Why is Mrs Clinton coming to the Philippines?

It is a shame, according to Santiago, if Gloria Arroyo would be pressured to to disregard the resolution of the Philippine Senate.

Aside from other matters, the resolution demands that the government terminate the pact altogether should Washington refuse to renegotiate the agreement. It is said only the president has the power to abrogate a treaty.

FROM THE STORY:

Santiago did not believe Mrs Clinton’s pronouncements that her visit had to do with the US wanting to show solidarity with Filipinos after the recent series of typhoons and storms swept across the country.

How come we are so suspicious with the Americans.They've been always here to help, how come we are biting the hand that always extend support to us???

What does Miriam Santiago aims with her attacking VFA? I fail to understand it. It such a soar issue, We do need a lot of improvement in our military,honestly our military equipment is so antiquated. If they can help us deal with those terrorist group in Mindanao, hell why not let them stay. Are we paying the Americans? I doubt it.
VFA group has been a great help to us during the typhoon season.Where was Miriam that time, she was quiet during Ondoy.
Now,when its almost back to normal she starts her incantation against VFA and Clinton's visit.

I believe Clinton has great compassion with the Filipinos because majority voted for her against Obama.

Santiago as usual is a bitter person. Did Santiago visit any area affected with the typhoons? SAntiago should move and visit any area or else Clinton's move is a gold medal.

Filipinos, please welcome Clinton!

Jane Abao wrote:

FROM THE STORY:
Santiago did not believe Mrs Clinton’s pronouncements that her visit had to do with the US wanting to show solidarity with Filipinos after the recent series of typhoons and storms swept across the country.

As strange as it may seem we Americans seen the the pain and suffering that ur people went thru this typhoon season. Some of us seen it first hand while vacationing in ur country and others thru the media here. Why is it so hard to believe that everything with our country is about the military? There is a large Filipino population here and many many workers. The Filipino- American citizens have a say in these things as they should and their voices are heard here. You know we give our tax dollars to help not to hinder and i believe that i also read about 42 million that was given in military money and equipment and i have been told that about 20 million has not been accounted for. So i must say as a tax payer here and some of my money is in your hands at least have some respect for the monies that u receive from hard working Americans and Filipinos. Not everything is about the military!!!!!

As Washington goes so does Manila. Marcos was done as soon as Washington offered Hawaii; Estrada's exit was being circulated in the US long before EDSA2. Washington swallowed its tongue during the height of the ZTE/NBN crisis.

Now we hope Sec. Clinton told Pres. Arroyo in no uncertain words "not to influence (cheat) the 2010 elections".

$2M - a case of "less is better" until proper accounting is in place.

Visaya wrote:

I believe Clinton has great compassion with the Filipinos because majority voted for her against Obama.
Santiago as usual is a bitter person. Did Santiago visit any area affected with the typhoons? SAntiago should move and visit any area or else Clinton's move is a gold medal.
Filipinos, please welcome Clinton!

Nope, She became secluded during Ondoy. Most of the politician are going out to help even its public stunt still its a gesture of unity during calamity, but Santiago Hmmm...nah...I was waiting for her to appear in news during those typhoon season or even visit some city here in Manila that was flooded but nothing from her.

EXCERPT 2:

2. Why does the US need agreements like the VFA?

The US needs ports, training facilities and logistical bases for their continuing participation, occupation of and war activities on different parts of the world, especially those in the Middle East. An agreement like the VFA is needed by the US to make the Philippines a support base for US military operations in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. The US, too, is the primary military support of Israel in its attack and aggressive occupation of Lebanon.

3. What are the controversial provisions of the VFA?

A. As a whole, the VFA is against the provision of the Philippine constitution that states and guarantees “equal protection before the law” because it gives special privileges and rights to uniformed and civil members of the US Defense Department. These are rights and privileges that are not given to the ordinary Filipino citizen.

EXCERPT 3:

4. Why is the VFA considered a bastardization of Philippine sovereignty?

First, under the VFA provisions, the Americans have no respect or regard for our laws and regulations. It is they who are the visitors, yet they want them to reign and set laws and regulations for themselves in our own homeland and territory. Second, in Article V of the VFA,“official acts” needing “official duty certificate” do not include the heinous crimes of the American soldiers in the Philippines, who may even avoid the jurisdiction of Philippine laws and court that will try their cases.

It is only now that we can see the situation of “extra-territoriality” awarded to foreign soldiers in the whole territory of a free country. While the US bases are still here, these “extra-territorial rights” are allowed only inside the US military bases. But even in the crimes that occurred outside the bases, however, not one guilty American soldier is punished for the crimes of murder, rape, or mauling committed against Filipinos. Under Article VIII of the VFA, there is no limitation in the “access” of the American troops in the Philippines, even in the remotest areas in the country. There is no hindrance in the liberal actions offered by the VFA to the US wherever portion of the country there may be.

EXCERPT 4:

5. What are the special privileges given to American soldiers under the VFA?

Exemption from Philippine regulations

Under Articles III, IV, VII, and VIII of the VFA, special privileges, which are denied to ordinary Filipino citizens, are endowed upon the American troops. Assigned or visiting American soldiers need not abide by laws and regulations regarding:

* Passport and visa
* Driver’s license
* Vehicle registration
* Payment of custom duties and taxes

These privileges are incredible because these are rights and privileges not given even to the highest officials of the armed forces or diplomats visiting the US or staying in the
Philippines.

EXCERPT 5:

9. What other dangers are posed by the VFA to the Philippines?

A. Involvement in the US war waged in places such as the Middle East, where many OFWS are. This is because we allow the use of our territory by the American war soldiers deployed in different parts of the world

B. Intervention of the US to the Philippines such as counter-insurgency and in internal affairs

C. Destruction of the environment due to live fire ammunition and canyon used in military exercises

D. Danger to life, honor, safety, and peace of the citizens, like what happened to Nicole and to the other Filipinos threatened since the VFA was signed

E. Hazard from nuclear arms brought by US war ships and planes

Is not the question why Hilary comes to the Philippines! frankly speaking the U.S. Don't really need the philippines. Gloria Arroyo, Et al. Is very happy that Hilary come her she have something to brag about. Plus of course she can ask Hilary for more money. She need it very badly, To payoff her goons to protect her if she ever decided to step down from her stolen power! Especially her AFP/PNP she's been paying for her protection.

Jane Abao wrote:

EXCERPT 2:
2. Why does the US need agreements like the VFA?
The US needs ports, training facilities and logistical bases for their continuing participation, occupation of and war activities on different parts of the world, especially those in the Middle East. An agreement like the VFA is needed by the US to make the Philippines a support base for US military operations in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. The US, too, is the primary military support of Israel in its attack and aggressive occupation of Lebanon.
3. What are the controversial provisions of the VFA?
A. As a whole, the VFA is against the provision of the Philippine constitution that states and guarantees “equal protection before the law” because it gives special privileges and rights to uniformed and civil members of the US Defense Department. These are rights and privileges that are not given to the ordinary Filipino citizen.

How would u like it if missles rained down on your cities everyday. jane it is good to see your real thoughts here!!! Let the world know your agenda in these forums (anti-American and anti-Israel). Most of us understand your truths here and your disinformation!!! you can fool some but not all!!!!

Why not make some changes in VFA that will be beneficial for both parties Instead of removing it completely?We need to compromise.

About OFW in Middle east, I wish we don't send Filipino workers there. They are very susceptible to abuses whether we have VFA here or not.

Jane Abao wrote:

EXCERPT 5:
9. What other dangers are posed by the VFA to the Philippines?
A. Involvement in the US war waged in places such as the Middle East, where many OFWS are. This is because we allow the use of our territory by the American war soldiers deployed in different parts of the world
B. Intervention of the US to the Philippines such as counter-insurgency and in internal affairs
C. Destruction of the environment due to live fire ammunition and canyon used in military exercises
D. Danger to life, honor, safety, and peace of the citizens, like what happened to Nicole and to the other Filipinos threatened since the VFA was signed
E. Hazard from nuclear arms brought by US war ships and planes

Also remember if not for the United States u may well be speaking a different language!!!! And i am not speaking about English

I give u 1 more thing to think about and i would think very hard on this 1. Who will you call when the menace call North Korea decides to make war in your region. Think hard because it is coming and coming fast!! We have also started building the largest air base in the Asian area at Guam and from there the American forces will once again save your country if it has not leveled by the Norths nukes first!!

Don't be afraid to look at the big picture. Are u so short sited to not understand the real problems that are arising in the Asian Theater. In a troubled world where all will need to seek help, let the help come from the ones who have compassion

Jane Abao wrote:

EXCERPT 4:
5. What are the special privileges given to American soldiers under the VFA?
Exemption from Philippine regulations
Under Articles III, IV, VII, and VIII of the VFA, special privileges, which are denied to ordinary Filipino citizens, are endowed upon the American troops. Assigned or visiting American soldiers need not abide by laws and regulations regarding:
* Passport and visa
* Driver’s license
* Vehicle registration
* Payment of custom duties and taxes
These privileges are incredible because these are rights and privileges not given even to the highest officials of the armed forces or diplomats visiting the US or staying in the
Philippines.

Meaning the US soldiers are there serving the people, building roads, etc.,

during calamities like typhoons, and US diver, who nearly lost his life from that sunken ship becuz no Filipino could dive due to the chemical----

The US high rranking Soldier who died while supervising his group constructing roads...

The US soldiers who were helping the village in Mindanao, when the whole village was covered by mudslides...

It's all right for the US soldeiers to do humanitarian help in PI,

BUT they should not receive anything and/or service in return from the Philippine Government?

Go ahead Filipinos, just receive and receive, but don't give! No more hospitality to those young US soldiers. When they finish, who cares.

Definitely, who will be the loser if the VFA is cancelled? The poor Filipinos who needed help.

Then the radical Muslims for sure would become stronger and the Filipinos would fight their own war with bolos and slings...

Who will have the last laugh? Miram Defensor for sure.

When the VFA is cancelled, the rich Muslim countries would pour financial help to their Muslim comrades and the radical Muslims would become stronger. Instead of these Muslims confined in the forest of Mindanao, they would

strongly and become powerful to invade the whole provinces and cities of Mindanao...

then more will go to Manila, bombs left and right;

then Miriam Santiago and the Filipino people who don't like the Americans, would have the greatest
pleasure of meeting and working with these radical Muslims.

jmbro wrote:

I give u 1 more thing to think about and i would think very hard on this 1. Who will you call when the menace call North Korea decides to make war in your region. Think hard because it is coming and coming fast!! We have also started building the largest air base in the Asian area at Guam and from there the American forces will once again save your country if it has not leveled by the Norths nukes first!!

There is no reason for North Korean to attach the Philippines. I would expect them to attack, South Korean, Japan, and the nearest US territory their missiles they can hit.