Last Monday we discussed about the Visiting forces agreement of Philippines and US. Our instructor gave us a copy of two opposing articles about it. The class was divided into two groups: One group is holding the article about VFA’s good side and the other holding the article about its drawbacks, in which I belong. Now, we are tasked to give counterarguments of the article we got and I was unfortunate to have the VFA’s drawbacks article in which I must give opinions as well as urgings which is completely contradicting to the article that I got.
First of all,I wanted to give my side first before going to some important points of the story. As a woman, I believe that there have been abusive things that this agreement has brought to the Filipinos especially the Filipino women but the one that strikes me the most is the Subic Rape Case in which in the end it was dismissed and the four suspects doesn’t face any serious consequences. Isn’t it that “Protection to our Nationals” is one of the main pillars of our country’s policy? But in this case, the government chose to preserve the Philippine-Us relations rather than protecting our own nationals. There’s no wonder why Philippines do no grow as a nation due to lack of patriotism, self-governance as well as devotion to our country and nationals. It is evident that our country just depend on other countries for a living and tend to forget how a country should strive hard for its own good and preserve the importance of our culture which respects every Filipino women. In this agreement, We do not have a CHOICE but to live with it and just see the good side of it.
On the other side of the coin I see reasons why our government do that. First, by increasing compatibility with Philippines and United States’ forces can improve Philippines’ national security and stable environment conducive to economic development and it is also vital to these two countries’ collaboration in the Philippine Defense Reform Program. Back in 2006, the Philippines sponsored by the US fresh military tactics and machinery, and top practices for us to be ready for refuge challenges: terrorism, natural calamities as well as transnational crimes. VFA makes income for our country. According to our DFA, The VFA, it delivered profits for the Armed Forces of the Philippines amounting to US$706,425.28 from seventy noted transactions. United States official visit to the Philippines have brought in $ 5 million to $ 9.5 million from 2006 to 2007, respectively, as proceeds from the replacement of supplies and logistics. Now, because it promotes national security and creates revenues for our country I believe that it will result to the elimination of the curse of terrorism and will help in the reconstruction in times of catastrophe.
The Philippine-US relationship was one of the most important components of our economy today having US as our country’s largest export market, trading partner and investors. Although there are some doubtful questions of this agreement, clearly, the tactical security relations, with the agreement have been contributory in firming up the country, safeguarding its stability and in guaranteeing its continued prosperity.
Source:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/23/content_12103263.htm
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