Transcript US * Philippines Agreement

US – Philippines Agreement
Overview of Philippines – United
States of America Bilateral Relations
I. Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
The Philippines and the United States have an enduring
alliance that is based on deep historical and cultural ties. The
Philippines gained its independence from the United States on
July 4, 1946, and diplomatic relations were formally
established the same day.
• The Philippines became a colony of the United
States following the Spanish–American War and the
subsequent Philippine-American War.
• In 1935, under the terms of the Tydings–McDuffie
Act, the Philippines became a self-governing
commonwealth, the Philippine Commonwealth,
with full independence planned for ten years later.
Delayed by World War II and the Japanese invasion
and occupation of the Philippines, the Philippines
became fully independent on July 4, 1946.
• The Mutual Defense Treaty Between the Republic of
the Philippines and the United States of America
was signed on August 30, 1951 in Washington, D.C.
between representatives of the Philippines and the
United States.
•
The Mutual Defense Treaty Between the Republic of
the Philippines and the United States of America was
signed on August 30, 1951 in Washington, D.C.
between representatives of the Philippines and the
United States.
• The overall accord contained eight articles and
dictated that both nations would support each other if
either the Philippines or the United States were to be
attacked by an external party.
II. Highlights of the Philippines-United States
Bilateral Relations
The Philippines’ relationship with the United States has been
robust, dynamic and strategic. This relationship is nurtured
by a shared history and adherence to common values,
especially a commitment to freedom, democracy and a
market economy. From combating war against terrorism to
war against poverty, the partnership between the Philippines
and the US is broad-based, opening fresh avenues for greater
cooperation.
The official visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III to
Washington, D.C., capped by his meeting with President
Barack Obama at the White House on June 8 further
strengthened Philippine-U.S. relations.
Visiting Forces Agreement
A Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is an agreement
between a country and a foreign nation having military forces
visiting in that country. This may include issues like entry and
exit into the country, tax liabilities, postal services, or
employment terms for host-country nationals, but the most
contentious issues are civil and criminal jurisdiction over the
visiting forces.
Visiting Forces Agreement US-Philippines
The Philippines–United States Visiting Forces
Agreement, sometimes the PH–US Visiting Forces
Agreement, is a bilateral visiting forces agreement between
the Philippines and the United States. It entered into force on
June 1, 1999. It consists of two separate documents.
•
•
VFA 1
VFA 2 “ Counterpart Agreement”
VFA - 1
• The primary effect of the Agreement is that it allows the
U.S. government to retain jurisdiction over U.S. military
personnel accused of committing crimes in the Philippines,
unless the crimes are of "particular" importance to the
Philippines. This means that for crimes without this
significance, the U.S. can refuse to detain or arrest accused
personnel, or may instead prosecute them under U.S.
jurisdiction.
• The Agreement also exempts U.S. military personnel
from visa and passport regulations in the Philippines.
• The
Agreement
contains
various
procedural
safeguards which amongst other things establish the right
to due process and proscribe double jeopardy
• The Agreement also prevents U.S. military personnel
from being tried in Filipino religious or military courts.
• exempts material exported and imported by the military
from duties or taxes
• and allows unrestricted movement of U.S. vessels and
aircraft in the Philippines
VFA - 2
• The primary effect of the Agreement is to require the
U.S. government to notify PH authorities when it
becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or
detention of any PH personnel visiting the U.S. and
when so requested by the PH government, to ask the
appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of
PH, except cases of special interest to the U.S.
departments of State or Defense.
• The
Agreement
contains
various
procedural
safeguards which amongst other things establish the
right to due process and proscribe double jeopardy
• The agreement also, among other provisions, exempts PH
personnel from visa formalities and guarantees expedited
entry and exit processing.
• requires the U.S. to accept PH driving licenses.
• allows PH personnel to carry arms at U.S. military
installations while on duty.
• provides personal tax exemptions and import/export duty
exclusions for PH personnel.
• requires the U.S. to provide health care to PH personnel;
and exempts PH vehicles, vessels, and aircraft from landing
or ports fees, navigation or overflight charges, road tolls or
any other charges for the use of U.S. military installations.
References:
www.wikipedia.com
Source : http://www.philippineembassyusa.org/philippines-dc/embassy-dc/ph-us-bilateralrelations-dc/