Duterte U-turns on scrapping of U.S. troop deal

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has suspended his decision to scrap a two-decade-old troop deployment agreement with the United States due to political and other developments in the region, his foreign minister said on Tuesday,

The termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement , which is central to one of Washington’s most important alliances in Asia, was due to take effect in August and was Duterte’s biggest move yet towards delivering on longstanding threats to downgrade ties with thewas no longer abandoning the pact was well received by the United States.

The mercurial Duterte, known for his stinging rebukes of Western powers, has clashed with Washington over numerous issues and has been open about his disdain for his country’s most important diplomatic ally and main provider of military hardware and training. His embrace of historic rival China, a country deeply mistrusted by his U.S.-allied defense apparatus, has attracted considerable criticism, with opponents accusing him of gambling with sovereignty in pursuit of massive investments that have not materialized.PhilippinesDuterte pulled the plug on the VFA on Feb. 11 in an angry response to the revocation of a U.S. visa held by a former police chief-turned-senator who led his war on drugs.to diversify its foreign relations.

The official notice of the suspension said the decision was taken “in light of political and other developments in the region”. It did not specify what those were.

PhilstarNews Because the Philippines was on a disadvantage position and other than gain nothing, it has a lot to lose...US was not surprise of this uncertain administration...he has the reputation... “don’t take his words seriously”

Now they realize that USA is protecting all south east Asian countries EXCEPT Philippines.

Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Provinces can 'delay' entry of Metro Manila travelers during general quarantine: official
Source: ABSCBNNews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Manila cops collar escaped COVID-19 suspect, contact tracing setMANILA, Philippines — The second suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient who escaped from a quarantine center in Delpan, Manila on Tuesday has been tracked down, the Manila CMarquezINQ What about the 783 murders during your QUARANTINE ?
Source: inquirerdotnet - 🏆 3. / 86 Read more »

Commuter woes in Metro Manila as lockdowns ease furtherCommuter Z: The Death
Source: ABSCBNNews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

LOOK: Manila City Hall employees undergo rapid testing on first day of GCQMANILA, Philippines — Manila City Hall employees went through rapid antibody testing for the new coronavirus on Monday, the first day of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro CGonzalesINQ If it is compulsory, it is illegal and a crimnal act. IskoMoreno
Source: inquirerdotnet - 🏆 3. / 86 Read more »

MMDA: Private vehicles may use EDSA yellow lane as Metro Manila transitions to GCQ
Source: ANCALERTS - 🏆 26. / 50 Read more »

Kapuso Showbiz News: Therese Malvar looks forward to meeting Hyun Bin in ManilaTherese Malvar couldn't contain her kilig at the thought of Hyun Bin coming to Manila! Find out why the highly-acclaimed actress fangirls about K-Pop and K-drama in this exclusive interview:
Source: gmanetwork - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »