Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go expressed confidence that the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States will be an opportunity for the country to assert its sovereignty and reaffirm its relations with the latter.
“I believe that the termination of the VFA is a chance for us to write a new and better chapter in the Philippines–US relations,” he said in an interview at the Senate.
“We should now be able to renew our friendship, reaffirm our ties and resume cooperation as true co-equals,” Go said.
He said he also believes that President Rodrigo Duterte and US President Donald Trump remain to be friends despite the development.
“Pag nagkita yun at nag-appear, okay na (Once they meet and exchanged high-fives, it’s already okay),” he said.
Go said he understands and respects the views of his colleagues with regard to the position of the President to terminate the VFA.
“We are a separate branch of government and it is the right of each senator to express their views. After all, we are a working democracy,” he said.
But despite the difference in opinion on the VFA, he said there is a smooth working relationship between the executive and the legislative branches, particularly the Senate led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
“Despite some differences in opinions, the Senate as a whole has been very supportive of the legislative agenda of President Duterte,” Go said. (PNA)
