The Department of National Defense fully supports the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to recall the letter of termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement to the United States. While the Philippines-US alliance stands on solid ground with the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty in place, the restoration of the VFA allows us to further promote military cooperation between our two nations.

In light of the various security challenges we are confronting, we are confident that our bilateral relations with the US will continue to contribute to the enhancement of the capabilities of our Armed Forces and furtherance of our national interests. Our long-standing partnership is founded on solidarity and the preservation of international peace.

Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana

Quezon City, 30 July 2021