Anti-VFA protests ahead Clinton's visit to Manila
MANILA - At least 100 members of a students' activist group on Wednesday held a lightning protest in front of the United States embassy in Manila, signalling a series of demonstrations during US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit in the Philippines.
Terry Ridon, secretary-general of the League of Filipino Students, led at least 100 youth activists protesting the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in front of the US embassy along Roxas Boulevard.
"Bumabati ang mga estudyante, ang mga kabataan (The students, the youth are greeting [Mrs. Clinton]," Ridon said, adding that they will be holding similar protests against VFA while Clinton is in the country.
Clinton will stay in Manila on Thursday noon until Friday before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) in Singapore.
Clinton is set to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting and will stop by the Philippines on Thursday noon until Friday. It will be Clinton’s first visit to the Philippines as US Secretary of State.
Clinton's spokesman Ian Kelly said in a statement released Saturday that the US secretary of state will hold consultations with senior Philippine officials and tackle US-Philippines treaty alliance.
Malacañang said that aside from discussing US-RP treaties, Mrs. Arroyo will also discuss with Clinton next year's elections and the "smooth turnover of power" in 2010.
Ridon said student activists will return to the US embassy on Thursday to welcome Clinton and make her hear their sentiments against the VFA.
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ungratefulness
I definitely agree with the comment below.
Shame on these protesters who are showing their pride, hypocrisy and and much ignorance of the fact that they deeply need aid.
The americans just recognized and understand the deepest needs of this country and its people. Although they have their own problems too, yet they never hesitate to extend their help because they know that they have much to offer.
Protesters, when will you learn to be grateful? Mahiya naman kayo! Ang kapal ng mga mukha ninyo!
Senseless Protests
I don't understand why filipinos are protesting the philippine-american relationship. Why are they so angry about American aid and the presence of troops? Are they protesting because they have a better plan in mind? Can they suggest anything else? Can they provide other options for the betterment of the filipino people? Are they happy with their miserable situation? Shouldn't they be happy to receive aid? And why are they accusing America of being "Imperialist"?? So what if they are?? Will the filipinos starve? Wil they become poorer?? I bet the philippines would be better off under United States Control. As far as i can tell, the Filipinos aren't doing such a good job of taking care of themselves. Maybe they need someone else to take care of them?
Would these students discourage their relatives and friends from going to the States for a better life? Are there better alternatives for them here in the Philippines? This protest is senseless and is a big joke. I bet all these protesters have relatives in the States and are benefiting from their support in money and in kind. Shame on their hypocrisy.
I challenge everybody who reads this comment to prove I'm wrong and prove to me that the protest is "smart" and worth every drop of sweat spent.