members of the League of Filipino Students march against Balikatan

“Just because Amb. Kristie Kenney had left doesn’t mean anti-VFA protests are over.” This was the statement of Terry Ridon, National Chairperson of the League of Filipino Students, as the national student organization’welcomed’ US Amb. Harry Thomas to the country by staging an anti-VFA and andi-Balikatan lightning rally in front of the US Embassy.

Ridon warned Thomas that there will be no let-up in the campaign of the LFS for the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which according to him was a violation of the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We bet that Amb. Thomas would bring no substantial changes in US-RP relations, as US President Barack Obama remains supportive of the VFA and the permanent stationing of US troops in the country.”

Ridon said that Amb. Thomas would most likely emulate the smiling poster girl image of former Amb. Kenney, which Ridon labeled as ‘purely humanitarian lip service’ as the US troops had clear military objectives in the conduct of their so-called development projects.

“To Amb. Thomas we warn – Do not interfere in Philippine affairs, especially in the May 2010 elections.” Ridon said.

Ridon also took swipe at the impending Balikatan 2010 exercies under the VFA. He said that the timing and areas covered by the Balikatan 2010 are suspect because the military exercises will be held in thick of election season and in areas considered bailiwicks of opposition and progressive partylists.

“If there be fraud and failure of elections in those areas, we shall be holding Philippine and US troops responsible for sowing fear and terror among the populace due to the exercises.”