Legarda: Senate Awaits Gov’t Report on VFA

AMID REPORTS ON THE INDEFINITE STAY OF SOME US TROOPS IN THE COUNTRY, SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA SAID THAT THE SENATE IS AWAITING THE REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON THE VISITING FORCES AGREEMENT (PCVFA). WITH THIS REPORT, THE SENATE CAN PROCEED WITH ITS REVIEW OF THE TREATY.
Legarda, Co-Chair of the Legislative Oversight Committee on the VFA (LOVFA), explained that the Committee is aware of the views expressed by some stakeholders on the VFA, particularly on claims of inequities characterizing the Agreement and on issues on the duration of visits, as well as custody of US military personnel charged with violating our laws.
“The Senate is duty-bound to oversee the implementation of the VFA. In fact, the LOVFA already conducted a hearing in November 2010 to jumpstart the Senate review process. We need, however, to await the review by the Executive branch. The VFA Commission assured us it will forward its report to the Oversight Committee once it is done reviewing the Agreement. Hopefully, that will be completed soon,” the Senator said.
“We will look at the recommendations of the VFA Commission, taking into full consideration the views of all stakeholders. At the end of the day, the Senate will decide with one goal in mind—to serve the best interest of the Filipino people,” Legarda stressed.