Toxic waste dump in Subic renews calls for abrogation of VFA

From the pro-CPP "news outlet" Bulatlat (Nov 14): Toxic waste dump in Subic renews calls for abrogation of VFA

“It’s not a question of who dumped the toxic waste. The question is whose toxic waste was dumped into our territory. Though Glenn Defense remains accountable for the act, the biggest accountability goes to the US and Aquino governments.” – Rep. Emmi de Jesus, Gabriela Women’s Party

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) is demanding that the United States Armed Forces should take responsibility for the toxic wastes in Subic. Reacting to reports that toxic wastes from US warships were being dumped in Subic, Bayan said one can never underestimate the dangers brought by the prolonged presence of US troops and ships in the Philippines. Critics of the return of US military forces in the Philippines have also pointed out that it is precisely the continuing enforcement of the the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) that allows the US to continue using Philippine ports and bring in hazardous toxic wastes even as it escapes criminal liability. Under the VFA, the Philippine government cannot even inspect US warships that bring hazardous materials in Philippine territory. Neither can the government determine if these ships carry toxic wastes. Based on reports, because of the US rebalancing toward Asia, more and more US warships have been docking in PH ports and the US plans to reposition 60 percent of its warships to Asia.... Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes pointed out that the problem of toxic wastes is directly connected to the increasing number of naval ships in Subic. “More US warships mean more wastes. Those responsible for the waste dump must clean up the mess and pay damages to the Filipino people.The use of private military contractors like Glenn Defense Marine Philippines is merely a ploy for the US government to escape any accountability. The US government has failed to clean up its toxic wastes when it still operated US bases in our country,” Reyes said.... The US government is using private contractors so that it will not have any direct liability should there be problems with host countries. However, these private contractors arrogantly think that they are also insulated from any liability because they believe they are covered by the VFA. In the Subic waste dumping incident, we believe both the US government and its private contractor are liable,” Reyes said.....

http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/11/14/toxic-waste-dump-in-subic-renews-calls-for-abrogation-of-vfa/print/