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Inputs for possible VFA amendments
We express our appreciation for
the July 19, 2008 issue of The Manila Times, which carried the
article “Changes in VFA on hold, says Adan.” The published item
was a certainly very informative and helpful in enlightening the
public of the nature of RP-US engagements under the Visiting Forces
Agreement (VFA).
We however seek to clarify a
statement in the said article printed in this wise:
“He added (Adan) that inputs
for the possible amendment (to the VFA) will come from
local-government and police officials and executives of Subic Bay
Metropolitan authority” (emphasis supplied).
I cited (in our roundtable on
July 18) the SBMA, the local government and police officials as the
elements who compose our field monitoring teams whenever there are
US Naval ships or personnel in Subic. However, I said the inputs for
the possible amendments to the VFA will have to come from the
collaborative efforts of the civil and defense establishments,
members of Congress, appropriate government agencies, NGOs and
interested sectors.
Usec. Edilberto P. Adan
Executive Director
Presidential Commision on
the Visiting Forces Agreement
Office of the President
9th Floor
Department of Foreign Affairs
2330 Roxas Boulevard
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