Solon wants VFA junked

From the Daily Tribune (Mar 19): Solon wants VFA junked

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares yesterday reiterated his call for the junking of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in time for arrival in Subic Bay of a USS Emory Land which the solon claims brings shivers that toxic wastes might again be dumped in the country’s waters.

“Palace should be vigilant in upholding the State policy in protecting and preserving a healthful and balanced ecology. Last year’s Senate probe on the dumping of highly toxic wastes in Subic, which were hauled from USS Emory Land, should have been an alarm for President Aquino that these US vessels are dangerous because of the materials they bring along,” Colmenares said.

The solon recalled that the Senate investigation revealed that the dumping of highly toxic waste materials in our waters have been going for quite some time and without the knowledge of the government. He also said that the presence of US Navy ships in our waters are now notorious in damaging our environment.

The Tubbataha incident has now wreaked indescribable damage to one of the most remarkable coral reefs in the planet.

He said these incidents are only consequences of the VFA. US military presence in the country has been made permanent in the country because of the VFA,” said Colmenares.

“Their ships have been in and out and around our country and has not only caused damage to our ecology and to our women when they take “rest and recreation” activities, but also endangers our nation’s security and our people’s lives when we are drawn into the wars of aggression which the US have been launching for the past decades. I hope that a disaster more serious than what we are witnessing right now would not precede the abrogation of the VFA. It should be junked right now before it is too late,” the Bayan Muna solon added.

Colmenares also raised the question as to why the Aquino government continues to allow US forces into the country.

“What benefit do we gain because of these military exercises? The government has never answered this question for years now. The rape of Nicole in Subic, the shooting by a US soldier of Boyong Boyong Isnejal by Sgt. Reggie Lane, the bombings and strafings in Mindanao, the threats of nuclear accident and recentlty the dumping of toxic waste in Subic, all these resulting from the entry of soldiers under the VFA,” Colmenares enumerated.

The government, the solon said, cannot cite one benefit under the VFA and use it to justify the treaty.

“The VFA has to go,” said Colmenares. “The incoming senators are challenged to immediately abrogate the VFA once they are in office by withdrawing the concurence to the same.”

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/item/11881-solon-wants-vfa-junked.html