Duterte Drops a Bombshell on U.S. Troops: “Pay Up or Your Lions Are Waiting”
Philippines’ Crispy Take on the Visiting Forces Agreement
After a quick tour of the newly rolled‑out aircraft, President Rodrigo Duterte took the troops on a coffee‑talk‑meeting that was part military briefing, part stand‑up comedy. “If you want the Visiting Forces Agreement straightened out, you’ve got to bring some cash to the pot,” he declared, staring straight at an imagined American embassy van.
He’s not the first to chide the U.S. Here’s a quick rewind: The treaty, born two decades ago, is the backbone of the presence in Asia. The Philippines has used it to train its under‑funded forces with the help of the U.S. The U.S., in return, got a foot in the ever‑fidgety South China Sea.
“It’s Not Free, Dude!”
Duterte let the troops know that the “shared responsibility” clause means neither side gets a free ride. “When war kicks in, we all pay,” he jabbed, nudging both Washington and Beijing into the trenches metaphorically. He didn’t spell out how much the U.S. should cough up—just the vibe that it’s high time we talk dollars.
Why the Turbulence?
- Last Year’s Oops: Duterte called off the Visiting Forces Agreement after a U.S. ally was denied a visa—a classic 2023 headline‑grabbing moment.
- Two Extensions: The U.S. didn’t back down. They nudged the commitment over a couple of extra months, hoping to find a sweet spot.
- Biden’s Reassurance: The new U.S. administration has steered the treaty back into the spotlight, stay‑in‑dismissive of China’s growing swagger.
All Eyes on the Negotiation Room
Officials from both sides met on Thursday, exchanging glances and maybe even a few paper cuttings, to try to hammer out the price tag. Some calls describe the meeting as “pre‑dinner chatter” amid the wartime kettle.
Mixed Feelings About the Deal
Duterte never shyed away from voicing his pathos: he’s open to an opponent’s contributions if it ensures a secure footing but not at the cost of Philippine sovereignty. “We’re happy to keep neutral. But when the moment arrives, we’re ready to roll out our squad,” he said, hinting at a cunning balancing act.
The U.S. embassy still hasn’t wavered, yet. Finally, standing half‑aside in a distant council, the U.S. says – we want the desire to keep troops here. Should we bring some dough? The question hovers.
In the End, It’s All About the Ocean
Philippines, Duterte’s “no‑confrontation” stance with China remains the thick thread: “Declaring war with China over the maritime claims is…well, we can’t afford that.” So, instead of a duel, it seems the Philippines has chosen a standoff with a skillful tug‑of‑war: Let the U.S. keep placing forces at a price list.
Takeaway
Picture this as a real‑life family budget meeting: Duterte says, “We love your troops, but let’s talk money.” It’s a headline whose punchline remains in the mix of diplomacy, humor, and a whole lot of “let’s keep the ship sailing in calm waters.”