Washington's divisive intents get cold shoulder

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to end a decades-old military agreement with the United States might be unwelcome news to the Pentagon, but it will be conducive to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, as the region can take care of its own security and stability without frequent military maneuvers from outside forces.

On Tuesday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin confirmed on Twitter that the Philippine government has now formally begun the process of terminating the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, which will take effect 180 days later.

The latest spat between Manila and Washington was triggered by the US decision last month to cancel the visa of Duterte's former police chief, Senator Ronald dela Rosa. But it is also in line with Duterte's promises to put an end to the Filipino-American alliance ever since his election in 2016.