NOW on #ANCEarlyEdition: @IanEsguerra speaks with former Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. 
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: Because of VFA, PH military forces have been getting good training. Because of VFA we also get assistance from the US in terms of counterterrorism.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: VFA being used to enhance the capability of PH armed forces.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: Experts have said that VFA, EDCA have been crucial in the modernization of the PH Armed Forces.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: I'm not saying they should not renew or renegotiate the VFA. Perhaps there is a reason to renegotiate some of the vague provisions in the agreement.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: But to abrogate it and for the flimsy reason that the visa of Senator dela Rosa was cancelled, does not seem to be a reasonable step to take.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: The fact that they know that the PH has an agreement with the US is an assurance that the US will be present in the region. They are a stabilizing presence in the region.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: You don't even have to be a lawyer to understand the VFA. No VFA, no military exercises, no counterterrorism presence.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: In Marawi, they provided crucial intelligence on Omar Maute and Hapilon.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: Consequences of VFA revocation, if it it will be revoked, will be felt way beyond the Duterte administration.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: Terminating VFA a prerogative of PH gov't; it has to prove it's not benefiting from VFA.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: I do hope Duterte does not terminate the VFA.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: Washington is Manila's biggest provider of foreign aid.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: Termination of VFA will embolden China in South China Sea issue.
@IanEsguerra #ANCEarlyEdition Cuisia: PH not singled out in implementation of Magnitsky law.
