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ON THE PENDING
RATIFICATION OF VFA
PRESS STATEMENT
August 13, 1998
As the US government and President Joseph Estrada insists on jamming down the throats of Filipino people the Visiting Forces Agreement, GABRIELA remains steadfast in our commitment to fight this renewed US military intervention.
We have seen how the presence of US military servicemen has resulted to an intensified increase in the number of prostituted women and children especially in the face of grave poverty. We have seen how US military servicemen abuse our women and children and be shielded against punishment by their sheer uniform.
No amount of sugarcoating can hide the bitter facts behind the Visiting Forces Agreement. VFA is an affront to the dignity of Filipino women and children and a threat to the whole nation. The entry of US military in 22 ports all over the Philippines signifies not only lack of respect but outright violation of Philippine sovereignty.
We have made our decision in 1991 when women bravely opposed the ratification of the Military Bases Agreement. Our decision remains. We oppose the ratification of the Visiting Forces Agreement.