PBBM OKs possible VFA with France, other countries

(PCO Photo)

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has greenlighted negotiations for possible visiting forces agreements (VFAs) with France and other countries, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Marcos had authorized Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to start the VFA discussions.

“Opo, naaprubahan na po iyan, ang pakikipag-negotiate po para po magkaroon po ng agreement ang dalawang bansa po (Yes, that has been approved, the negotiations for the two countries to have an agreement),” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

“Hindi lamang po ang France. May iba pa pong bansa na maaaring sumunod po dito at iyan po naman ay inaprubahan naman po ng Pangulo (It’s not just France. There are other countries that may follow suit, and that has been approved by the President),” she added.

Castro said the deal could raise the Philippines’ level of compatibility in terms of the operations of its armed forces with France and other potential partners.

“Siyempre po may (Of course, there is) exchange of ideas, exchange of skills, exchange of know-how tungkol sa (about) military operation,” she said.

On Monday, Teodoro said the Philippines and France have finalized discussions on the VFA, which is expected to be signed in April.

The Philippines has an existing VFA with the United States, a Status of VFA with Australia and a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan to enhance defense partnerships and facilitate cooperative military activities.