As President Rodrigo Duterte stands firm on his decision to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warns that China could seize the West Philippine Sea without the treaty. In an exclusive live interview, Justice Carpio emphasized the significance of the VFA in maintaining the country’s sovereignty over disputed territories.
Carpio pointed out that the Philippines and the US have a Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) which serves as a cornerstone for their bilateral relations. The MDT is seen as a deterrent to potential aggressors, including China, which has been making aggressive moves in the South China Sea. Carpio stressed that without the VFA, the country’s ability to defend its territory would be severely compromised.
Furthermore, lawmakers have sought the Supreme Court’s opinion on the role of the Senate in ending international treaties like the VFA. This move is seen as a significant development in the country’s foreign policy landscape. Meanwhile, the renewal bid for ABS-CBN’s franchise faces numerous challenges, with Carpio himself testifying before Congress to defend the network against allegations of bias and disservice.