As a WOMAN .... (VFA)

No matter how precisely the government paint Visiting Forces Agreement, it will remain a strong foundation of the US military intervention and aggression leading to the control of Filipino people especially of women which in addition, endlessly challenging the Philippine sovereignty. The former president of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo never dared to challenge US government’s interests while her legitimacy as president is being questioned. “SELF-SERVING INTERESTS” became the most important factor for her when she administered the Philippines. (kaya lagapak pa rin tayo eh) It’s so disappointing to know the US soldier-rapists will NEVER be behind bars while the case is being tried in the Philippine court! One word to describe Nicole rape case? Prejudiced.

Once an ordinary Filipino man committed a crime, he will be punished and when you tried to compare it to Smith, “wow! He was treated as if he was a prince, as if he did not do anything.” He should be behind bars while the trial is ongoing. If not for the VFA, the soldier would be in jail right now. Why will I be surprised if one day, another woman will become a victim of the US soldiers because of this agreement?! Is being born as a woman one of the biggest reasons for suffering from violence? Sexual exploitation, rape, genital mutilation and so on. So who will be next? Your sister, mother or daughter? Who is responsible to end all of these??? How can we prevent this if we cannot stand on our own because we are afraid that the US might leave us?

We should ensure that crimes committed by US and foreign troops in this country are rendered appropriate justice. It is so dreadful to hear news about innocent women being raped and the justice that we want for them cannot be complete unless the VFA and US military intervention is removed. The previous administration turned a deaf ear to people’s call for the abrogation of the VFA which obviously gives opportunity to US soldier to abuse and rights of Filipino women and children. Let us face the reality that VFA is the reason why Nicole’s struggle for justice was made more difficult. I hope that everybody can see the indignity and slavery the presence of the VFA brings to our country :(