'Probe findings enough reason to junk VFA'

MANILA, Philippines - The  findings of the Senate probe on dumping of toxic materials off Subic Bay waters last year is already ground for the Philippine government to terminate the defense pact with the US government, fisherfolk group Pamalakaya said on Thursday.

Pamalakaya national chairperson Fernando Hicap said the Senate committees on foreign relations and environment and natural resources joint probe which indicted the US Navy contractor Glen Defense Marine-Asia is a material evidence that should lead to end the 1999 defense pact.

He said the Aquino administration should also initiate the filing of appropriate charges against owners and personnel of the MT Glen Guardian.

"The termination of the VFA should be the Senate's main agenda once Congress opens the 16th session of Congress in July. It would be better if Senators take a brief respite from election campaign next week, sit down and vote for the termination of VFA," he added.

Last year, Sen. Miriam Defensor- Santiago sponsored a senate resolution calling for the termination of the VFA.

"The findings of the Senate panel made up of the committees on foreign affairs and natural resources should convince Enrile and company to take a second look of VFA, and this time do the corrective measure by pushing for its abrogation by the Upper House," Hicap said. - Dennis Carcamo