Duterte Can Scrap VFA Without Senate Approval Says Panelo

Panelo Says President Duterte Can Scrap VFA Even Without Senate Approval

DUTERTE- Malacañang Palace Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) even without Senate approval.

In 2016, Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte handpicked Ronald Dela Rosa to be the Philippine National Police Chief. He is one of the president’s most trusted men.

Bato stepped down as PNP chief in 2018 and joined the senatorial race in 2019. He eventually won and still supports Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Rodrigo-Roa-Duterte-Bato-Dela-Rosa.jpg
Photo Source: ABS-CBN News

Based on a report from ABS-CBN News, Senator Bato Dela Rosa confirmed that his US Visa was canceled. Rodrigo Duterte reacted and threatens to end the Visiting Forces Agreement if the United States government does not reverse the Senator’s US Visa.

On Thursday, January 23, Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the 74-year-old chief executive has the power to scrap the VFA even without the approval of the Senate.

“Because it (VFA) is an executive agreement so he can cancel it without the approval of the Senate,” he said.

Salvador-Panelo
Photo Source: ABS-CBN News

According to the report, Sen. Bato Dela Rosa said the cancellation of his US Visa might be linked to his alleged involvement in the extrajudicial killings (EJK). Earlier, the senators in the US voted for a resolution to prohibit Pinoy officials who are involved in the EJK and the detention of Sen. Leila De Lima.

The US should not intervene with the issues of the Philippines said Palace spokesperson. He couldn’t blame the president for getting mad. “Can you imagine they have the gall to tell us what to do with our own citizens. Eh, sobra na ‘yan kaya galit si Presidente,” he said.

Rodrigo-Roa-Duterte-1
Photo Source: Asia Gaming Brief

Based on the report, Salvador Panelo said the cancellation of the Visiting Forces Agreement will not affect migrant workers. “I think the US should be concerned about this decision of the president because its strongest ally in the region is reacting against it,” he added.

What can you say about this article? Leave your comments and reactions below.

Leave a Comment