By Senator Francis Pangilinan
I have been in favor of abrogating the VFA for some time now, especially after seeing how lopsided the treaty has become. Here is the statement I issued today to the press on this matter:
After over a decade of the VFA, are we more secure as a nation? Are our armed forces better-equipped and trained to address security issues? Have we benefitted militarily as envisioned by the agreement? Or has it been a lopsided arrangement favoring the Americans, who have been able to stay here indefinitely, enjoying basing arrangements without paying up?
My message is this: Pay up or leave. If they don't put their money where their mouths are then they should pack up and leave. They are enjoying 'first class amenties' yet are paying dirt cheap rates. Umuupa sila ng mansyon pero ang bayad nila pang barung-barong.
If I recall, Pakistan receives billions of dollars in military aid just to allow US troops access to their territory. We get a few used Huey helicopters and one or two C130 airplanes that have seen better days.
Why we allow the US to throw bread crumbs at us while it gives champagne and caviar to others is beyond me.
The world has changed dramatically in the last ten years since the VFA was first entered into. It's about time we correct the onerous arrangement and even up the score.
This is about regaining our self-respect as a nation and we most certainly deserve it.
mr senator, i dont know why you have zero understanding of the usa and world events...usa is all after its own interests particularly safety and security ever since 9/11. it gives military and even economic aid to those countries it thinks would help in its own security and safety. usa knows the secret to the taliban and afghanistan is through pakistan,(currently afghan lifeblood/sustainment is through pakistan) after all they were practically responsible for its creation 1st as resistance against then soviets and 2nd as backup against india(are you aware these 2 have an existing cold and hot war against its other, new delhi hotels bombing by pakistan intel, current war over kashmir)next example, columbia, usa has nothing to do w/ this country but pours in millions/billions of aid bec of extra-powerful drug insurgent groups supplying cocaine to usa, now same w/mexico. how about us? what is our relation w/current usa security issues?even if china starts aggressive behavior, its still far away security risk for them...understand?what kind of lawmakers do we have?
Idiot lawmaker. Did you even think about why the Philippines is resorting to begging (directly or indirectly) the US for second had equipment? Read up on your history, sir. It's our (your) fault we're in this mess. So instead of thinking about how to make the US "pay up", how about you use that magnificent brain of yours to think about how the AFP can improve its capability to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country? You know, like refocusing the mindset of the AFP towards facing external threats (instead of chasing bandits in the mountains and the jungles - that's a policeman's job), insulating them from your kind (politicians) and the shenanigans they (you) pull, allowing the AFP to buy equipment that is useful to them (buying a multi-million dollar ship or aircraft is not the same as buying a million ballpoint pens and a hundred thousand reams of A4 paper!). What you're proposing to do is alienate our ally even further, instead of showing the US that the Philippines is a credible partner for peace and stability in Southeast Asia through a focused and determined improvement of its capability to defend itself. And in addition, won't you be proud if the Philippines regains its stature as the leading nation of Southeast Asia by having a strong and robust Armed Forces? Sheesh. If you had done that in the first place, would we even be having this stupid discussion? I don't think so.
To regain self-respect as a nation, the politicians in the Philippines should completely reform. The immediate needs are employment, education, and health care. These could only be addressed through a strong economic base of the country which would only be possible by eliminating corruption and ineptness in all levels of politics in the Philippines. The armed forces of the nation also rid itself of corruption and inept officers. As long as the economy is sound, the needs of the armed forces could be easily addressed without resorting to handouts this senator is talking about. Is Sen Pangilinan admitting that, as a senator, he has no smart solution to the pressing problems of the country? Senator, you were elected to analyze problems, and enact solutions to resolve these problems, and not to ask for handouts.
second-hand hueys and 2 c130s only?
hmmm, how about a cyclone-class ship, rhibs, harris satellite radios, night vision goggles, ballistics vests, kevlar helmets, humvees, m35 trucks... not to mention the training, access to intel, technical assistance in fighting the abu sayaf...
when was the last time the senate or the house approved a major purchase by the armed forces?
remember, nobody is hated worse than an arrogant beggar...
btw, those second-hand hueys? i think there are 30 of them... can the senate approve a budget for the same?
i rest my case, attorney.
Sorry Senator but I think it's sad that instead of trying to create a strong Military relationship with USA you are destroying it! I think it is unwise to do that in the sense that the world is not only facing a terrorist problem but as you might be aware there is also a threat on nurclear weapon and Philippines is not geographically far from China who's got a sophisticated nuclear capability. If that doesn't worry you then what? Philippines has no military capability as the regime is so corrupt. One golden rule my parents told me once, "Those who have the gold, makes the rules". If you so desire that Philippines will progress please help the government tackle corruption.
if the mentality of most politicians is similar to Sen Pangilinan then RP is really in trouble.
I'll go direct to the point to prevent ambiguity.VFA was not conceived to modernize the AFP. It was just a framework to facilitate joint military cooperations that will be beneficial to both countries. Therefore, this attitude of pointing at the USA for the country's lack of modern defense equipment is utterly absurd and shows political immaturity. It is the primary responsibility of the Phil govt to ensure that the AFP is equipped with the necessary hardware needed to perform it's assigned missions.
Look at our neigbouring countries e.g Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia and check if they rely on foreign assistance to modernize their armed forces.They spend their hard-earned money to modernize their armed forces and that's how sovereign and independent nations should do.I'm sure they have their own internal problems too but they gave priority to their security requirements.If there is somebody to blame about the pathetic situation of the AFP in terms of modern weapons systems like ships, airplanes etc, it is the government/politicians who controlled the allocation of resources.
While Senator Pangilinan's comment may have some substance(that our negotiations of the VFA has not been advantageous completely for the Philippines) the readers comments also bring out some very legitimate complaints. As much as I agree that the US is mainly interested in its own interests, we must also point out that the Philippines is strategically in the most important commercial routes of the US specifically the China Sea. Thus, it is important to emphasize this in any negotiations with a superpower who is knowledgeable, such as the US. However, after emphasizing we must also be observant of the different ways we can convert this point in a way that will be acceptable to a super power who knows he is negotiating with a lesser power. That is the power of negotiations. That is what we have to master.
pathetic lawmaker! that's the best i can describe him. i came home after a brief stay in America. i was full of hopes, but i was ashamed to be a Pinoy to be frank. we let corruption be entwined everywhere- be it govt, media or private sector. crab mentality still exists, red tape or corruption is so so PERVASIVE. i am ashmaed when i deal with the DFA, LTO, DPWH. i have first hand experience how bad it was.
we need the US more than they need us! we should stop begging as we Filipinos have alot of money if spent properly. where are the US$55B in foreign reserves, where is the money from the privatization of Ft Boni? where is the annual DND budget?These were intended to modernize the AFP. alas, it just went to the pockets of some of our generals. Remember the Euro Generals, Garcia etc. they all stole money from the AFP and we let them loose. Poor justice!
i just couldn't believe about our respected senator's views about the VFA or why are we settling for breadcrumbs from the americans. his staff should have researched for more info about what the AFP have gained in this exercises.
the AFP who has been struggling way too long to modernize and has been begging administration after administration for advance weaponry to fight off existing domestic problems such as the extremist, separatist, communist, and add the terrorist has gained edge in combat preparedness and accurate info to the whereabouts of such threats. all of this little edge as i may say was due to the VFA's contribution and our AFP's determination to do more with less.
now perhaps as a lawmaker, our respected senator should rather sponsor a bill and encourage other senators to fast paced the modernization of the AFP. after all it's about time for the AFP to regain it's past glory as an efficient, reliable, and capable fighting force.
That's because you are not a nuclear power idiot! Senator ka pa naman, ang bobo mo!
Mr. Senator, I actually thought that you are one of the better senator in the philippines. But judging on your statements, now i think you are a f**king dumbass and a moron!!! I think you should brush up on History and Current events. I thought this article was just some random letter from a concerned citizen. But after seeing your name I was completely shocked. How can you even compare the U.S Militay Aid to Pakistan and the Philippines?
maganda sana ang essay ni pangilinan kaso lang masyadong ambigous. siguro mas mainam pa kung sinabi niya na its time for the VFA to be scrapped. Una, di na masyadong importante ang pilipinas sa geopolotical scheme ng US imperialism. tapos na ang cold war at wala na ang base nila rito. yong mga bansa sa middle east at central asia ang priority nila ngayon dahil andoon ang langis at mga minerals na pwede nilang ma exploit. kaya wag na tayong umaasa sa mataas na bayad. isa pa alam naman nilang madali nilang "mauto" ang mga pilipino. pangalawa, parang ang dating ng essay niya ay ok lang ang VFA at the right price. Pero hindi kaya yong ugaling "palaasa" sa mga among puti ang unang dahilan kaya tayo ganito bilang bansa?
maganda sana ang essay ni pangilinan kaso lang masyadong ambigous. siguro mas mainam pa kung sinabi niya na its time for the VFA to be scrapped. Una, di na masyadong importante ang pilipinas sa geopolotical scheme ng US imperialism. tapos na ang cold war at wala na ang base nila rito. yong mga bansa sa middle east at central asia ang priority nila ngayon dahil andoon ang langis at mga minerals na pwede nilang ma exploit. kaya wag na tayong umaasa sa mataas na bayad. isa pa alam naman nilang madali nilang "mauto" ang mga pilipino. pangalawa, parang ang dating ng essay niya ay ok lang ang VFA at the right price. Pero hindi kaya yong ugaling "palaasa" sa mga among puti ang unang dahilan kaya tayo ganito bilang bansa?
Mr.Senator Sir,
With respect to our former kababayans now serving on different military branches in the United States Armed Forces and to their government that provides them great honors knowing as they place their lives in dangers..
Ang problema po sa Pakistan ay matindi pa kung e kumpara ninyo sa atin sa Pilipinas, nasa "risk" status ang nuclear arsenal ng Pakistan dahil sa malakas ang pwersa ng mga taliban... Eh kumpara ninyo ang level ng MILF at Abu sayyaf, eh talagang matatapang pa ang mga Taliban, kaya interest din ng America na protektahan ang nuclear Arsenal ng pakistan.... KAyo kasi, MADALI LANG SA INYO MAKAPUNTA NG AMERIKA!!!!!!!!!! DI NINYO INIISIP YUNG NAKAPILA SA US EMBASSY na pangarap eh guminhawa ang kanilang mga anak!!!!!! 1st class din naman kayo kung pumunta sa Amerika! MAKITA MGA AMERKANO LUMILIPAD GAMIT ANG MGA CH-46 at mga blackhawk,malaki sobra ang pasasalamat ng ating mahihirap na kababayan! ikaw? asan ka ba nung may bagyo at may baha???? saan ka ba nag-aral???? di ba nakapagtapos ka ng masters mo sa Harvard pa diba???
As an American citizen with blood ties to the Philippines, I understand how you must feel but I ask you to please wait until we get rid of Obama and the leftist congress we suffer from. If we can get a decent congress and president, our relationship will get much better, I promise you that. The American public here has a very positive view of the Philippine people but a negative view of the political corruption where politicians take grants from the U.S. and keep most of the money for themselves and spend little of it on the citizens. This must stop or aid of any kind will be short. The current lack of funds going to the Philippines is due to war in the Middle east but soon, China will be an accute problem for at least 7 nations on the South China Sea. Also, Muslim extremists and NPA need to be dealt with solidly. I should think funding for protection against these things will be coming after Obama is gone. Unfortunately, that is more than 2 years away. In the mean time, rest assured, we will not leave the Filipinos to face China alone.
Dear Senator,
Please take an inteligent look at what you say. While most will disagree with you don't stick your head in the mud. STOP BEGGING. You politicians have seemed to perfect the art of doing nothing but pointing the finger at everyone else for your shortcommings. Your wasting of the peoples monies for your own selfish ness and greed is sickly of a government bent on anarchy. Fix our problems by being a good and morale senator. Interesting about how the corruption continues. How about even the lowly local elections that can't stop putting money in the sample ballots that always get handed out. Pathetic greed. You included Senator.
Mr. Senator you are right.
1. Invaded the Americas and killed the owners of the land, the native american indians. A gross sin to humanity.
2. Colonized various lands in the 1800s. Plundered and hindered their potential prosperity forever.
3. Used nuclear weapon 2X in Japan without thinking about the innocent lives.
4. Made war with NoKor and the Viets with all LIES.
5. Economically/militarily mingled with the south americas in the 60s to 80s but covertly hindered their development.
6. Prolifirates gossips and insecurities just to sell military hardwares. Claims to be helpful and generous towards weak allies like Phil. but actually a wolf in sheep's clothing. Pinoys will never taste prosperity as long as they look up to Uncle Sam as a friend and move away from his influence.
7. Liberated Kuwait and Iraq but with an unjustified price.
8. Controls the worlds News & Media to maintain an innocent, charismatic, lamb-like profile. But its truth are distilled with lies.
9. What else is new? Make war with developing nations to maintain dominance? Claims to be rich and a role-model but actually plundering the wealth of nations. Incessantly complains when losing economically or militarily. Spread lies, lies, lies, lies ...... Land of milk and honey? American dream? Land of daydreamers who hopelessly wishing that all worlds' wealth and pride comes to their table. I hope the whole sane world will wake up and confront this arrogant pseudo policeman.
10. Majority of Filipinos who are perpetually agreeable to the Yanks have poor analysis in knowing what is true from reality. They tend to believe what they've read or seen in the news/books that are US-influenced.
Majority of Filipinos who are perpetually agreeable to the Yanks have poor analysis in knowing what is true from reality. They tend to believe what they've read or seen in the news/books that are US-influenced. Many claimed to have studied in some Phil. refutable universities but lacks a clear analysis of what is really happening or they are just liars and cowards like their master Uncle Sam. And don't brag about the dollars the Fil-Ams or illigals are sending, they're able because they worked for it, same with an OFW who's working in other parts of the world. Surely US accepts immigrants in their country since everbody knows they're not the real owners of that land. Whenever a US Aid cometh, reality is, you can't be sure if it's true or just a propaganda to portray them as generous.
a pathetic senator!
i wonder how would he feel and react if the US embassy will cancel his US visa and bar him on travelling/entering to The United States for a lifetime, including Sharon and daughters...This Francis hypocrites is somehow just doing some enticing jumpstart to pleased the leftists, for his 2016 prospect...THATs NOTED!
To Senator hyprorite Francis
how dare you underestimating our intelligence?????
Sen. Pangilinan,
Not interested in hand-me-down equipment from the US?
How about supporting the Multi-Role Vessel that the AFP needs to have funded in the 2011 budget?
It will be brand new, reportedly includes a technology transfer agreement, as well as provision for a modern mobile hospital that can be used for disasters like Typhoon Juan.
The budget will go before you and your fellow Senators next month. What say you?
Sayang Sen Kiko. Intelligent ka panaman. Kaya lang di mo ginagamit ang kukote mo. Did it ever cross your mind na had it not been for this US imperialist we would have been under Japanese control. Please review your history. Why beg for bread crumbs? We can modernize our military without begging from Uncle Sam if you good senators voluntarily give your pork barrels for the mordernazation of the AFP. Mas moderno pa yata ang mga baril ng mga rebeldeng Abu, MILF at NPA kay sa AFP.
this is another blunder for sen. kiko. if only he'd carefully analyzed his thoughts before opening his mouth, he would have realized that too much talking without thinking is trash and garbage. Remember that anti-juvenile delinquency law that he authored, it wrecked havoc and disaster instead of addressing juvenile crimes in the country. Law enforcers had hard times against minors boldly committing crimes left and right because they are protected by that stupid law. Wake up and shake your head senator before another stupid thought came out of that shell!!!!
The answer is simple Mr. Senator, we need the US more than they need us.
the u.s. has just given a billion dollars to its current battleground enemy. that enemy is killing american soldiers. we try to earn their love and respect and look what we get in return. we continue to be treated like the prosititutes outside the gates of clark and subic.
senator pangilinan is correct.
read:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/27/aid-winds-taliban-coffers/
I hope Mr Senator that this minuscule Seed of an idea would grow fruit someday. Many politicians only use this rhetoric to gather support but eventually abandon the idea discovering that they are scalded by it... Or that they never really supported the idea.
I also hope you do not get discouraged by the negative ad hominems from the comments above. I myself get those from fellow Filipinos who are just to eager to defend their Elder Brothers, the Americans, when I choose to speak my mind regarding Filipino-US relationships. They have not read their history well enough to know the irony of the previous statement.
I hope also someday that the relationship not only with the Americans but also the rest of the world grow more mature... This requires Filipinos to shift yhir paradigms of thinking about ourselves less of beggars and taking to task our own development. And not leave this out for others to solve for us.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan's "Crumb Country" should not be taken lightly. Some commentaries showed that the US government has been giving the Phils. a sort of payback when the US bases was not renewed, giving the latter a pain in seeking for a country where the inventory of used, USED equipments, became a fad, like the Ukay Ukay trade.
I think the problem is members of congress (am using not the capital letters) is because of the lust for money, the lust to commit more corruption, the betterment of their own family life at the expense of the Filipino taxpayers money.
What can Noynoy do when their term in government is like a car on a hit and run rhetoric. Only the underlings in this game exists, like Puno, Versoza, and others who have whispered sweet nothings to the ears of Noynoy. The corrupt country like the Philippines now cannot be solved, nor resolved with the conspirators are seated in the highest courts of the land, redoing and misinterpreting the Constitution. They owe allegiance to the demi gods that appointed them in their position now.
There you are and here we are, thats why we love the Philippines with so many zarsuelas and grandstanding from actors within the government.
Mr. Senator,
Please direct your staff to give you first-rate research.
And have them present you various perspectives on the situation. And have them conclude as well...
Perhaps, this rant of yours would be credible. Or maybe not..
Sharon, ang laking BOBO ng asawa mo, di mo ba nakita ito?
MGA KABABAYAN KONG MGA SIPSIP SA TATE. GUMISING NGA KAYO!! ME MGA NA RAPE NA KABABAIHAN DITO SA ATIN AT KAHIT GUILTY NA, DI PA NATIN MAHAWAKAN. MABIGYAN LANG NG US VISA--MAGRE-RECANT NA NG KANYANG KWENTO. ANONG KLASENG BANSA TAYO 'AS A WHOLE'? SIPSIP PA RIN SA AMERIKA.
SENATOR--A FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR MADE A TALK IN THE US ABOUT CORRUPTION IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE BOTTOM LINE WAS "IT WILL TAKE A MIRACLE TO SOLVE THE CORRUPTION PROBLEM IN THE PHILIPPINES" WITH OUR NEW LEADER, AM STILL PRAYING THAT THINGS MIGHT GET BETTER. WE SHOULD DETACH OURSELVES FROM BEING ASS KISSERS TO THE US. E ANO KUNG MAHIRAPAN TAYO? FILIPINOS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SURVIVORS.
HAVING BEEN TO OTHER COUNTRIES--WALA TAYONG DESYERTO BUT AGRICULTURE IS SO LACKING IN PRODUCTIVITY. MORE THAN 2/3 OF THE POPULATION IS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL. PLEASE COMPARE OURSELVES TO COUNTRIES LIKE MALAYSIA AND THAILAND. YOU CAN GO TO ANY MALL IN MALAYSIA AND EAT A PLATEFUL OF FOOD FOR ABOUT P70. WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE IS A THAI RICE OF GOOD QUALITY FOR SALE. WHY CANT WE DO THIS?
Sorry Mr. Senator, I do not agree with you at all. Show of presence and power is what the Americans are projecting to our opportunistic communist neighbors since our so called AFP are so ill prepared and equiped. The Americans are also helping the AFP defeat the terrorists by keeping them updated with the latest tactics and providing them the supplies needed. They are also building roads, schools, bridges, water wells and communications infrastructure that help modernize the backfield towns of the Philippines. Afterall, it's now 2011 soon and still the people rely on one another during calamities such as fooding. Seems like the Philippine government has grown significantly but has nothing to show to their citizens. NO IMPROVEMENTS.
The call centers and outsourcing companies that setup camp in the Philippines and promoting jobs in different aspect of the workforce needs this security. Something that the Philippine government yet had to spell.
Senator Pangilinan,
Are you serious about what you just wrote? You are asking why the Philippines has to settle with bread crumbs? Do you thing the US benefits that much by the VFA? There are other places that the US military could go to and train. They have a lot of fixed bases in different countries. And those countries they could go to help them out in times of need.
What has the Philippines given the US that would require the US to give so much money to the Philippines? $2.2B for infrastructures to the Philippines. Ask yourself, where does that money go? Even if the US gives the Philippines money. Where does it go? It goes to the pockets of politicans like you. Your so called 'pork barrel'.
You want the US to hand you brand new equipment, new firearms, and new military hardware. You suck at training your people. It just showed recently how bad the Philippines is in hostage taking.
The Philippines is a burden to the US. I have to pay taxes for my government to give the Philippines money. But in reality my taxes just go to the politicians' pockets.
You have no right in saying "If I recall, Pakistan receives billions of dollars in military aid just to allow US troops access to their territory. We get a few used Huey helicopters and one or two C130 airplanes that have seen better days."
The answer to that would be a question. How has the Philippines assisted the US in it's war in terror? Pakistan is a hub in the war. Now if there was a war between China and US. Then maybe the US will give more money to the Philippines. But at the moment nothing is going on in Southeast Asia. Plus, we have bases in S Korea and Japan, so most likely the US will pour there money there if something happens in Southeast Asia. Does the US military have bases in the Philippines?
This just proves to me that the Philippine politicians are stupid. They expect other countries to give money for their 'pork barrel'.
This is the dumbest article i have ever read. The bottom line is that the Chinese government is more than happy to take your islands from you and you better pull your head out of the sand because they are coming.And for the Moslem Philippinos:Be aware the Chinese communist government will kill all of you. They will not care about your claims or your sharia law..they will just shoot you.So...how do you like us rotten Americans now? I support 3 families in the Philippines...I work myself to the bone to feed those people because i love them. Politicians only love themselves and should not tell the public in any nation a pack of lies and drivel.The Philippines need to count it's blessings and to be thankful The United States cares enough to try to help them. Instead of this child like whining.One thing to remember...If you insist on Sharia law you will soon have no hueys, night vision, remote control surveillance. you will have burkas, donkeys and carts.You will go backwards without any of your cherished ideas of freedom because freedom and Sharia are not synonymous.I hope Philippinos realize the reality in the world and fire their enemies who masquerade as politicians.
Those for VFA seem to assume 2 things that I find utterly incorrect:
1. US will uphold Philippine interest over US interest, therefore whatever problems we have in security, economy, etc., we can always depend on US.
> I don't understand this. Since when has the interest of a foreign land coincide with that of the Philippines.
2. China/Communism is the enemy, and US is our protection against China/Communism.
> China is the biggest creditor of US right now. If indeed China/Communism is the enemy, then why is US not staying away from China?
I think you're the one in need of understanding. South China Sea is the route of so much trade including the very precious oil. US is trying to control it by deploying troops in Mindanao via the much abused VISITING Forces Agreement wherein the troops are "visiting" Mindanao all year round.
South China Sea is a good route. But it is not the best route to take from the middle east to the US.
The VFA is not even used to deploy troops to Mindanao. VFA is just used to train US military and have the Philippine Military train alongside them. The US military does not even engage in combat in the Philippines. Because the Philippine Constitution prohibts foreign military to engage in combat in the Philippines. The US government spends millions to train in the Philippines. They pour money into training, and the military personnel spend money in local establishments in the Philippines.
Remember when $1=PHP 20. That was back in the early 1990's because the US still had bases in the Philippines. Right now it's at $1=PHP 45.
The Philippines is not strategic anymore. If it was then the US will push to have a base in the Philippines. S Korea and Japan and Guam have US bases. That's where the US spend money, so why will they spend money on the Philippines, with a corrupt government, a government that can't even train it's own police against hostage takers.
So don't go around and say that the PI should receive more, because the PI is corrupt. More money or equipment given to the PI tends to be sent downrange in Mindanao, which in turn goes to local warlords or the terrorists. Remember the Ampatuans? They had military grade weapons. Where did that come from.
And also, the US military have old equipment as well. I know because I'm part of the US military. Why would the US give the PI F-16, F-22, F-35 and other equipment that they still use?
The Philippine government can't even buy their own M-4's, or they just don't want to buy M-4's for their military. Their still using M-16's from the Vietnam War.
All the money given to the Philippines just goes straight to the pockets of politicians like Sen. Pangilinan. Their "pork barrel". Why not fund the Philippine's military with that money? And after that see what the US will do.
Start fixing your corrupt government before complaining about the US helping you out. The PI had the best military back in the days. But after the Marcos era it became one the oldest and ill-equipped military in the world. Because corruption became rampant.
Perhaps the Senator will get more than he asked for with the US just signing an agreement with Australia .
What a bunch of a**holes that are commenting here. Not you Senator of course. I commend you and others in the senate together with the President who are forcing the VFA review in the forefront of public debate. You show great and true courage with your stance. You can tell how rattled the Americans are with just the threat of revisiting this 'treaty' let alone with the hanging sword of abrogation poised precariously over it. One can tell these things because of the amount of 'non-Filipino' comments in here. I can just imagine a whole horde of them being egged on by the conservatives in America to target you Senator for your dangerous remark. For them it is indeed a a dangerous opinion simply because it came from people like you who have the interests of their countrymen first and foremost in their minds. Not the traitors and small-dicked-little-brown-brothers-who-love-to-sipsip-big-American-white-dongs who post brain dead comments here. I mean seriously, what the f**k does 'leftist' Obama had to do with the VFA when it happened before his Presidency. Honestly these people are like the moronic Teabaggers. No amount of intelligence is required to be part of that mob. Just ignore them Senator and Keep up the bloody good work.
Oh, just a suggestion, to further rile the Americans on VFA, perhaps you can tell the President to start thinking about getting other more equitable VFA agreements with say China or Russia. I'm sure China will be very interested. I think it is time we play them off against each other.
From an American who loves the Filipino people. Your barking up the wrong tree, the people of America wish nothing but good to you, it is not the powers that be and you see on TV that are the problem. The problem is with those who you do not see behind the scenes, the money masters of the world, not just here in America, that pull the strings that cause all the calamity world wide.
you have a constitution very similar to ours but as us, the political system is corrupt. this is because of powers unseen causing everything that takes our eyes off of what the real problem is, those who are out to form a one world government by means of more wealth and control of money than you can imagine.
I advise everyone of you to watch and log into and join us in America who are trying with everything within us to rationally combat not only that which happens here in America but throughout the entire world so that we can regain the individual freedoms we had or hope to have in the future for our children and children's children.
With both love and affection, i sincerely hope to hear from you in the future as to your new found understanding of what is really happening that may be unknown to you at the present time.
Please - log in and read and try to understand with all your heart what is really happening, i hope it not only changes your mind but your heart.
Most sincerely, sheldonpettit@yahoo.com
Link : http://www.freedom-force.org/
Dang, Senator Pangilinan, WTF?? Are you a Pinhead or a Jackass??... No brainer will be good to call you.... Attorney at Low...Maybe you need to visit our brothers from Southern parts of the country and get some opinions what the Americans are doing there?? Your just like the Usec from NDCC, that he needs to swallow his pride, just because the USA offered to help lift some relief goods to latest typhoon Juan that cannot be reach by land..using their fix wing aircraft..Pathetic..You and Mar Roxas and DILG Usec Puno should arms-in-arms for the trifecta useless mindset......lol
Mr. Senator,
With due respect, I do not think you are representing the country's interest with your comments about the VFA. Insulting the Americans do not bring goodwill and wellbeing to a relationship which has stood the test of time. Shame on you. I have 5 uncles who shed their blood in defense of democracy during the war with Japan and Korea fighting side by side with the Americans, I would not hesitate to fight with them again if asked. I do not think you understand how important it is to have a long term relationships with key allies like America. Your primary duty is to bring home the bacon and not antagonize our friends. Our armed forces is the poorest of the poor and with your acting like a spoiled brat, rude and arrogant with an empty stomach is the least to expect of you. You are not using your pea sized brain. Come next elections, you will not get my vote. Egghead. I cannot believe we have elected a moron like you. You claim to have studied at Harvard but its all for show. It does reflect on the kind of thinking you have.
To all sellouts and Kiko-bashers...read the VFA agreement first. Anyone can Google it; it's available in the net. After reading, maybe you all would be able to understand Mr. Pangilinan's sentiments. Sentiments in favour of your country NOT against it's interest, stupid!
Mr. Pangilanan is at least patriotic in his actions and not licking Uncle Sam's arse like most of you here have done. Mahal nyo ang Philipinas pero ano itong nagagawa ninyo?!
The Americans, with its voracious appetite for power and to be always in control needs the Philippines to maintain its presence in Asia; protect its interests. Why do you think they are in the South? They're in the Mindanao because of your huge oil & gas reserves, which development is spearheaded by American oil company!
Your insurgency and secessionists problems are still very much alive and remain strong because the US are not really involving themselves in getting rid of those pests. They are here not for you, but for themselves!
So don't expect them to fight the Chinese off if you're invaded because they will just set back and watch you people getting slaughtered by the Chinese. Remember, that Uncle Sam owe China trillions of dollars!
So instead of bashing poor Mr. Pangilinan, you people should welcome such gallant stand from someone like him, not not shoot him down to pieces.
It's high time you people should mean what you say, fight for your rights and depend on somebody who is already bleeding and on the way out!
Stop depending on Uncle Sam...he has a problem of his own...millions of Americans only eat 1 meal nowadays. Lots of them has no roofs on their heads! Think about it, idiots!
To all sellouts and Kiko-bashers...read the VFA agreement first. Anyone can Google it; it's available in the net. After reading, maybe you all would be able to understand Mr. Pangilinan's sentiments. Sentiments in favour of your country NOT against it's interest, stupid!
Mr. Pangilanan is at least patriotic in his actions and not licking Uncle Sam's arse like most of you here have done. Mahal nyo ang Philipinas pero ano itong nagagawa ninyo?!
The Americans, with its voracious appetite for power and to be always in control needs the Philippines to maintain its presence in Asia; protect its interests. Why do you think they are in the South? They're in the Mindanao because of your huge oil & gas reserves, which development is spearheaded by American oil company!
Your insurgency and secessionists problems are still very much alive and remain strong because the US are not really involving themselves in getting rid of those pests. They are here not for you, but for themselves!
So don't expect them to fight the Chinese off if you're invaded because they will just set back and watch you people getting slaughtered by the Chinese. Remember, that Uncle Sam owe China trillions of dollars!
So instead of bashing poor Mr. Pangilinan, you people should welcome such gallant stand from someone like him, not not shoot him down to pieces.
It's high time you people should mean what you say, fight for your rights and depend on somebody who is already bleeding and on the way out!
Stop depending on Uncle Sam...he has a problem of his own...millions of Americans only eat 1 meal nowadays. Lots of them has no roofs on their heads! Think about it, idiots!
to whoever said that there's a lot of oil in Mindanao. Are you stupid? You're saying that the US want the oil from Mindanao??? You do know that the Philippines imports its oil supply right?
And the US won't spend billions of dollars to fix infrastructures for the Philippines to just get oil. The Philippines doesn't have that much oil. It would have been better to use the billions of dollars the US spends on off-shore rigs over at the Gulf of Mexico. That would be more profitable.
Look at Japan and South Korea. You know who pays for the maintenance of US bases over there? The US only pays a small amount for the lease of the base. But the Japanese and South Korean government pays for maintaining the bases. I know this because I was stationed in Kunsan AFB. The South Korean government paid for the new dormitories in Kunsan AFB. Did the Philippines do that for the US bases in Clark and Subic?
The Philippines just wants to get whatever they can, and do nothing. The VFA is stupid. I don't think we as soldiers should be away from our families to go to the Philippines and train there. We have Japan, South Korea, and Australia to train in. The only reason the US has VFA with the Philippines is so that the US has reason to spend money on the Philippines. And for the fact that Philippines and the US are allies. Has the Philippines ever done anything for their ally? During the OEF and OIF in Iraq and Afghanistan. Did the Philippines send enough military support tot he US? How many soldiers did they send? A couple thousand?
The Philippines expects to get something, but never gives anything back in return. You expect to get billions but you only spend hundreds.
That is the mentality of the politicians in the Philippines. They give a couple of hundred pesos to the voters and expect to win. And when they win the election, they take back all that money from the people who voted for them.
And to say that the Philippines should ally with China. You are retarded. China claims pretty much Asia as it's own. It claims the whole China Sea as it's territory. You think China will care about you? Look at all the Chineses in the Philippines, do they care about Filipinos?
to whoever said that there's a lot of oil in Mindanao. Are you stupid? You're saying that the US want the oil from Mindanao??? You do know that the Philippines imports its oil supply right?
And the US won't spend billions of dollars to fix infrastructures for the Philippines to just get oil. The Philippines doesn't have that much oil. It would have been better to use the billions of dollars the US spends on off-shore rigs over at the Gulf of Mexico. That would be more profitable.
Look at Japan and South Korea. You know who pays for the maintenance of US bases over there? The US only pays a small amount for the lease of the base. But the Japanese and South Korean government pays for maintaining the bases. I know this because I was stationed in Kunsan AFB. The South Korean government paid for the new dormitories in Kunsan AFB. Did the Philippines do that for the US bases in Clark and Subic?
The Philippines just wants to get whatever they can, and do nothing. The VFA is stupid. I don't think we as soldiers should be away from our families to go to the Philippines and train there. We have Japan, South Korea, and Australia to train in. The only reason the US has VFA with the Philippines is so that the US has reason to spend money on the Philippines. And for the fact that Philippines and the US are allies. Has the Philippines ever done anything for their ally? During the OEF and OIF in Iraq and Afghanistan. Did the Philippines send enough military support tot he US? How many soldiers did they send? A couple thousand?
The Philippines expects to get something, but never gives anything back in return. You expect to get billions but you only spend hundreds.
That is the mentality of the politicians in the Philippines. They give a couple of hundred pesos to the voters and expect to win. And when they win the election, they take back all that money from the people who voted for them.
And to say that the Philippines should ally with China. You are retarded. China claims pretty much Asia as it's own. It claims the whole China Sea as it's territory. You think China will care about you? Look at all the Chineses in the Philippines, do they care about Filipinos?
GO!GO! SEN. PANGILINAN. Continue to tell the world how AMERICANS shabilly treat their allies. AMERICANS are weird and strange people. They will respect you if you kick them and threw them out like what the Vietnamese have done to them. We should drive them out in our country. We should conclude military alliances with Russia, China and those countries who does not love USA. Sponsor resolution and legislation to allow our country to be used by these countries but of course with some monetary consideration. THE AMERICANS ARE NOT OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES. CAN YOU CONSIDER THEM FRIENDS WHEN THEIR SOLDIERS KILL YOUR PEOPLE AND RAPE OUR WOMEN. THEY ARE NOT FRIENDS BUT USERS AND THEY USE THE WORD FRIENSHIP TO LIE AND COVER THEIR MALEVOLENT AND DIABOLICAL INTENTIONS. TO THOSE FILIPINOS, FIL-AMS,AND GREENCARDS HO9LDER WHO ARE MAD WITH THE SENATOR'S STAND GET OUT OF OUR COUNTRY AND STAY IN HELL IN THIS WORLD A COUNTRY CALLED BY THE NAME-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. IMMEDIATELY!!!
I am agree with you! I think we have take a good dessicion!
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