MANILA, Oct. 23 (PNA) — Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Thursday confirmed that the Executive Department is continuously reviewing the controversial Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
According to De Lima, there are some issues and provisions in the VFA which are not clear because there are different interpretations on the part of the United States and the Philippines, respectively.
De Lima said that among the provisions that need to be clarified are the matters concerning the custody, including the certification of official duty.
The DOJ Chief added that there are also ongoing talks about the implementing guidelines of the VFA.
De Lima stressed that the said review will be made as basis in the formulation of the implementing guidelines of the VFA.
Likewise, De Lima explained that the “legal custody” by the Philippines of US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton can be invoked once the warrant of arrest against him is issued.
De Lima pointed out Pemberton was placed in a “restricted custody” in preparation for the “legal proceedings”, especially so that under the US military regulations, based in her understanding, an accused in a crime is not allowed to leave the host country. (PNA)