To VFA or Not...

Posted by Victor Dela Casa

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced last night that Glenn Defense Asia "did not" commit any violations with its handling and disposal of waste materials in Subic Bay. While the U.S. Embassy and the Philippine Senate are still doing their respective inquiries, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is already seeking the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement or VFA.

Of course, having the waste dumping issue conveniently strengthens her appeal (again, somewhat) recalling that she already submitted a similar resolution in 2010 where she claimed that the VFA is not of any benefit to the Philippines. But then again, Miriam doesn't have children or grandchildren in the military nor will she ever don a military uniform and go gung ho if war ever breaks between us and another Asian country. She only goes "commando" on the Senate floor.

American presence in our country under VFA didn't bring us "nothing but grief." Of course we got something out of it and Malacanang Palace agrees, seeing no reason to terminate anything at the moment. We got training, technology and arms for our military. What more do you want? The moon? Sure, we didn't get more but we are the poorer nation that always gets easily exploited. We have politicians who are more concerned with their self-interests, how can you expect to get a full share and be contented?

At least, our VFA with the Americans serves as a deterrent to potential foreign threats like China. Oh! They actually invaded the Spratlys and the Kalayaan Islands. They even established cities in our territories. But without the Americans, the whole country probably fell under Chinese rule last September and we'd all be gifting each other with stuff made in China for Christmas. When you look at it that way, maybe it's not that bad to lose American presence after all.

Okay, so let's just keep our Yankee allies because it’s better to have them around and not need them than the other way around. In any case, we've always allied with the Americans. Whether we VFA or not, they'll always be around as "big brother" to us. Heck, they are like that uncle or aunt we idolize and look up to so much. So close in the blood line but not close enough to be their own child.

And if we decide to scrap the VFA with the Americans, who should we sign with to assist our scrawny little behinds? Let me list down possible choices:

1. China - The second largest (if not the largest) military in the world. Currently, a country we have some beef with. Sign a VFA with them and we eliminate them from our enemies. We'd be welcoming them with "me love you long time." In exchange for military assistance, they get all disputed territories plus the Batanes group of Islands. We will seek to get some shares off the oil profits from the Spratlys and Kalayaan. If we can't agree to terms, we'll run back to the U.S. for help.

2. Japan - They are also arguing with China over some islands. Their military is also small and intended only for national self-defense. Our military might learn self-sacrifice. Will most probably seek American help if overwhelmed.

3. Canada - Maybe a stretch but Prime Minister Stephen Harper did promise more aid and more investments in the Philippines. Military is okay in size but is struggling to find recruits until recently. Perfect as peace-keepers and we might learn some tricks on peace-keeping from them. Navy is mostly composed of frigates escorting U.S. battleships and carriers. Will also seek American and British help if overwhelmed.

4. Australia - Struggles to maintain a strong military presence in the Pacific. Tends to recruit from Canada and England. Will seek assistance from Canada, UK and the US if overwhelmed.

5. India - No idea how big their military is but they have a large population. Might teach us the act of loan-sharking and computer programming. They have nuclear warheads. Might seek the Queen's help if overwhelmed.

In the end, its better keep our VFA with the Americans. We've already got rid of them once, and we asked them to return. How embarrassing it is if we do the same mistake again. Senator Defensor-Santiago, with all due respect, please back-off a little and chill. Or, what about annoying the hell out of Senator Tito Sotto? I heard he's into plagiarism but he won't admit it.

Anyway, here is a funny video for Senators Santiago and Sotto. This dog jams to Wu Tang Clan (uncensored) music.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.