US – Philippines Agreement

Overview of Philippines – United States of America Bilateral Relations I.Establishment of Diplomatic Relations The Philippines and the United States have an enduring alliance that is based on deep historical and cultural ties. The Philippines gained its independence from the United States on July 4, 1946, and diplomatic relations were formally established the same day.

The Philippines became a colony of the United States following the Spanish–American War and the subsequent Philippine-American War. In 1935, under the terms of the Tydings–McDuffie Act, the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth, the Philippine Commonwealth, with full independence planned for ten years later. Delayed by World War II and the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippines, the Philippines became fully independent on July 4, The Mutual Defense Treaty Between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America was signed on August 30, 1951 in Washington, D.C. between representatives of the Philippines and the United States.

The overall accord contained eight articles and dictated that both nations would support each other if either the Philippines or the United States were to be attacked by an external party.

II. Highlights of the Philippines-United States Bilateral Relations The Philippines’ relationship with the United States has been robust, dynamic and strategic. This relationship is nurtured by a shared history and adherence to common values, especially a commitment to freedom, democracy and a market economy. From combating war against terrorism to war against poverty, the partnership between the Philippines and the US is broad-based, opening fresh avenues for greater cooperation. The official visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III to Washington, D.C., capped by his meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House on June 8 further strengthened Philippine-U.S. relations.

Visiting Forces Agreement A Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is an agreement between a country and a foreign nation having military forces visiting in that country. This may include issues like entry and exit into the country, tax liabilities, postal services, or employment terms for host-country nationals, but the most contentious issues are civil and criminal jurisdiction over the visiting forces. military

Visiting Forces Agreement US-Philippines The Philippines–United States Visiting Forces Agreement, sometimes the PH–US Visiting Forces Agreement, is a bilateral visiting forces agreement between the Philippines and the United States. It entered into force on June 1, It consists of two separate documents.visiting forces agreementPhilippinesUnited States VFA 1 VFA 2 “ Counterpart Agreement”

The primary effect of the Agreement is that it allows the U.S. government to retain jurisdiction over U.S. military personnel accused of committing crimes in the Philippines, unless the crimes are of "particular" importance to the Philippines. This means that for crimes without this significance, the U.S. can refuse to detain or arrest accused personnel, or may instead prosecute them under U.S. jurisdiction. The Agreement also exempts U.S. military personnel from visa and passport regulations in the Philippines.visapassport The Agreement contains various procedural safeguards which amongst other things establish the right to due process and proscribe double jeopardyprocedural safeguardsdue processdouble jeopardy VFA - 1

The Agreement also prevents U.S. military personnel from being tried in Filipino religious or military courts.military courts exempts material exported and imported by the military from duties or taxes and allows unrestricted movement of U.S. vessels and aircraft in the Philippines

VFA - 2 The primary effect of the Agreement is to require the U.S. government to notify PH authorities when it becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or detention of any PH personnel visiting the U.S. and when so requested by the PH government, to ask the appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of PH, except cases of special interest to the U.S. departments of State or Defense.StateDefense The Agreement contains various procedural safeguards which amongst other things establish the right to due process and proscribe double jeopardyprocedural safeguardsdue processdouble jeopardy

The agreement also, among other provisions, exempts PH personnel from visa formalities and guarantees expedited entry and exit processing. requires the U.S. to accept PH driving licenses. allows PH personnel to carry arms at U.S. military installations while on duty. provides personal tax exemptions and import/export duty exclusions for PH personnel. requires the U.S. to provide health care to PH personnel; and exempts PH vehicles, vessels, and aircraft from landing or ports fees, navigation or overflight charges, road tolls or any other charges for the use of U.S. military installations.

References: Source : usa.org/philippines-dc/embassy-dc/ph-us-bilateral- relations-dc/