Press
Statement
August 3, 1998
First, there was US Secretray of State Madeleine
Albright. Now, here is William Cohen, the United States
Secretary of Defense.
Undoubtedly, the US is rabidly pushing for the immediate and sure ratification of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). With the top honchos of the US government "visiting" the Philippines, it is more than likely that the approval of the VFA will be just around the corner. And President Estrada, like a true servant of his imperialist masters, is bowing to the pressure being imposed by the US government.
By their declaration of support to the VFA, Estrada and Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado have made a complete turnaround from their anti-US bases position back in 1991 when they were still senators. This shows that their stand on the issue of military presence in the country, is just that - a mere grandstanding and populist stance.
The League of Filipino Students (LFS) condemn Estrada and Mercado's servitude to the demands of the United States. Notwithstanding the people's protests against the Military Bases Agreement in 1991, they are now trying to deceive the people by saying that the Visiting Forces Agreemnt is a "different agreement and is actually "needed" for "national security". Estrada's attempt to muddle the issue by his false talks about sovereignty and security is but a clear betrayal of his suppossed pro-people stand. Lastly, we condemn the United States government, their lackeys, and their wicked scheme of continuously subjugating the country - economic, politics, culture and military.
We call on to all patriotic and progressive forces to unite against the VFA. Let us expose the pro-imperialist character of this agreement and this regime which allows the intensified foreign domination over the country.
Junk the Visiting Forces Agreement!
No to the return of the US Bases!
Death to imperialism!
Fight for genuine freedom and democracy!
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