Lorenzana expresses support on suspension of termination of VFA between Philippines, US

June 3, 2020

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed support on the suspension of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between Philippines and United States.

"The Department of National Defense (DND) supports the decision to suspend the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which was officially communicated by the DFA to the United States Embassy on 1 June 2020," he said.

"The Philippine defense establishment is ready to continue working closely with our US counterparts to find solutions to common concerns such as the ongoing pandemic that has greatly affected both our countries," he added.

Lorenzana said "the DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to consult with the Office of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces on issues that need to be addressed."

"In times of crises and global uncertainty, it is our belief that nations are only made stronger if we work together and focus our efforts on tackling the various challenges that confront us all," he said. Robina Asido/DMS