By Roy Ramos
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines
A resolution was filed Monday at the Philippines House of Representatives calling for an end to the agreement that gives the U.S. military special legal status, local media reported.
Representative Walden Bello and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago filed the proposal demanding the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows the U.S. to retain custody of personnel accused of crimes until the end of Philippine judicial procedures.
The resolution claims the agreement is contrary to the 1987 Philippine Constitution and human rights standards, the GMA news website reported.
Bello said: “This is a resolution whose time has come. We're happy to be together with the office of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago in filing this.”
He said the alleged killing of a Filipino transgender woman by a U.S. marine is the latest offense committed by U.S. personnel since the agreement was ratified in 1999, citing a 2005 rape, damage caused to a tropical reef by a U.S. warship in 2013 and the dumping of hazardous waste by a U.S. Navy contractor.
The lawmaker said it was clear the agreement, known as the VFA, “has not served the interests of the Philippines since its inception.”
He added: “There is a clear trend that the U.S. government is not mindful in observing and respecting Philippine laws.”
The killing of 26-year-old Jeffrey Laude, known as Jennifer, on Oct. 11 in Olongapo City, Zambales province, has inflamed indignation over the VFA and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a 10-year deal that allows the U.S. to increase its military presence in the Philippines.
Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton remains in U.S. custody as he faces trial for the murder of Laude. There have been widespread calls for him to be transferred to Philippine detention.
Previous incidents involving U.S. personnel have fostered the belief that U.S. servicemen act with impunity towards the local population.
The VFA also allowed the U.S. to establish more than 20 ‘semi permanent’ military bases in the Philippines, a former U.S. colony.
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