Philippines Duterte deals blow to US by terminating troop pact

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivering a speech during the 11th Biennial National Convention and 22nd founding anniversary of the Chinese Filipino Business Club in Manila, Philippines. The Philippines on Tuesday (Feb 11) notified the United States of its intent to terminate a major security pact allowing American forces to train in the country. - AP

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday (Feb 11) terminated a two-decade-old Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States (VFA) delivering on threats to downgrade an alliance crucial to US interests.

The mercurial Duterte, who has clashed with the former colonial ruler over several issues, has decided to pull the plug on the two-decade troop rotation pact to enable the Philippines to be more independent with its relations with other countries, spokesman Salvador Panelo said.