The LFS had been very critical of US involvement in Philippine affairs, especially on the issue of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which they labeled as an ‘affront to the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity’.

“Her smiling demeanor had never charmed us. She was still the poster girl of US intervention in the Philippines, albeit smiling and waving. She still stood for our continuing kowtow to the United States.” Ridon said.

Last September 2009, the LFS figured in the successive protest rallies by the youth against the Visiting Forces Agreement during the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“What angers us most is that despite her sunny disposition, and the entry of a supposed new administration, US relations with the Philippines remained on absolutely unequal terms,” Ridon said.

Ridon was apparently referring to the lip service of the US government on a supposed review and renegotiation of the VFA since the outbreak of the Subic Rape case, which until now had never come to pass.

“We shouldn’t forget, Amb. Kenney was the principal defender of the VFA, and even the innocence of the American rapists in the Subic Rape case. She even coddled one on sovereign ground!” Ridon angrily says.

Ridon said that during Kenney’s stint in the country, US troops are now in the country on a permanent basis, albeit housed in temporary encampments and facilities, particularly in Zamboanga province.

“And no matter how much she smiles nor sends supposed development aid to disaster-stricken Filipinos, she can never deny that she had been complicit in our country’s continuing unequal relations with the US.”

Ridon promised that the next US Ambassador to the Philippines shall be met with the same militancy on issues of the VFA and US intervention on Philippine policies.

“Once Amb. Thomas lands on Philippine territory, he ought to expect militant protests from the students with regard to the permanent presence of US troops in the country. He should report it to Pres. Obama pronto.” Ridon finally said.