House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro marked the 33rd anniversary of the significant decision to reject US military bases in the Philippines, underscoring the importance of genuine sovereignty in light of the ongoing presence of foreign military forces.
“Thirty-two years ago, the Philippine Senate made a courageous stand against foreign domination by rejecting the renewal of the US military bases agreement. This was a victory for national sovereignty and independence,” Rep. Castro stated. “However, the struggle for genuine freedom continues as the United States maintains its presence through unequal treaties like the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).”
Rep. Castro pointed out that these agreements have allowed the US to exploit regional tensions, particularly China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, to justify its military presence. “While we condemn China’s aggressive actions, we must also be wary of how the US uses these conflicts to further its imperialist interests in our nation,” she added.
Highlighting the broader implications of foreign military presence, Rep. Castro called on the Filipino people to remain vigilant in defending national sovereignty. “On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to fight for a truly independent foreign policy that prioritizes the welfare and interests of the Filipino people. We must strive for a Philippines free from the shadows of foreign powers,” she concluded.
Representative Castro reiterated the necessity for authentic independence and peace grounded in justice, promoting a vision for the Philippines to determine its own course without external interference.#
