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S& P: Philippines may miss growth goal this year
S&P Global Ratings sees the Philippines again missing its growth targets this year as it kept its gross domestic product growth forecast at 5.9 percent. While the projection is better compared to other economies in the region, it is again below the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth target......»»
How nations allow or restrict legal gender change
A small number of countries have made it easier for transgender people to change their legal gender, while other nations have restricted such changes, notably Russia and Pakistan. Here is a snapshot of the situation around the world. Exception, not the rule According to the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), 24 UN member states have legally allowed people to change their gender on the basis of self-identification. In about 40 other countries, the legal and administrative process can take years and may include requirements such as psychiatric diagnosis, hormone treatment, gender confirmation surgery, or even sterilization. Making it easier Argentina has led the way on transgender rights, allowing a change of gender on national ID cards with a simple declaration since 2012. Several Latin American countries have followed suit. Denmark was the first European country in 2014 to allow adults to apply for a gender change without undergoing medical or psychological assessments, with Belgium, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, and most recently Spain following suit. Since 2017, France has allowed transgender people to change their status on their ID documents without treatment, surgery, or sterilization but they must receive court approval. The issue of trans rights sparked a fierce row in 2022 in Scotland, where parliament passed a bill making it easier for people to self-identify their gender that was sensationally vetoed by London. The German cabinet in August 2023 signed off plans under which Germans will be able to change their name or legal gender by making a simple application to their local registry office. The law still has to go to parliament. Hesitating Sweden, one of the world's most liberal countries, was the first in the world to authorize physical and legal gender reassignment for adults in 1972. But last year it began restricting hormone therapy available for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria, such as puberty blockers, citing the need for caution following a strong increase in demand. It also restricted access to mastectomies for teenage girls wanting to transition. Finland in 2020 had already restricted hormone treatment for minors. Making it harder Russia adopted new legislation in July 2023 banning "medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person" and "the state registration of a change of gender without an operation". President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly railed against transgender rights in his speeches. Pakistan's religious judiciary ruled in May that landmark transgender legal protections from 2018 are un-Islamic and therefore void. An appeal is being sought with the Supreme Court. Pakistan continues to recognize the existence of a third gender, neither masculine nor feminine, as do India and Nepal. Restricting gender-affirming treatment, such as puberty blockers for minors, has become a major campaign of US conservatives. Arkansas in 2021 became the first US state to ban physicians and health workers from offering transition-related treatment to transgender minors. A federal judge in June overturned the ban. Around 20 states, including Florida and Texas, have passed similar laws. Anti-LGBTQ sentiment in Hungary has escalated during the rule of Viktor Orban's right-wing government. In May 2020, the country passed a law making it impossible for transgender people to change their name and gender on their ID documents. The post How nations allow or restrict legal gender change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NTF-ELCAC gives Church a seat
The Catholic Church will play a more significant role in the anti-insurgency effort through a recalibrated National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, or NTF-ELCAC, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said yesterday. The task force will now have the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs as a member. “We welcome the CBCP through its Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs to the NTF-ELCAC Executive Committee and we look forward to working with them in pursuing peace and development in all parts of the country, especially in conflict-affected areas,” Año said. The task force indicated an openness to suggestions from the Church in adopting “moral and ethical approaches in addressing the communist insurgency,” as cited by CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David in a recent statement. “We are opening the door of NTF-ELCAC to the Church because it has an important role to play in ending violence and terrorism in the country,” Año said. “For more than 50 years, we have lived with the scourge of the communist armed conflict. With peace now in sight, the Church has an important role to play in ensuring peace and development in the long term,” he added. With the CBCP in the NTF-ELCAC, Año believes that concerns raised by the Church or by cause-oriented groups supported by them could be immediately addressed. “Because of this development, the Church will have more opportunity to relay its concerns, since its mandate is to act as a liaison of the CBCP to the government,” he said, citing the attendance of Fr. Jerome Secillano at the NTF-ELCAC executive committee meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Friday. Año reiterated that the task force’s main mandate is to formulate “whole-of-nation” policies to end armed conflict in the country. “CBCP’s membership in the task force ensures a whole-of-nation’s participation because the religious sector is an important component of the nation,” he said. Intervention in influenced areas Año sees the CBCP making significant contributions to the development of areas previously under the influence of the New People’s Army, as well as facilitating social inclusivity in the pursuit of peace. “Given that we are now on the road to total victory, it’s necessary that we recalibrate the way we do things and the entry of the CBCP to the NTF-ELCAC is one of the changes we have implemented under the Marcos administration,” he said. More rebels rejoin society NTF-ELCAC also expressed optimism the government can sustain its peace-building effort to encourage more rebels to reintegrate into mainstream society. At a forum on Saturday, NTF-ELCAC director Alexander Umpar said that in 2023, a total of 959 villages cleared of the insurgency were included in the Barangay Development Program or BDP, an initiative that aims to bring sustainable development programs to conflict-prone and conflict-affected communities. Under the BDP, each village recipient receives a package of programs, activities, and projects worth a maximum of P20 million. BDP beneficiaries in 2021 and 2022 numbered 822 and 1,406, respectively, he said. Umpar said the NTF-ELCAC is confident that by 2028, it would have attained its goal of achieving lasting peace and development in areas that are vulnerable to armed conflict. “‘By 2028, it is about sustaining the momentum of NTF-ELCAC gains with regard to the dismantling of guerrilla fronts, the reintegration of former rebels, and most of all, building resiliency for our communities under the ambit of good governance toward unity, peace and development,” he said. The government, he said, has dismantled 69 of 89 guerrilla fronts since the creation of the task force in 2018. One of the 20 remaining guerrilla fronts, he said, is active while 19 others had weakened. “‘When we say strategic victory, this (because) of the 19 weakened guerrilla fronts and only one is left to be confronted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said. “There are still concerns about the armed groups but they are no longer able to initiate an armed struggle or to topple our government. So, that’s the strategic victory,” Umpar said. On the other hand, NTF-ELCAC director Jose Descallar urged rebels to give up and join the government in its goal of transforming the country into a “new Philippines.” He said the military could shift its focus to “external threats,” once the government is able to address the local insurgency. Meanwhile, Director Emmanuel Santos of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity said the conduct of localized peace engagements has been proven to be the “most effective” approach in addressing the communist insurgency. “We’re localizing the engagement so we will be closer to the people to make them feel that the government is really here,” Santos said. He added, however, that there should be “clear directions” to ensure the full reintegration of FRs into mainstream society. The post NTF-ELCAC gives Church a seat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Locsin’s appointment as special China envoy lauded
Senators on Thursday welcomed the appointment of Teodoro Locsin Jr. as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s special envoy to China, amid the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea. Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri commended Locsin’s appointment, whom he said is the “perfect” person for the job. “Being a former DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) secretary as well as the former ambassador to the United Nations, he has expertise and experience in dealing with China,” Zubiri said in a statement. “(H)e is extremely loyal to the cause of protecting the sovereignty of our country as proven by the hundreds of diplomatic protests that he personally filed on behalf of our country during the Duterte presidency,” he added. Locsin previously served as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Duterte administration from 2018-2022. The Presidential Communications Office on Wednesday announced that Locsin will be the country’s special envoy to China weeks after the controversial actions of China against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Locsin was earlier tapped by Marcos to be the country’s envoy to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland last year. Citing Locsin’s track record as a seasoned diplomat, legal expert, and accomplished legislator, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also expressed his support for his newest appointment. “Given his experience as Department of Foreign Affairs secretary, lawyer, and former legislator, I’m sure Ambassador Teddy Locsin could be the best one for the job as special envoy for special concerns,” he said. Ejercito noted that Locsin is the “most fitting candidate” for the role as “he is known as a troubleshooter during his DFA days.” “It is also a good timing as it is still important to keep lines open in the midst of the West Philippine Sea conflict,” he pointed out. ‘Interesting’ Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe described Marcos’ decision to tap Locsin as his special envoy to China as “impressive and interesting.” “He is an adroit diplomat and skilled leader, unafraid to go to whatever lengths necessary for the best interest of the Filipinos,” Poe said in a separate statement. “We hope he can help the country navigate through the rough waters of the West Philippine Sea to defend and protect what belongs to us,” she added. Locsin’s new role is considered crucial as the geopolitical tension between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea is at its new height. Earlier this month, various Philippine government officials condemned China’s use of water cannon and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels while en route for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Since then, the word war between the two countries — mostly from their diplomatic officials — further aggravated the already tensed South China Sea. Without providing any documents, China urged the Philippines to honor its “commitment” to remove the dilapidated BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal, which had been grounded in the low tide elevation since 1999. Marcos had already denied the Philippine government made such a promise to China. “I’m not aware of any such arrangement or agreement that the Philippines will remove from its own territory its ship, in this case, the BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal,” Marcos said in a video message. He also asserted that he is rescinding any commitment should there be an agreement between the two countries to remove the vessel. “And let me go further, if there does exist such an agreement, I rescind that agreement now,” Marcos said. The post Locsin’s appointment as special China envoy lauded appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US firms to dip fingers into MIF
An in-depth study by the Asian Central Journal or ACJ dated 20 July 2023 reveals that the Department of Finance forged a $1-million contract with a US PR firm, Weber Shandwick Philippines or WSP, that was signed in early January 2023, according to WSP sources. The ACJ study asks why the Maharlika Investment Fund or MIF bill was signed at the precise time Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri was in the US. “On 21 June, Senate President Zubiri reportedly signed an ‘enrolled’ copy of the MIF. Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine ambassador to the US, was present for the signing. Ambassador Romualdez has long held the positions of chairman and CEO at WSP.” The ACJ study reports that, “The US was designated as the top campaign market in the PR strategy to draw US investment” and that “the MIF might be used by the US as a means of financial pressure on the (Philippines).” In other words, US funds for the MIF may be used as bait for the US to get major MIF projects in the future. The study says the WSP PR strategy aims (1) “to decrease misconceptions about the MIF, particularly those pertaining to abuse and corruption” (downplaying corruption helps fuel it); (2) “to raise awareness of it as an instrument for economic development” (sanctifying corruption as ‘economic development’); and (3) “MIF management and investment may be subject to US intervention. DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman stated on 19 April that several US corporate organizations and investors are eager to assist us in structuring the MIF.” This dangerous move towards achieving US corporate funds for the MIF will easily increase corruption tenfold, with the participation of US corporations. This was the strategy of US oil firms in Nigeria in partnership with a corrupt government to siphon the oil for the West. The US corporations turned a blind eye to the corruption. The strategy triggered the growth of terrorists in the Muslim-dominated deep north which did benefit from the “development” received by the Christian-dominated south. The ACJ report, citing the MIF, warns, “There looms a grave concern: the specter of corruption.” It cites two cases. “Norway’s sovereign wealth fund lost $174 billion (about P8.7 trillion) in the first half of 2022, while (the Singapore-based) Temasek Holdings, which is primarily regarded as a sovereign wealth fund, has seen a net loss of S$7.3 billion throughout the nearly 50 years since its founding.” If less corrupt-prone affluent nations like Norway and Singapore are unable to contain corruption in sovereign wealth funds, what more a Third World nation like the Philippines, which is noted for rampant unstoppable corruption? In its 2020-2022 survey, the Philippines ranked no. 116 out of 180 nations (the higher the ranking, the more corrupt) in the Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International. Norway ranked No. 4 and Singapore No. 5 as least corrupt. (Source: Wikipedia). The MIF Act provides that a Maharlika Investment Corporation or MIC will be established to manage the MIF fund. The ACJ study is concerned that the MIC board of directors will consist of presidential appointees “based on favor rather than talent… in a nation where nepotism is rife.” (Ambassador Romualdez is the second cousin of Marcos Jr. It’s all in the family.) This will induce a “lack of transparency in regulation and a high risk of financial embezzlement.” The ACJ study argues that “the MIF could be a weapon for politicians to steal from the public coffers,” citing the case of Angola. In 2018, Jose Filomeno dos Santos, ex-sovereign fund chairman and son of ex-President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, was charged with the theft of $1.5 billion. In 2015, the Wall Street Journal reported that Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak transferred about $700 million from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund to his personal account. The ACJ study reports that Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised $6.5 billion in five years. In an investigation after the 1MDB scandal broke out, Goldman Sachs admitted stealing $1 billion from 1MDB “to bribe officials in Malaysia and other nations, including (payments) for the extravagant lifestyles of Malaysian officials and purchasing luxury yachts and hotels for them.” Goldman Sachs pocketed $4.6 billion in bribes and kickbacks. Ex-Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the massive 1MDB heist. It will be easy for creative Filipino politicians to improve on this type of ‘Financial Terrorism’ with the help of equally corrupt Western corporations. They must be drooling in excitement. This evil partnership of government and multinationals is the biggest hindrance to the true development of Third World countries. Even as the MIF heist is yet to happen, the solons are cooking up a more sinister storm, the Overseas Filipino Workers Sovereign Wealth Fund, tapping the biggest dollar earner of the country. This is “stealing” the hard-earned money of our workers. The OFWs may rise in protest. *** eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post US firms to dip fingers into MIF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 Bureau of Corrections officers sacked
Bureau of Corrections director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. on Tuesday revealed that he has ordered the immediate dismissal from service three corrections officers who were found guilty for grave misconduct. Catapang identified the erring BuCor officers as Correction Officers II Marlon Esguerra, Zol PG Plenos and Prison Guard 1 Ernesto Dionglay Jr. Plenos was also ordered to surrender his government issued firearm. The BuCor chief stressed that the sacking of the officer should serve as a warning to erring personnel to shape up or leave the bureau. “We will be relentless in our campaign to reform the bureau of misfits and this is to show that we mean business,” Catapang said. Reports disclosed that Esguerra was found guilty of grave misconduct when he was found to possess seven bricks of tobacco which he hid in his belt. He was scheduled for duty at the office of the Officer of the Day at the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison on 4 May 2018. He admitted the offense, citing financial difficulties. Plenos, on the other hand, was found in possession of six pieces of La Reyna Tobacco while entering the Gate 4 of MaxSecom on 23 August 2017. He also admitted charges against him. Meantime, Dionglay was arrested on 3 August 2017 in possession of 46.55 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride also known as “shabu” which he hid in his underwear. He was arrested by personnel of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force detailed at Gate 4 Annex designated as Employees Gate of the MaxSecom. The post 3 Bureau of Corrections officers sacked appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Graft buster clears Cusi
Citing the presumption of regularity, the Office of the Ombudsman threw out the graft complaint of a New York-based billionaire against former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, other Department of Energy officials, Davao City-based executive Dennis Uy, and several others over the sale of 90 percent of the shares of the Malampaya natural gas consortium. On 18 October 2021, US-based geologist Balgamel Domingo and Filipino-American anti-Duterte leaders Rodel Rodis and Loida Nicolas-Lewis filed charges against Cusi, Uy, and the others involved in the sale of the Malampaya stake to the Udenna group of Uy. In a copy of the ruling obtained by the Daily Tribune, the Ombudsman said it could not delve into the complaint on the legality of the transaction since “the authority to make such a determination belongs to the court.” “Seemingly, this complaint is in actuality a collateral attack on the validity of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement,” it said. The decision declared that “matters of such tenor are not determinable in a preliminary investigation before the Ombudsman’s Office.” “Without any judicial determination decreeing the illegality of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, this Office is left with nothing but to acknowledge its validity,” the ruling said. The Ombudsman cited a precedent in the case of Teresita Buenaventura vs Metrobank, in a ruling that stated: “The burden of showing that a contract is simulated rests on the party impugning the contract.” “This is because of the presumed validity of the contract that has been duly executed,” the Ombudsman ruling read. “Wherefore, the criminal charges for violation of Section 3(e) and of Republic Act 3019 against the respondents are dismissed for lack of probable cause.” The ruling was signed by members of a Special Panel of Investigators composed of Ronald Allan Ramos, Josephine Mae Rosapapan, Francisco Alan Molina and Bonifacio Mandrilla. Prime takes control The operation of the Malampaya project was recently assumed by the Razon group’s Prime Energy which bought a 45-percent stake from Malampaya Energy XP, or MEXP, of the Udenna group. MEXP had bought the shares of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., or SPEX, in the consortium. The Department of Energy had branded the complaint a political move since the two Fil-Am lawyers in the suit were prominent in the “Oust Duterte” movement in the United States. The complaint alleged that Cusi and other energy officials had granted “unwarranted benefits and advantage” to Uy’s UC Malampaya in the buyout of Chevron’s share in the consortium. Udenna, through spokesperson Raymond Zorilla, said there is “no law requiring approval of the transfer of shares of companies that have an interest in Malampaya.” Zorilla said the transfer of Chevron and Shell shares underwent strict bidding processes and due diligence by both multinational oil and gas players. “The share sales were above board and legal and had to pass scrutiny by Philippine regulators, international lenders, and the said private multinationals involved,” Zorilla added. Cusi, in an interview with Daily Tribune, had said the DoE was not involved in choosing the buyer of the shares of Shell and Chevron in the Malampaya project. “The DoE did not get involved in the sale (of shares). We don’t know that they are selling. Our question was what their standards are for choosing Udenna. Why didn’t you choose the big companies, and why Udenna?” he said. Industry experts said the sale of shares was a private transaction that the accusers, who are US lawyers, should have been very familiar with. Cusi said the DoE, during his watch, went beyond its mandate by reviewing the technical, legal, and financial aspects of the transactions, the results of which were provided to the public. Political agenda The complaint, he said, had an underlying political agenda connected to his being the head of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP Laban. “It is not only political propaganda against me, but it also has a destabilization background… because I’m the president of the PDP.” The complaints, in turn, stemmed from the unending Senate inquiries on the Malampaya deals. The DoE said the Senate probes and the controversies that resulted from them had caused costly delays in the review process that would ultimately affect the country’s energy security. To refute a recent remark by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the DoE, in a statement said: “The inquiries of Senator Gatchalian are causing undue delay to the timeline of the consortium corporations, and this may eventually take its toll and put our energy security at risk.” The DoE’s approval of the sale of shares of stock of Chevron Malampaya LLC, one of the three corporations in the Malampaya Gas Field Project Consortium, had been dubbed by Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, as “lutong Macau.” It also backed the Udenna assessment that the deals were above-board. “When the sales were made, both Chevron Philippines, which owned Chevron Malampaya, and Shell Petroleum NV, owner of SPEX, followed rigorous global standards,” the DoE said. Nicolas-Lewis was part of a 25-person delegation from the US-Philippines Society, a private group comprising business executives and diplomats, who met with Duterte a week before his inauguration as president in 2016. Nicolas-Lewis was then accompanied by former Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, PLDT chair Manuel V. Pangilinan, retired American diplomats, and executives of Coca-Cola, SGV, JP Morgan, and other top corporations. Nicolas-Lewis is the sister of former National Anti-Poverty Commission chairperson Imelda Nicolas, who was one of the “Hyatt 10” Cabinet members who turned against then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005. Imelda and most of the Hyatt 10 members ended up getting key posts in the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Imelda was made head of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Nicolas-Lewis plot bared In February 2018, former President Duterte bared intercepted conversations that indicated Nicolas-Lewis was behind efforts to push the International Criminal Court, or ICC, to probe his war on drugs. Duterte revealed a recorded conversation between Lewis and another political opponent whom he did not name. “I was listening to the tapes of their conversation. It was provided to me by another country, but the conversation was somewhere in the Philippines and New York,” Duterte said. He said that among the recordings was one in which Lewis allegedly told another person: “See you in the headquarters when the case is filed.” Duterte then said in a public address that he was aware of developments on the ICC case and that lawyer Jude Sabio, the main complainant in the case, was a paid hack of Magdalo Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Rep. Gary Alejano, both failed putschists. Sabio withdrew his complaint before the ICC and revealed that the case was the handiwork of the dirty tricks factory of Trillanes. In 2016, Duterte pointed to Lewis as the financier of an alleged destabilization plot against his administration. Nicolas-Lewis invested heavily in the failed presidential campaigns of Liberal Party bets Mar Roxas in 2016 and Vice President Leni Robredo in 2022. The post Graft buster clears Cusi appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tulfo proposes independent safety board to monitor aircraft maintenance
Senator Raffy Tulfo on Tuesday proposed the creation of an independent transportation safety board that will ensure strict monitoring and implementation of the regular maintenance of aircraft within general aviation “to avoid life-threatening air accidents.” This came after Tulfo received a report that a high number of airplane crashes have been logged in just a span of four years. Citing data from the Aviation Authority of the Philippines showing that 35 aircraft crashes were recorded from 2018 to 2022, Tulfo said this figure is “unacceptable.” Tulfo criticized the authorities for waiting for the accidents to happen first, before conducting regular safety inspections on air transportation while probing if maintenance has been implemented accordingly comes last. “Sa panahon kasi ngayon, crash muna bago imbestiga! (Nowadays, crash first before investigating!) This is unacceptable!” he said. Tulfo also lamented that most of the investigations about airplane crashes that happened in the past “often point to mechanical problems despite good weather conditions.” “Likewise, in the present setup, aircraft owner or operator often purposely fails to regularly conduct preventive maintenance activities of the airplane,” he added. Tulfo stressed that CAAP’s supposed lacking manpower has affected the efficient and consistent monitoring of air travel operations as well as suspending aircraft operators that are non-compliant with the mandated maintenance schedule of aircraft. Hence, he raised the proposal to establish a safety board. He further stressed that aircrafts needing repair or replacement of parts “should already be grounded by the board” and must not be allowed to operate. Should be legislated, Tulfo said the independent board will be tasked “to monitor and investigate all aviation-related accidents” to ensure independence and fairness of the reports. The post Tulfo proposes independent safety board to monitor aircraft maintenance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Multi-role jets, ships coming
The Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP mulls the acquisition of multi-role fighters as well as additional naval assets and shore-based deterrents under the third phase of the ongoing modernization program. Thus, said AFP chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., in a recent post-State of the Nation Address forum held at the Hilton Hotel Manila, Pasay City. “For the 3rd Horizon of the modernization program, we are looking at acquiring multi-role fighter aircraft, naval assets, command, and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines, and the like,” he said, citing the current administration’s full support of the acquisition endeavors of the AFP. Three-pace program The AFP modernization program was scheduled into three phases, with Horizon 1 completed from 2013 to 2017 and Horizon 2 from 2018 to 2022 while Horizon 3 is scheduled between 2023 and 2028. These procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems, and platforms geared at enhancing the AFP’s external or territorial defense capability. Along with the procurement of the country’s defense equipment, Brawner also said that the AFP is working on the improvement of its military training for its personnel. “We really need to take care of these modern equipment, we have to sustain them properly,” he said. Brawner also noted the AFP’s plan to develop the country’s cyber warfare capability. “One thing that we would like to really develop in the next few years is the capability for cyber warfare and this is one capability where we could excel in the AFP and we could be at par with even the modern countries,” he said. The post Multi-role jets, ships coming appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators’ quest for P150 wage hike remains
Senators have committed to still push for a P150 across-the-board wage hike nationwide even with the recent approval of a P40 increase in the daily minimum wage of private sector workers in the National Capital Region. Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. told reporters on Monday that he will continue to push for the passage of the measure legislating a nationwide wage hike of P150. Revilla’s Senate Bill 2018 targets a P150 wage increase for all private sector employees regardless of region. “Laborers are the backbone of the country’s economy and their great contribution to the nation should be reciprocated with a true living wage,” Revilla said, noting that it was high time the government granted the across-the-board wage increase for employees nationwide. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he is confident the Upper House will “listen to overwhelming clamors” for a P150 wage increase for workers throughout the country. “The Senate will make a stand on this issue. Alam ko maraming magagalit sa ating mga negosyante, but share-share lang. Kailangan din po nilang magshare ng biyaya sa ating mga manggagawa (I know many businessmen will be angry with us but they must share. They also need to share their blessings with our workers),” Zubiri said in a radio interview over the weekend. Citing the Pulse Asia survey undertaken last month, Zubiri lamented that increasing the pay of workers only ranked second among the top issues in the country next to controlling inflation. Zubiri said he will use the recent Pulse Asia survey as “exhibit A” to convince his colleagues to support the quest for a wage hike when the Senate resumes deliberations on the matter. “The idea is to have a uniform P150 minimum wage increase nationwide, and they are eyeing several proposals on how to accomplish this,” he said. The post Senators’ quest for P150 wage hike remains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG Fund earns COA’s highest audit rating for record 11th straight year
Pag-IBIG Fund has earned the Commission on Audit’s highest audit rating on the presentation of its financial statements for the 11th consecutive year, top officials announced on Monday, 3 July. State auditors, in a letter dated June 22, informed Pag-IBIG Fund that it has rendered an unmodified opinion on the fairness of the presentation of its financial statements for the years 2021 and 2022. In the same letter, COA upgraded its prior issued modified opinion on the agency’s books for the year 2021, after Pag-IBIG Fund enhanced its data migration system following the state auditors’ recommendations. These developments have enabled the agency to maintain its streak of garnering COA’s highest audit rating for the 11th straight year. “This is truly a significant milestone in Pag-IBIG Fund’s history. Earning the highest opinion from COA for the 11th consecutive year is yet another proof that Pag-IBIG Fund has been, and continues to be, managed properly. This is a testament to how Pag-IBIG Fund upholds excellence and integrity in managing their funds, in the fulfillment of our mandates and in line with the directive of President Marcos of providing Filipinos with more stable and more prosperous lives,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. COA rendered unqualified opinions on Pag-IBIG Fund’s financial statements from 2012 to 2017 and unmodified opinions for the years 2018 to 2022. Auditors use both unqualified and unmodified opinions, which are the highest opinions that COA can give to a government agency or corporation, to mean that the financial statements of a company or agency are presented, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable financial reporting frameworks. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, emphasized the value of the state auditor’s findings citing that these fittingly complete the agency’s best performing year of 2022. “The year 2022 stands out as our best performing year yet, as we posted our highest ever annual net income of P44.50 billion. We also posted record-highs in home loan takeout worth P117.85 billion which benefitted 105,212 members who now have new or better homes, membership savings collections amounting to P79.90 billion and loan payment collections worth P127.42 billion. We also extended P53.76 billion in short-term loans to aid a record-high 2,612,491 members with their financial needs. In the same year, we also launched service innovations such as the Virtual Pag-IBIG Mobile App and the Lingkod Pag-IBIG On Wheels, which now provide our members better access to our services and benefits.” Acosta said. “With our 2022 performance capped by this unmodified opinion from COA, this shows that we have achieved our best performance ever while maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity. This is what our members and stakeholders can expect from us, that we shall remain transparent in our operations and serve them with excellence and integrity,” Acosta added. The post Pag-IBIG Fund earns COA’s highest audit rating for record 11th straight year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
VAWC law covers lesbian relationships
In the recent case of Jacinto v. Fouts (GR 250627, 7 December 2022), the Supreme Court ruled that Republic Act 9262, or the Violence against Women and their Children Act, applied to lesbian relationships, thus benefiting women victimized by their female partners. The case originated from an incident in 2018 where Jacinto was accused of assaulting her live-in partner, Fouts. A criminal case for violation of RA 9262 was filed against Jacinto, who argued that RA 9262 did not apply to lesbian relationships and sought to have the case dismissed. RA 9262 defines violence against women and their children as “any act or series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which resulted in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse, including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.” The trial court rejected Jacinto’s argument, saying that RA 9262 applied to any person, regardless of gender, who has had a sexual or dating relationship with a woman. Citing the case of Garcia v. Drilon (GR 179267, 25 June 2013), the court held that the use of the gender-neutral term “person” in the law’s provisions encompassed lesbian relationships. Jacinto went to the Supreme Court and argued that the trial court was wrong in its interpretation of RA 9262. According to her, such interpretation would unjustly protect one woman in a relationship while denying the other woman the same protection. Jacinto also argued that the Supreme Court’s statement regarding lesbian relationships in Garcia v. Drilon was simply an obiter dictum that was not binding to the present case. An obiter dictum is a remark made, or opinion expressed, by a judge in his decision upon a cause by the way, that is, incidentally or collaterally, and not directly upon the question before him, or upon a point not necessarily involved in the determination of the cause, or introduced by way of illustration, or analogy or argument (Dee v. Harvest All Investment Limited, 807 Phil. 572, 583, 2017). The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s interpretation that RA 9262 applied to lesbian relationships. It disagreed with Jacinto’s argument that the statement regarding lesbian relationships was a mere obiter dictum. The Court noted that one of the issues raised in Garcia was the supposed discriminatory and unjust provisions of RA 9262 which were likewise violative of the equal protection clause. Thus, the Court’s discussion as to the applicability of the law to lesbian relationships was clearly a resolution of the issue raised in Garcia and not a mere obiter dictum or an opinion of the Court. For more of Dean Nilo Divina’s legal tidbits, please visit www.divinalaw.com. For comments and questions, please send an email to cabdo@divinalaw.com. The post VAWC law covers lesbian relationships appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Major Mayon eruption unlikely
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Tuesday warned that the minor eruptions of Mayon Volcano are inevitable amid its increased unrest, but major eruption remains “unlikely.” In a television interview, Phivolcs-Bicol resident volcanologist, Dr. Paul Alanis, noted that sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions are expected over the Mayon Volcano given its current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes. “Right now, the scenario of a major eruption is quite remote… But of course, there is still a possibility of small eruptions,” he said. Mayon Volcano is currently emitting moderate plumes at 200 meters tall drifting to the west-southwest slowly curving to the north. Alanis said ashfall events may affect the west and north of the Albay province, including municipalities of Camalig Giunobatan, Ligao and Oas. Residents are advised to cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask should ashfall events occur within their communities. “So far we are looking at two possible scenarios with the ongoing activity in Mayon,” he said, citing the 2014 Mayon eruption that posed a “quiet explosion” with rockfall and minor lava flow of the Mayon and the major eruption with small bursts and a major lava flow-like in 2018. Alanis said the pressure in the volcano remained in the peak part, while there is a weak pressure on the lower slopes. At least 74 rockfall events have been recorded in the Mayon volcano. The latest Phivolcs bulletin showed that the volcano edifice is inflated, but no crater glow has been observed. Phivolcs warned anew that entering within the six-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone is not allowed as explosions, rockfall, and landslides are expected with the Mayon’s ongoing unrest. Also, flying any aircraft close to the volcano’s summit is prohibited as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. The post Major Mayon eruption unlikely appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandiganbayan clears ex-Tagbina mayor
The Sandiganbayan Third Division recently acquitted former Tagbina town, Surigao del Sur Mayor Rufo Pabelonia of technical malversation as no further evidence was presented to prove ill will on his part, other than discrepancies on computation. The anti-graft court Third Division cleared Pabelonia of alleged technical malversation involving P300,000 in municipal funds. “Reviewing closely the evidence introduced by both parties, this Court is convinced beyond a moral certainty that accused Mayor Pabelonia did not act with evident bad faith in the construction of the gymnasium to the detriment of the government,” said the anti-graft court in a 30-page ruling. Pabelonia, now 70, was mayor from 1986 to 1995. The three charges involved Pabelonia’s part in allegedly diverting P63,000 from local funds appropriated for the construction of the Tagbina Municipal Building to pay for the cash gift of municipal officials and employees, including casual workers, in 1990. The second charge also involved the diversion of P151,642 from funds intended for the Tagongon Barangay Gymnasium to pay the claim of another municipal building contractor, while the third charge was for unexplained expenses worth P54,849 for the same gymnasium. Pabelonia was cleared in other graft raps arising from other projects in 1987, for which he was arrested in Davao City in 2018 for failing to appear in his arraignments. The Sandiganbayan said then that “the prosecution was not able to present proof other than the documents signed by Pabelonia.” Last year, the Sandiganbayan acquitted him of another graft charge stemming from projects for rehabilitating a public school in his town 26 years ago, citing the prosecution’s failure to show evidence other than paperwork signed by the local chief executive. The post Sandiganbayan clears ex-Tagbina mayor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China declines meeting with US defense chief: Pentagon
Beijing has declined a US invitation for a meeting in Singapore between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, the Pentagon said Monday. "Overnight, the PRC informed the US that they have declined our early May invitation for Secretary Austin to meet with PRC Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in Singapore this week," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement, referring to the People's Republic of China. "The PRC's concerning unwillingness to engage in meaningful military-to-military discussions will not diminish (the Defense Department's) commitment to seeking open lines of communication with the People's Liberation Army," Ryder said. A senior US defense official described the declined invitation as "just the latest in a litany of excuses," saying that since 2021, China has "declined or failed to respond to over a dozen requests from the Department of Defense for key leader engagements, multiple requests for standing dialogues, and nearly ten working-level engagements." Li was sanctioned by the US government in 2018 for buying Russian weapons, but the Pentagon says that does not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him. Austin is due to travel to Singapore later this week to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defense summit where he met Li's predecessor Wei Fenghe last June. Austin and Wei met again in Cambodia later in 2022, but tensions between Washington and Beijing soared this year over issues including Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country. Austin and other US officials have been working to shore up alliances and partnerships in Asia as part of efforts to counter increasingly assertive moves by Beijing, but there have also been tentative signs that the two sides were working to lower the temperature. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna earlier this month, and President Joe Biden recently said ties between Washington and Beijing should thaw "very shortly," citing the spy balloon incident as a factor that had boosted tensions. The post China declines meeting with US defense chief: Pentagon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Commies protracted war must end now — VP Sara
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Wednesday issued a clear and strong warning to communist terrorists that the government's anti-insurgency body will not allow them to continue to perpetuate themselves by feeding on the innocence of the people and the condition of poverty. Speaking during the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Executive Committee meeting in Malacañang Palace, Duterte said the “so-called protracted war must end now.” “This is a show of force—a clear, strong, and powerful statement and warning—against the enemies of the state who slaughter civilians and Indigenous Peoples, abduct and murder and execute members of our security forces, and attempt to pin down our progress as a nation through their ideals anchored on brainwashing, fear, and terrorism,” she said. Duterte, who is also Education Secretary, said the problem of insurgency is deeply ingrained in the country. “They have infiltrated our institutions and sectors and remained a serious threat to the well-being of the Filipino People, particularly our youth,” she said, adding that they use education as a machine to propagate their violent ideology and systematically recruit Filipino students. She added: “Education, therefore, is one of the greatest weapons we can use in suppressing the lies and deceptions of these terrorists and their allied organizations. We cannot let them continue preying on the innocence and idealistic nature of the Filipino youth.” Citing the NTF-ELCAC’s very important role in protecting the Filipino youth, she thanked officials of the NTF-ELCAC for their commitment to ending local communist armed conflict in the country and bringing about peace, especially in the countryside. “As the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, I commend everyone’s dedication to contributing to our country’s fight against the deceptions, injustices, and atrocities perpetrated by the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front),” she said. Duterte now shares the NTF-ELAC co-vice chairmanship with National Security Council Secretary Eduardo Año. She said the love for the country and genuine concern for the welfare of the Filipino people bind them together in the “noble mission of protecting the whole nation and securing a better future for the Filipino people”. She lauded the NTF-ELCAC for remaining vigilant and proactive in repressing the more than five-decade-old insurgency – the world's longest ongoing communist armed conflict. Continuing cooperation, she said, brings the country a step closer to achieving a goal that has eluded us for more than fifty years. No complacency Despite the dwindling number of CPP-NPA-NDF members, Duterte said the NTF-ELCAC cannot afford to be complacent. “Our failure will cause more suffering to the Filipino People—and their victory means the fall of our Nation. Our strength lies in the convergence of our efforts towards a common goal of securing peace for our country,” she added. She said Executive Order No. 70, which was signed by his father—then-president Rodrigo R. Duterte—in December 2018, provided a platform to bring their efforts together to address the issues exploited by communist terrorist groups. “We shall take advantage of strength derived from unity and good governance as we promote sustainable peace and development for every Filipino to enjoy,” Duterte said, as she enjoined cooperation toward building a stable nation—all for God, country, and families. The post Commies protracted war must end now — VP Sara appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos to Asean: Pay special heed to elderly, youth
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed his concern regarding the increasing number of elderly people in Southeast Asia and emphasized the importance of addressing this issue. During the opening of the 2023 plenary session of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Marcos mentioned that the region's sustained economic growth and prosperity have led to longer lifespans among its people. "it is time that ASEAN should start discussing the concerns of an ageing population, consistent with the ASEAN tradition of valuing our elders," Marcos said. "We must view this, all this as an opportunity and as a challenge, especially in terms of adequate social benefits on the one hand and social empowerment on the other," he added. The Chief Executive, citing data from the Asian Development Bank, mentioned that a quarter of the population in the Asia Pacific region would be 60 years old or above by the year 2050. Meanwhile, Marcos acknowledged the efforts of young Filipinos in addressing climate change and disaster resiliency during the 42nd ASEAN Summit here. During the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth, Marcos Jr. stated that the actions taken by young Filipinos should be emulated across all ASEAN nations. He explained that one such initiative is the declaration of 25 November as the annual ASEAN Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Day, which aims to raise awareness and encourage positive action among young people toward addressing climate change and strengthening disaster risk reduction efforts. "Since 2018, the Philippines, with the support of various partners and stakeholders, has ensured the conduct of annual celebrations and involvement of youth leaders from all ASEAN Member States in the activities," Marcos said. According to the President, empowering the youth of Southeast Asia is crucial for the region to maintain its position as the "epicenter of growth." He highlighted the importance of developing the young population as the key to the region's future success. "It is clear again that the future of ASEAN lies in our ability to support the youth in attaining their full potential. And this we must do by providing the skills and motivation to be ready for this future," Marcos said. "We must always put front and center all the issues that we face or that our young people face and that our country faces the consequence of time," he added. The President emphasized that in order for the region to remain competitive on a global scale, it must be prepared for the future. He specifically mentioned the rapid growth of the digital industry, the world's increasing reliance on digital technologies and the growing demand for innovative products and services. Marcos Jr. also stressed the need for ASEAN to take urgent action to equip its young population with the necessary skills to take advantage of opportunities in the digital and creative economies. "We must ensure that they are well equipped to not only compete globally, but also to develop expertise, forge linkages, and establish leadership in these fields … strengthening youth people-to-people exchanges to facilitate the free flow of ideas and the transfer of skills is critical," he said. The post Marcos to Asean: Pay special heed to elderly, youth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thousands in Iba, Zambales receive aid from Sen. Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go gave back to the province that took him as its “adopted son.” He helped organize relief operations for the struggling residents of Iba, Zambales on 19-20 April. The initiative was part of Go’s continuous efforts to help address the needs of Filipinos and make sure no one is left behind in the pandemic recovery efforts. Go’s outreach team conducted a distribution activity at the Iba Sports Complex gymnasium where they provided masks to a total of 1,427 residents. Select beneficiaries also received additional items, such as cellular phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended separate financial assistance. As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go advised individuals with health concerns to visit the Malasakit Center at President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. The program, initiated by Go in 2018, has been institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Act. It mandates all DOH-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila City to establish their own centers to provide access to medical assistance programs offered by the government. Currently, there are 157 Malasakit Centers established nationwide which have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Meanwhile, Go reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots. In Zambales, necessary funds have been allocated by Congress last year for the DOH to construct Super Health Centers in Iba, Botolan, and Castillejos. Advocated by Go, Super Health Centers are medium versions of polyclinics and are bigger than rural health units, which offer basic services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. In its Resolution No. 205 dated 8 August 2022 the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zambales declared Go as its adopted son, noting that the senator has “embodied the spirit of good governance and public service” by exerting great efforts to help the whole province. “The province of Zambales is truly grateful and honored for having an unwavering partner in the person of Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Tesoro Go, whose efforts deserve commendation and recognition for the love, concern and noble intention to the province,” the resolution read. In a resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan on June 23, 2022, Go was also proclaimed as an adopted son of Iba, citing that Go has shown a big heart for the country, especially to local government units where he poured government resources to empower LGUs. Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has likewise supported several initiatives in the province, such as the rehabilitation of roads in Botolan, Masinloc, San Felipe, San Marcelino and Olongapo City; rehabilitation of the public market in San Antonio; construction of a seawall in Masinloc; and construction of two multipurpose buildings and installation of solar powered street lights in Botolan. The post Thousands in Iba, Zambales receive aid from Sen. Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
K-pop star Moonbin dead at 25: music label
K-pop star Moonbin, a member of the boy band Astro, has died at the age of 25, his music label Fantagio announced Thursday. Local media, citing the police, reported that Moonbin had been found unresponsive on Wednesday evening in his apartment in the upscale Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul. "On April 19, Astro member Moon Bin unexpectedly left our world and became a star in the sky," said a statement posted in Korean early Thursday on Fantagio's official Twitter page. It did not provide any suspected cause of death. The statement asked that everyone "refrain from speculative and malicious reports" so that his family can pay their respects and honor him in peace. Moon Bin -- who performed as Moonbin -- was a member of the group Astro and also performed with a sub-group called Moonbin & Sanha. He joined the Fantagio label's trainee program at an early age and was an actor and model before debuting with Astro in February 2016. The group was originally six performers, but one member left in February 2023. Moonbin's sister Moon Sua is also a K-pop singer, performing as part of the girl group Billlie. "So sorry for the loss of one of the most beautiful souls I've meet through music! Prayers to his family and friends and employers and fans!" one user responded on Twitter to Fantagio's post. Several other young K-pop stars have died in recent years, including Goo Hara in November 2019. She had been abused by an ex-boyfriend who, after they split, blackmailed her over their sex videos. The suspected suicide occurred a month after her close friend, K-pop star Sulli, took her own life after a long struggle with online bullying, prompting demands in South Korea of stronger punishments for cybercrimes and abusive online comments. In 2018, 33-year-old Minwoo of boy band 100% died at home, with his label only saying he had suffered cardiac arrest. Just over three months earlier, the group SHINee's lead singer Jonghyun died by a suspected suicide. He was 27. K-pop stars are picked up by agencies at a young age -- usually in their early or mid teens -- and live under tight control, with their days taken over by grueling musical and dance training. South Korea has one of the world's highest rates of suicide which, according to recent government figures, is among the top causes of death for those under 40. The post K-pop star Moonbin dead at 25: music label appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Charter stumbling block in joint oil search
Senator Robinhood Padilla on Thursday said the “outdated” economic provisions of the Philippine 1987 Constitution are a “stumbling block” to the Philippines and China’s possible joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea. “For so many times, the limitations in our Constitution have been an issue in discussions on oil and gas exploration,” Padilla said in a statement. “Thus, with the upcoming resumption of the talks, does this mean our DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is open to amending outdated economic provisions of our Charter, particularly Sec. II, Art. XII that states the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State?” he continued. Earlier this month, the DFA announced that the Philippines and China will hold their “preparatory talks” in Beijing for the possible joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea in May. Padilla, who is pushing for an economic charter amendment through a Constitutional Assembly, also cited the recent Supreme Court ruling which invalidated and declared unconstitutional the 2005 Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking as one of the “stumbling blocks.” “Another stumbling block is the decision of our Supreme Court last January, ruling as unconstitutional the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking,” he said, referring to a tripartite agreement signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that allowed the Philippines with China and Vietnam to conduct explorations for oil resources in the South China Sea. Padilla stressed that time should not be wasted in amending the Constitution. “There is no time to lose. Filipinos have long felt the effects of a shortage of oil: joblessness, lack of sufficient income, and rising transport costs and prices of basic goods,” he said. “Because of these, I am one with those hoping for the success of the discussions, as well as a solution between the Philippines and China to end the suffering of ordinary Filipinos,” he added. The DFA previously said that the Philippines is open to restarting negotiations with China, so long as discussions fall within the limits stipulated in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. In 2018, the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China on joint oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea during the administration of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. However, Duterte, a week before stepping down from office in June last year, ordered then Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to terminate the discussion on joint exploration with China, citing that “three years on and we had not achieved our objective of developing oil and gas resources so critical for the Philippines but not at the price of sovereignty; not even a particle of it”. The post Charter stumbling block in joint oil search appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»