The Philippines is reviewing “ambiguous” provisions in its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States in the light of debate over which country should have custody of the American soldier who is accused of killing a Filipino in Olongapo City. “There are provisions where the Philippine and US sides have differing interpretations, that’s why we have to have implementing guidelines,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said. The justice secretary herself has interpretations of the custody provision that differ with those of the Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and the US Embassy. De Lima clarified that moving to clarify implementing guidelines doesn’t necessarily mean openness to amending the 1999 treaty.
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