries.

In a Feb. 13 radio interview, Panelo was asked about the Duterte administration’s next move following its termination of the country’s VFA with the United States. He said the president was no longer open to re-negotiating the deal, nor was he inclined to forge new military agreements with other countries.

But just a day prior, Santos said the Armed Forces of the Philippines will “increase bilateral exercises [and] agreements” with other countries to “fill” the gap the U.S. VFA will leave behind.

Watch this video.

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Palace negates AFP chief, says PH ‘not open’ to new military agreements from VERA Files on Vimeo.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. sent the VFA termination notice to the U.S. Embassy in Manila on Feb. 11. The termination will take effect 180 days after either party has notified the other in writing of its intent to withdraw from the agreement.

Aside from the U.S. VFA, the country has a SOVFA with the Australian government, and has been negotiating a similar deal with Japan since 2015. (See VERA FILES FACT SHEET: The Visiting Forces Agreement, explained)