The Malacañang Palace has revealed that the United Kingdom is offering a military agreement with the Philippines.
The Palace announced this after the Philippines sent a notice of termination to America to repeal the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) signed by the Philippines and the United States in 1999.
According to Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, the Philippines is open to relations with the UK and other countries as Russia and China as long as the agreement would be favorable to the country and will be mutually beneficial to both parties.
“Basta palaging pabor sa atin (As long as it would be on our favor). Basta may mutual benefit to both countries we are open but the President again I will repeat, he said that it’s about time we rely on ourselves. We will strengthen on our own defenses and not rely on other countries,” said Panelo.
United Kingdom offers military agreement to Philippines
But for now, President Rodrigo Duterte said that the Philippines must strengthen the Philippine Armed Forces first before relying on foreign countries.
The VFA termination notice between the Philippines and the US will take effect upon receipt of the United States within 180 days.
Meanwhile, President Duterte earlier said US President Donald Trump is trying to “save” the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the US.
“Ngayon, I’ll make it public. Because public official ako. Si Trump, pati yung others, are trying to save the Visiting Forces Agreement. Sabi ko, ayaw ko [I said no way],” the President said in a speech before the local chief executives in Pasay City.