The United States government is hopeful the Philippines will extend the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which allows American soldiers to operate in the country, the country's Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said.

'They are hopeful President Duterte will extend the VFA dahil [because] that's part of the Mutual Defense Treaty, as part of the whole package,' he said in a briefing on Monday.

Romualdez disclosed US President Joe Biden wrote President Rodrigo Duterte informing him the strong relationship between US and Philippines will continue.

He said Biden wanted to meet Duterte in person.

Romualdez reiterated the Philippines will be among several countries to receive the excess 80 million vaccines in the US.

'The Philippines definitely will receive the first batch of 80 million. President Biden will announce sometime this week,' he said.

Romualdez said there are 'no strings attached' to the donation.

Keith Calayag