AFP: Review of VFA amid terror threat 'timely'

The ongoing review of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement amid a potential terrorist threat may be a case of good timing, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday. In a radio interview, military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said the review will see how the VFA helps the Philippines and United States work together to thwart terrorist threats. "Yes. Ang importante is to optimize benefits for the two countries (Yes. The important thing is to optimize the benefits for the two countries)," Mabanta said in an interview on dwIZ radio, when asked if the timing of the review can be considered "maganda (good)." Earlier, President Benigno Aquino III said he was 'disturbed by the recent foiled terrorist plot aimed at the US. Aquino, however, assured the public that the Philippines has long been on alert against possible terrorist attacks. (See: Aquino 'disturbed' by foiled terror plot in US) Visiting Forces Agreement The VFA contains the framework which governs the conduct, exit and entry movements of American troops visiting the Philippines for military exercises. It was ratified by the Philippine Senate on May 27, 1999. It is now being reviewed by the Philippines amid claims that the pact favors visiting US troops. Late last month, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., who heads the Presidential Commission on the VFA, said that among the provisions Malacañang will look into is the one concerning custody of erring US troops while in the country. (See: Palace to look into custody aspect of VFA) But Mabanta said that the outcome of the review should be beneficial to both countries, especially in the fight against terrorism. "What comes out of the VFA, ang importante (what is important is that) we have to optimize benefits for the two countries together with effort to thwart these terrorist threats," he said. But Mabanta declined to say if the AFP is in favor of keeping the VFA instead of terminating it, saying the decision is up to Malacañang. "It is not up to us, nasabi ng Malacañang ire-review ang VFA and we welcome this (It is not up to us. But when Malacañang said the VFA will be reviewed, we welcome this)," he said. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago had earlier called for the termination of the VFA. — RSJ, GMANews.TV