Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 16) — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo disclosed that the Philippine government is now holding discussions with another country on a possible new visiting forces agreement (VFA).
Manalo did not name the country when asked by lawmakers during the budget deliberations on the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
“We also deal with our partners in trying to address this issue [West Philippine Sea issue] by trying to forge more links,” said Manalo.
“We have the VFA with the United States and Australia. We are not closed for similar arrangements with friendly partners who wish to do so. We are in discussion now, a major partner, near China,” the DFA chief added.
Manalo said no agreement has been finalized yet, and discussions are still at the technical level.
“The idea is to force a stronger relationship not only on defense and security but also in economic,” the country’s top diplomat explained.
DFA: PH open to joint patrols with ASEAN, proposed int’l gathering of allies ‘interesting’
The DFA also shared its position on conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea.
Manalo said that apart from the joint patrols with the United States and Australia or Japan, the Philippine government is supportive of the idea of conducting patrols with neighboring countries.
“If there are proposals by other ASEAN countries, we will be very open to consider it, but for the moment we are not aware of any ASEAN-wide joint patrols,” he added.
Albay Representative Edcel Lagman also suggested that the Philippines gather its allies to show the world that several countries back Manila’ s position in the West Philippine Sea.
“We cannot sing Hallelujah if we cannot enforce the award. Is the DFA considering hosting an international meeting of all kindred countries to solidify their support?” Lagman asked.
