Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wants an abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in the light of revelations that 500 or so US soldiers are routinely being stationed in Mindanao even without the Balikatan exercises. US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, meanwhile, said that there's no need to review the agreement since it works for the interests of both sides. Lt Senior Grade Nancy Gadian's "revelations" that the US maintains "forward bases" in the Philippines have sparked renewed public interest in the VFA. Despite the VFA, Gadian said that US troops are not observing the "proper decorum" in accordance with the Very Favorable Agreement (VFA).
Now, is Miriam Defensor-Santiago's call for the abrogation of the VFA a real honest-to-goodness attempt at protecting Philippine sovereignty from US intervention? No.
Santiago is part of a charade which aims to force a new treaty more favorable to the United States. How's that? If you analyze the arguments of Santiago, she questions the length of stay or period of "basing" by US troops, not the legal processes within the pact itself. What Santiago proposes is for the US to be "clear" on the length of stay of its troops in Philippine territory. That, by itself, is a message for the US to "renegotiate" not an executive agreement, but a TREATY that would revive the idea of stationing US troops for a long period of time here.
So, a charade is being done in full public view to justify a new basing treaty, even using Gadian both to justify the re-negotiation and divert public attention from the finer details of this new treaty being proposed.
Renegotiate or junk VFA, says Santiago
ReplyDeleteBy Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:41:00 08/30/2009
Dear Senator Santiago,
You're an idiot. And don't hide behind your public position, your education, or your fans.
Who's going to protect Mindanao if the Americans pull-out? The Philippine military?
They sacrifice their lives while you sit your fat ass on the senate seat.
You sign a Senate Resolution to "abrogate" the VFA, and then what? After you retire as a senator, who's going to protect the plantations, the infrastructure of General Santos and Southeast Mindanao?
You?
Nope. You'll be putting the blame on some military or the DFA, or some cabinet member.
May I repeat and emphasize, Senator Santiago, YOU ARE AN IDIOT!
I'm a Filipino in America, but I think in-depth and not just blurt out things which are irrational and non-sensical.
Here's a link. Watch it a comparison of prison conditions in the US and the Philippines.
http://obamasaynotogma.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-treat-us-marine-like-animal.html
Next time you say something stupid, remind yourself that you're educated. Use it along with some critical thinking. It will help you a lot.
I will wait for a response. Or are you just going to hide behind your Harvard-certification?
I'll take you on a debate anytime, anywhere to prove your incompetence.
Thank you very much,
Joseph
Renegotiate or junk VFA, says Santiago
ReplyDeleteBy Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:41:00 08/30/2009
Dear Senator Santiago,
You're an idiot. And don't hide behind your public position, your education, or your fans.
Who's going to protect Mindanao if the Americans pull-out? The Philippine military?
They sacrifice their lives while you sit your fat ass on the senate seat.
You sign a Senate Resolution to "abrogate" the VFA, and then what? After you retire as a senator, who's going to protect the plantations, the infrastructure of General Santos and Southeast Mindanao?
You?
Nope. You'll be putting the blame on some military or the DFA, or some cabinet member.
May I repeat and emphasize, Senator Santiago, YOU ARE AN IDIOT!
I'm a Filipino in America, but I think in-depth and not just blurt out things which are irrational and non-sensical.
Here's a link. Watch it a comparison of prison conditions in the US and the Philippines.
http://obamasaynotogma.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-treat-us-marine-like-animal.html
Next time you say something stupid, remind yourself that you're educated. Use it along with some critical thinking. It will help you a lot.
I will wait for a response. Or are you just going to hide behind your Harvard-certification?
I'll take you on a debate anytime, anywhere to prove your incompetence.
Thank you very much,
Joseph