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Filipino groups back U.S.-RP military pact
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Posted on Dec 07 1998
The 20 Filipino organizations in the CNMI recently signed a resolution supporting the ratification of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States.
They called on the Philippine Senate to support the agreement for peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Philippine Consulate in the CNMI said the Department of Foreign Affairs has asked its offices in U.S. territories to hold discussions with the Filipino communities regarding the VFA.
Meetings were also held in various states.
In the CNMI, the VFA has not faced opposition. The Filipino community in the CNMI has not been known in taking radical positions against U.S. and RP ties. Most of its leaders are Filipino-Americans.
Some radical groups in the Philippines have opposed the agreement over questions on the jurisdiction of U.S. troops who might commit crimes while in the Philippines. It was unclear, they said, whether Philippine courts will get to hear such cases.
Also, they said, the visits might set the stage for the return of the U.S. military bases. Vice Consul Ronell Santos said this will not be the case.
