Category Archives: International

Government, International, Military, Politics

Donald Trump Supportive Of Rodrigo Duterte’s Decision To End VFA

Leave a comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chroncles, Manila Bureau) – There is no love lost between U.S. President Donald Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, even after the latter decided to end the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two countries.

VFA allows U.S. military and other personnel to enter the Philippines without the need for a visa or permit. Many believe that the agreement enhances America’s overall strategy to maintain its presence and control over its interests, in the Asia Pacific Region.

In a 3 a.m. phone call Duterte made to Trump, the Philippine President formally informed the American President of the termination of the VFA.

In response, Trump told Duterte — in the limited Tagalog he learned during his last visit to the Philippines — “Eh di wow!”  (Translation: “That’s awesome!”)

 

 

 

Government, Immigration, International, Politics, Travel

Donald Trump To Philippines’ Duterte: Keep VFA And I’ll Waive U.S. Visas For All Filipinos

Leave a comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – U.S. President Donald Trump, fresh from being acquitted by the Senate of all Impeachment charges, now has his sights on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte has just asked his Department of Foreign Affairs to move ahead with the cancellation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which allows entry into the Philippines of U.S. military forces and other personnel without the need for permits or visas.

Duterte’s action came after the U.S. visa of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa, one of the architects and implementors of the Philippines’ war on drugs, was cancelled.

Trump has reportedly booked a phone call with Duterte early next week and unreliable sources tell The Adobo Chronicles that the U.S. President will propose a blanket waiver of visas for all Filipinos wishing to travel to America. “No if’s, no but’s.”

In return, Trump wants Duterte to to withdaw his order for the cancellation of the VFA.

Will a visa-free entry into America for Filipinos finally become a reality.

From sea to shining sea…

 

Government, Health & Medicine, Immigration, International

Corona Virus: Leni Robredo Denied Entry Into South Korea

Leave a comment

SEOUL, South Korea  (The Adobo Chronicles, Seoul Bureau) – Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo was denied entry into South Korea as she arrived to participate in the 2020 World Summit.

As Robredo’s private plane landed at Incheon International Airport today, South Korean immigration and health officers boarded the aircraft and ordered the pilot to  immediately return to Manila.

Ironically, Robredo was among Rodrigo Dutere’s critics who claimed the Philippine President was not acting swift enough to curb the potential spread of the coronavirus in the country.

South Korea’s decision to deny Robredo’s entry was based on news reports that the first coronavirus death outside China was in the Philippines.

The Adobo Chronicles reached out to Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin and asked him if he will file a diplomatic protest as a result of the incident, and he replied: “Weh.”