Visiting Forces Agreement separate from Subic Bay dumping issue - Angara

From InterAksyon (Nov 18): Visiting Forces Agreement separate from Subic Bay dumping issue - Angara

Senator Edgardo Angara on Sunday opposed Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's proposal to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, saying the treaty is an issue different from the toxic waste dumping in Subic Bay. In an interview, Angara said that as the country, with its weak external threat defense capabiliteis, faces constant bullying from China over disputed islands, it needs the agreement with Washington . “The issue of VFA is entirely different from the toxic waste dumping. At this time when our territorial integrity is being threatened, we should consider allies like the US,’ Angara argued.... On the toxic waste dumping, Angara said maritime and environmental laws must be respected as seas are a major source of livelihood for millions of fishermen and coastline communities. “Any country, with or without a treaty with us should respect our territorial waters, its integrity, including our laws on environment, specifically on marine waters, because it is the principal source of livelihood of many Filipinos. I am in favor of immediate action against the dumping of toxic waste, they should clean it up now,” Angara said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/48292/visiting-forces-agreement-separate-from-subic-bay-dumping-issue---angara