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Duterte as special envoy to China: ‘Why not?’ Zubiri says
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Thursday said he sees nothing wrong with the proposal to appoint former President Rodrigo Duterte as special envoy to China. In a television interview, Zubiri was asked about his stand on the proposal to appoint President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s predecessor to represent the country in its negotiation with China on the issue of the West of the Philippines. “Why not? Anyone who can help diplomacy in this part of the world, in this economic zone of ours, the exclusive economic zone would be a big help,” he said. “It could be president former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he added. Aside from the former chief executive, Zubiri said that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who floated the idea to tap Duterte, could also represent the country in its negotiation with China. “It could also be Alan, why not Senator Alan as well to help in the backchanneling since he’s quite close to some of the officials there being the former Secretary of Foreign Affairs?” he said. On Wednesday, Zubiri and 20 other senators met with Marcos and his wife First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in the Malacanang Palace after the latter hosted a “casual dinner.” Prior to his dinner with senators, Marcos also met with the older Duterte, who went to China last month. Zubiri said during their meeting with the president, the latter mentioned that it was Duterte who brought up the issue of the West Philippine Sea during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “What he mentioned to us, was during the duration of President Duterte’s meeting with Xi Jinping, the topic of the West Philippine Sea never was brought up,” he said. “Apparently, it was never, according to the President, casually saying that it was never brought up,” he added. He continued: “It was actually President Duterte to mention to Xi Jinping that on the issue of the West Philippine Sea, look kindly to the Philippines.” Duterte’s trip to China caught the national attention as the country was waiting for the decision of the International Criminal Court on the appeal of the Marcos administration to block its investigation into the former president’s controversial war on drugs which killed thousands of suspected drug personalities. Asked whether the Department of Foreign Affairs was aware of Duterte’s trip to China, the agency said it “had no official information on the visit of the former president to China.” Marcos, however, clarified that Duterte’s trip to China was “not a surprise.” During his term, Duterte veered away from the Philippines’ traditional ally – the United States -- and developed warmer ties with America’s rival, China. The post Duterte as special envoy to China: ‘Why not?’ Zubiri says appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate to adopt Hontiveros, Zubiri reso condemning China’s incursions in WPS
The Senate is set to adopt the resolution filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros which urges the national government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to elevate China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations General Assembly, Senate President Juan Miguel said Monday. According to Zubiri, Hontiveros’s Senate Resolution No. 659 will be merged with Senate Resolution No. 707, which he authored, on Tuesday. “We have agreed to merge the provisions between the two resolutions and pass a resolution condemning the harassment of the Filipino fishermen and continued incursions of Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea,” he said in a statement. He issued the statement after members of the Senate went into an executive session with DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. “It was a very cordial, straightforward, and productive meeting between the senators and our key government officials dealing on the West Philippine Sea,” he said. For her part, Hontiveros welcomed the positive development with the resolution which aims to condemn China’s harassment of Philippine vessels in the WPS. “It is clear that the people’s will succeeds and not the will of China,” she said in a separate statement. During last week’s session, Hontiveros sponsored the resolution before the Senate floor, which was followed by the co-sponsorship of Zubiri. The resolution was also supported by Senators Raffy Tulfo and Jinggoy Estrada. However, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who once took the helm at the DFA under the Duterte administration, managed to block the Senate’s approval of the resolution. The post Senate to adopt Hontiveros, Zubiri reso condemning China’s incursions in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hontiveros hits Cayetano’s move against Senate reso on China harassment
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday said Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s move to oppose the adoption of a resolution urging the Department of Foreign Affairs to elevate China’s harassment in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations General Assembly was “not completely surprising.” In a television interview, Hontiveros, who authored the resolution, said Cayetano’s actions during Wednesday’s session were expected. “When I saw that Sen. Cayetano stood up, I wasn’t completely surprised because this is not the first time that he did not support pressing the case against China,” she said. “Our resolution is very simple. It is expressing the sense of the Senate to urge the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs to sponsor a resolution in the UNGA calling on China to respect and to comply with that Hague ruling, and to cease and desist from her harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea,” she added. During the period of interpellation on the resolution, Cayetano argued that urging the DFA to bring the WPS issue to the UNGA without consulting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the matter may “not be the best strategy.” “We should strengthen the position of the country. I disagree with the President on some issues. I might disagree with him on the China issue -- how to deal with China,” Cayetano said. "But I do believe he was the one elected, and we should at least hear out his people—the national task force on the West Philippine Sea and the DFA—so that we know where we’re going,” he added. Citing overlapping claims with other Southeast Asian countries, he also questioned why the resolution is “limited only” to China. Hontiveros, however, lamented that the Senate resolution is just a “simple expression” of the Senate, as an independent institution, of “what we feel the Executive may further do.” She also clarified that the move was “not mutual” with any and all other political and diplomatic moves that the government should take. “Yes, it was a bit surprising, but then again, given his (Cayetano) history sort of easing the Philippine foot on the gas pedal vis-a-vis China, I have to confess I wasn't completely surprised,” she stressed. Cayetano took the helm at the DFA during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who veered away from the United States, the country’s traditional ally, and developed warmer ties with China. ‘Huge humiliation’ For her part, Senator Imee Marcos, the eldest sister of the president, expressed concern about the move to bring the WPS issue to the UNGA. “We already have in hand the arbitral judgment, which is far more powerful and important,” Marcos said in an interview at the Kapihan sa Senado. The presidential sister also cautioned that the 2016 landmark victory of the Philippines against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration may get weakened should the country lose in the voting at the UNGA. “Furthermore, I also worry that we may not generate the necessary votes. It’s a huge humiliation if we lose in the General Assembly,” she pointed out. ‘Confident’ Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, who co-sponsored the resolution on Wednesday, expressed his confidence that the upper chamber would still adopt it next week. “We are still confident that the Resolution will pass this week. As to whether we will retain the original wording, that remains to be seen,” Zubiri said in a separate statement. While senators differ on how to put forward the issue, Zubiri said the Senate is “united” in the desire to “condemn the harassment and bullying of our fisherfolk and Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea and ultimately, to enforce the 2016 arbitral award.” “That said, the Senate is a deliberative body whose members are open to discussion and reasonable compromise,” he said. “We are confident that we can come up with a wording of the Resolution that will meet our common desire while addressing the concerns of all the members of the Senate,” he added. During Wednesday’s session, the Senate chief instructed Senate Secretary Renato Bantug to invite DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea Andres Centino and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to an executive session next week. “We will meet with the DFA, the Task Force on the West Philippine Sea and the NICA to hear their concerns,” he said. The post Hontiveros hits Cayetano’s move against Senate reso on China harassment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Palestinian children should be killed’
No, that heartless advice did not come from a mentally deranged man or an ordinary man on the street. It came from a top Filipino diplomat who has worn many hats in government. He is in fact a lawyer, journalist, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to the United Nations, Press Secretary, Congressman, and presently Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s (United Kingdom) and concurrently Special Envoy to China for special concerns. In my book, those bona fides could easily qualify him as a revered Filipino statesman — but for his indiscretion, uncouth words, and disrespect for the feelings of others. I refer, dear readers, to Teodoro Lopez Locsin Jr. I have to emphasize the descriptive word “Jr.” because, from accounts I have read, he is far different from his namesake, Teodoro Locsin Sr., who fought the Japanese and the dictatorial regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a fearless publisher of the news magazine Philippines Free Press for which he was imprisoned during the Marcos martial law regime. Did the “apple fall far from the tree?” In his Twitter account, Locsin Jr. said: “That’s why Palestinian children should be killed: they might grow up to become as gullible as innocent Palestinians letting Hamas launch rockets at Israel ...They are Muslims...” In the diplomatic community, we call that a faux pas. Perhaps realizing the callousness of his gaffe, he immediately deleted the tweet with the following lame expression of mea culpa: “I immediately deleted my sarcastic response to a tweet as I realized it could be misconstrued ...My apologies to those who did misconstrue my sentiments and did, in fact, get triggered...” That statement did not wash away the disastrous effect of his slip. If one reads between the lines, they were subtle words to camouflage the booboo, not a real entreaty for clemency. His admission of his mistake, though, may work to mitigate the imprudence. Remarkably, the Department of Foreign Affairs, anticipating its far-reaching negative effect, disassociated itself from the statement, saying it was made in Locsin’s “personal capacity.” I wanted to distance this column from the ensuing uproar. But being the de facto medium for Filipino Muslims’ concerns and sentiments on political and social issues, it cannot default from its moral responsibility. I was afraid that repeating the obnoxious remark might gain traction — and psychologists warn about the “repetition-induced truth effect.” I did not want to dignify it. After all, he had shown remorse and apologized for the impropriety of his words, and, as a sage says, “There is no need to beat a dead horse.” But the storm of controversy has spread like wildfire in Morolandia that I have to add my voice of indignation. Silence amid the din of protest is a sin. I have not seen in a long time such a display of revulsion and rage from the Moros, reminiscent of the time foreign invaders came to their shores and, for 300 years, the Moros dug in, resisted, and repelled the hegemonistic colonization campaign. Muslim netizens promptly denounced the statement as xenophobic, insensitive, and unbecoming of a diplomat. Their protest and outcry reverberated from the halls of the Houses of Congress, the Regional Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the cramped temporary shanties of the Marawi war evacuees and the shores of the Sulu seas. For a single moment in their lives, the tribes of Morolandia set aside their tribal identities. They spoke in one thunderous voice, calling for a sanction for what they perceived was the misconduct of a diplomat who, to preserve his honor, must perform a Japanese seppuku or self-sacrifice by resigning from his post. Articulating the collective position of the Deputies of the BARMM interim Regional Parliament, Speaker Pangalian Balindong issued a public statement rich in a poignant message condemning the “insensitive and irresponsible social media post ...for its Islamophobic, racist, and anti-Semitic undertones.” (To be continued) amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post ‘Palestinian children should be killed’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rep. Castro will sue former president Duterte for grave threats
Former president Rodrigo Duterte will be sued for grave threat raps by ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, whom he threatened to kill over issues of confidential funds requested by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. Castro said the criminal complaint is scheduled to be filed tomorrow morning before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court with some National Union of Peoples Lawyer members, former Philippine Bar Association head Rico Domingo, and lawyer Antonio La Viña, who volunteered to handle the case. "This is a crime against a person. Former president Duterte's threats should stop," she said in an interview on Monday. The progressive lawmaker has been on the receiving end of Duterte's tirades following the crusade of the Makabayan bloc to strip the VP of multi-million confidential funds from the proposed 2024 budget. VP Duterte sought P500 million and P150 million in confidential funds for OVP and the Department of Education, respectively. The militant group waged a successful battle against the VP's secret funds as the House leadership concurred with their proposal of formally removing it and rather channeled it to agencies in charge of monitoring and protecting the country's national security and territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea. The VP, who claimed her secret funds will be used to promote peace and order, previously accused critics of having "insidious motivations." The OVP and DepEd, which the VP concurrently heads, were among the three civilian agencies, namely the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Information And Communications Technology, awarded zero confidential funds for next year. The former president said Castro would have been the "first target" of his daughter's intelligence fund. "It's time for the Dutertes to stop doing this, especially former president Rodrigo Duterte. He admitted he kills. So, it has to be stopped because it has no place in this society," Castro said. According to Castro, she only did her duties as a lawmaker of scrutinizing the budget, particularly the confidential funds, and the Dutertes should not interpret it as a personal affront. House leaders previously said they would not tolerate Duterte's threats and intimidation of any members of the lower chamber. Moreover, they would back Castro's move to file legal action. The House is also geared up to provide Castro additional security following a death threat from Duterte, according to House secretary general Reginald Velasco. The post Rep. Castro will sue former president Duterte for grave threats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA disowns ‘kill’ tweet of Locsin
The Department of Foreign Affairs distanced itself on Monday from a controversial statement made by Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. “The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines completely disassociates itself from the statement made on Twitter by Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.,” the DFA said. “Such statement was made in his strictly personal capacity,” it added. In the since deleted tweet, Locsin, a DFA secretary in the Duterte administration, was responding to a tweet and explained why Palestinian children should be killed. “That’s why Palestinian children should be killed; they might grow up to become as gullible as innocent Palestinians letting Hamas launch rockets at Israel; not that they could stop them, but that’s no excuse,” he said. “They are Muslims. They could stage mass suicide attacks against Hamas until the latter ran out of bullets. You know, do it with the same courage as white people showed to win their freedom as in the cases of...uh, let’s see now, uh...uh... well never mind. It’s a thought,” he added. The tweet, which quickly spread on the Internet, earned the ire of many netizens, including foreign nationals. Palestinian children are at the receiving end of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Sunni-Islamic extremist Hamas. Locsin, who is also President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s special envoy to China, has apologized for the tweet, but clarified that it was a “sarcastic response to a tweet.” “I immediately deleted my sarcastic response to a tweet as I realized it could be misconstrued and retweeted to incite,” he said. “My apologies to those who did misconstrue my sentiments and did, in fact, get triggered — I obviously was not advocating for the literal death of anyone, but rather simply for the end of any ideology that condones terrorism in any way, shape, or form,” he said. House lawmakers, led by Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong, ganged up on Locsin over his statement. Salo said Locsin’s statement may jeopardize the safety of Filipino diplomats, particularly those in the Middle East, while endangering Filipinos all over the world. Locsin’s remark “incites hatred and hostility” not only against Palestine but also toward all Muslims, Salo said. “There is no room in Philippine society, much more in the high offices of government, for the dangerous, bigoted, and Islamophobic rhetoric that is palpable,” Adiong chimed in. “Under no circumstance is the killing of Palestinian children justified, and it is no laughing matter when more than a thousand Palestinian children have lost their lives in Gaza within this past week alone,” he said. “May your statement land on deaf ears,” Adiong added. @tribunephl_jom @tribunephl_eao The post DFA disowns ‘kill’ tweet of Locsin appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
On leaving PDP Laban
On Friday, 20 October, I submitted my resignation as the Secretary-General and as a member of the PDP Laban Party. In my resignation letter, I expressed my utmost gratitude to former President Rodrigo Duterte, our party chairman, for the trust and confidence conferred during my incumbency as the PDP Laban Secretary-General. I served the party under him with loyalty and delivered on the duties and responsibilities assigned to me. As a contributing opinion writer in this newspaper, I want to express my opinion on matters concerning national issues affecting ordinary Filipinos without being tied to the political stand of PDP Laban. I was always for nation-building. I believe that after the political season, we can discuss political, economic, and social matters in a manner that is not corrosive but beneficial to our country’s economic well-being. I believe that the incumbent knows their pact with the Filipinos and that they will fulfill it in a manner befitting the proud Filipino class. All of these are written in our Constitution. It is very important for us to support the incumbent, especially when they have a clear political mandate. It is not about the personalities but about protecting our institutions of leadership, like the three branches of our government. This is the only way to have a truly strong republic and attain economic growth. There is this one hypothesis that institutional weaknesses caused by political instability may have been one of the huge reasons why we have left the boat to industrialization. (Jeffrey G. Williamson & Emmanuel S. de Dios, 2014. “Has the Philippines forever lost its chance at industrialization?” Philippine Review of Economics, University of the Philippines School of Economics and Philippine Economic Society, vol. 51(2), pages 47-66, December.) The hypothesis is that perennial political instability and legitimacy crises hinder investment and growth. Between 1983 and 1986, the economy plunged. Then came the Edsa revolt. There was political instability, too, in the incumbency of President Cory Aquino, given the seven coup attempts. Further political instability in the 2000s because of the question of corruption led to another revolt to replace President Estrada. However, questions of PGMA’s legitimacy led to mass rallies and attempted coups- political instability. The political instability during the 1990s prompted investor services to grade the Philippines as a “high political risk” from 1984 to 1991. The timing of the political uncertainties was unfortunate, too. It coincided with the spillover and relocation of Japanese manufacturing to Southeast Asia; Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia benefitted but not the Philippines. As a result, Foreign direct investments to Thailand from 1987 to 1991 were USD 24 billion, while the Philippines only had a measly USD 1.6 billion for the same period. It is clear to me that political stability is the path to economic growth. To not undermine the institutions created under our Constitution. Confidential Funds I wanted to elaborate on my stand regarding the issue of confidential funds in local government. I hope Congress will tackle this not to find fault or to blame anybody but to craft a law prohibiting the practice of it. Giving the discretion to local executives to appropriate confidential funds in their favor is inimical to the interests of the Filipinos. LGUs earn revenues from taxing landholders, however small. It will be similar to the Philippines in the 1800s, with small farmers paying tributes to their Spanish conquistadors without explaining where the money was going. This is why Filipino farmers refused to work on their lands, prompting the Spanish friars to wrongfully brand the Filipinos as indolent. The practice of confidential funds will create dynasties and tyrants at the local level, and soon, even the barangay captains will appropriate for themselves confidential funds. They will claim they have the same rights as their mayor since they maintain peace and order at the barangay level. It is absurd and unjust. It will plunge us into chaos. The elections will be dirty and bloody. Confidential funds in the LGUs will not bring us peace and order, only greater income inequality and poverty. Congress must act. Our nation’s well-being is at stake. The post On leaving PDP Laban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Matibag quits PDP-Laban post
Lawyer and former acting Cabinet secretary Melvin Matibag quit his post as secretary general of PDP-Laban, which former President Rodrigo Duterte chairs. In his resignation letter dated 19 October, Matibag told Duterte he was “forever grateful for the trust and confidence you have bestowed on me as the party’s secretary general.” “I believe I have shown my loyalty to you as chairman by helping steer the party in the direction you have taken, especially during the national elections of 2019 and 2022,” his resignation letter read. Matibag did not give a reason for resigning, but he apologized for its “apparent inopportuneness.” He said he will “always be available to give assistance to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of my duties and responsibilities.” Matibag’s resignation came as the PDP-Laban is reportedly facing internal divisions. In March 2022, Duterte appointed Matibag as interim Cabinet secretary. He replaced Karlo Nograles, who had been serving as chair of the Civil Service Commission. Matibag is affiliated with Alfonso Cusi’s faction of PDP-Laban, which had differences with the faction led by Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel. Cusi, then-Energy secretary during Duterte’s term, supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2022 elections, while Pimentel supported boxer and ex-senator Manny Pacquiao. The post Matibag quits PDP-Laban post appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sovereign interest
The Philippines is earning plaudits for the Marcos administration’s tough balancing act of asserting its territorial claim on the West Philippine Sea while preventing the tense situation with China from escalating. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has made it his policy to improve relations with the United States that were strained under the last administration, while continuing to engage with China but recognizing the need to respect each country’s position. Sydney-based think tank Lowy Institute cited recent moves by the country that showed it will not back down from China’s assertiveness, but neither will it take actions to provoke its anger. “While Beijing attempts to tighten its grip on the region with a new ten-dash line, a multi-billion dollar military modernization drive is underway in the Philippines,” a Lowy report said. It said many analysts believe that Manila’s pronouncements about confrontation are “gestures” rather than real attempts to challenge China. An open conflict would have tremendous geopolitical and economic costs for the Philippines. “Beijing remains Manila’s top trade partner and import supplier,” Lowy said. It cited instances in which the Philippines stepped back from adding fuel to the fire. “The Philippines’ decision to skip last month’s joint military exercise with the United States, Australia and Japan in the South China Sea is seen as a way of avoiding conflict with China,” it noted. It said that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro had refused to cooperate with Taiwan on security issues, which has been viewed as the country’s continued adherence to the One-China policy. “Despite his harsh remarks on Beijing, some Chinese international relations experts are optimistic about the appointment of Teodoro Locsin as Manila’s Special Envoy to China as he has not only favored cooperation with Beijing but has been critical of the West,” it added. Lowy said Locsin’s appointment is read as Manila’s attempt to stabilize ties with Beijing, adding that “others are disappointed with the choice.” This recognition from independent observers indicates the Marcos administration is skillfully threading a thin line to show it is insisting on its sovereign stake while pushing back against Beijing. Manila’s resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre landing craft, for instance, which is considered the eye of the storm in the current friction, has been a pure play by Philippine forces. Manila’s supply and coast guard ships are constantly in a game of tag with huge Chinese Coast Guard vessels which try to frustrate the provision of supplies to the platoon of Marines guarding the outpost. Last month, China’s coast guard water-cannoned a Navy supply boat. Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified this as “safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with law” and criticized Manila for “ignoring China’s goodwill and sincerity.” China then demanded the Philippines remove the beached Sierra Madre. Lowy reported that “Manila has further aggravated Beijing by describing the danger of conflict in the Taiwan Strait as a ‘major security concern,’ in its newly published National Security Policy.” It quoted various state mouthpieces in China as having criticized former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s condemnation of the ten-dash line and his claim that Manila “wouldn’t resist a fight” for its maritime rights. China has always referred to the Duterte period as when an ideal engagement had existed with the Philippines. Duterte initially exerted efforts to win the trust of the Chinese but had always indicated to President Xi Jinping that he would have to raise at some point the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that favored the Philippines. China continues to follow its playbook that the Philippines is being manipulated by the US to take bold actions in the West Philippine Sea conflict. Beijing glosses over the fact that when the late President Noynoy Aquino bungled the handling of the 2012 faceoff with China, it was the US that abandoned the Philippines as it did nothing to stop the reclamation of features in the disputed area. Similarly, China has advocated dialogue but, thus far, nothing has come of it, even after the Philippines gave way to its wishes over the past six and more years. The post Sovereign interest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Herbosa no-show, but DOH 2024 budget hurdles Senate Finance panel
The Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday approved the proposed P311.3 billion budget of the Department of Health for the upcoming fiscal year without the attendance of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. Herbosa skipped the DOH’s budget deliberation, normally led by the agency’s head, days after he failed to secure the approval of the Commission on Appointment. During the budget deliberation, DOH senior officials led by Undersecretary Lilibeth David, former Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario-Vergeire and Undersecretary Gloria Balboa presented the agency’s proposed budget. Senator Francis Tolentino specifically questioned Herbosa’s absence in the budget deliberation, fearing that the agency is now in an “auto-pilot mode”. Senator Pia Cayetano, who presided over the agency’s budget deliberation, quickly clarified that the DOH is not “headless”. “Actually, all of the senior members of the team approached me a while ago and they acknowledged that, of course, it is a bit of an awkward situation,” Cayetano said. “But as you all know, Usec Dr. Vergeire was the OIC for many years and was very actively exercising her leadership not just in the past year, but even during the time of President Duterte. Dr. Usec. David is the most senior undersecretary. So I’m quite confident in the presentation today that they can answer,” she added. Tolentino explained that he is asking for Herbosa’s presence because “budget presentations would require answers concerning accountability.” “And perhaps the head of the department should be the one doing that. Otherwise, it would be in an auto-pilot mode,” he said. For her part, Senator Loren Legarda also expressed confidence in the senior officials of the DOH. “Let me just say that I’m certain that our very competent Usecs. and Asecs. down the line would be able to communicate the policies of the Secretary who still has to be confirmed,” Legarda said. “I am very confident that they will be able to answer our questions. I do not think that they would divert from any policy of the Secretary or say anything that would be against his policies,” she added. Cyber-attack on PhilHealth Senators also touched on the recent cyber-attack on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. Legarda quizzed PhilHealth officials about the effect of the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s operation, as well as the steps being taken by the agency to prevent similar cases in the future. Responding to the lawmaker’s query, Atty. Eli Dino D. Santos, PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said the agency has yet to restore its online system. “All transactions are offline, and we've resume operations meaning membership, employer submission, and payment over the counter,” Santos said. “Our benefits availment continues. We have already informed our partner providers that while the system is turned off, they can still submit claims or prepare the submission of claims,” he added. “At present, to confirm the statement of our President, we are set to turn on our systems today, but we are still completing the preventive measures before we turn it on. We are targeting to turn on our PhilHealth website, member portal, as well as the e-claims.” Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system, which prompted them to turn it off as part of its “containment measures”. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. A multinational cyber security software company, Trend Micro, defines “ransomware” as a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing a system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. The Medusa ransomware group was demanding $300,000 from PhilHealth in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. The state-run health insurer previously stated that it would not give in to the group’s demand. The post Herbosa no-show, but DOH 2024 budget hurdles Senate Finance panel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOH budget for 2024 hurdles Senate Finance panel without Herbosa
The Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday approved the proposed P311.3 billion budget of the Department of Health for the upcoming fiscal year without the attendance of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. Herbosa skipped the DOH’s budget deliberation, normally led by the agency’s head, days after he failed to secure the approval of the Commission on Appointment. During the budget deliberation, DOH senior officials led by Undersecretary Lilibeth David, former Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario-Vergeire, and Undersecretary Gloria Balboa, presented the agency’s proposed budget. Senator Francis Tolentino specifically questioned Herbosa’s absence in the budget deliberation, fearing that the agency is now in an “auto-pilot mode”. Senator Pia Cayetano, who presided over the agency’s budget deliberation, quickly clarified that the DOH is not “headless”. “Actually, all of the senior members of the team approached me a while ago and they acknowledged that of course, it is a bit of an awkward situation,” Cayetano said. “But as you all know, Usec Dr. Vergeire was the OIC for many years and was very actively exercising her leadership not just in the past year, but even during the time of President Duterte. Dr. Usec. David is the most senior undersecretary. So I’m quite confident in the presentation today that they can answer,” she added. Tolentino explained that he is asking for Herbosa’s presence because “budget presentations would require answers concerning accountability.” “And perhaps the head of the department should be the one doing that. Otherwise, it would be in an auto-pilot mode,” he said. For her part, Senator Loren Legarda also expressed her confidence in the senior officials of the DOH. “Let me just say that I’m certain that our very competent Usecs. and Asecs. down the line would be able to communicate the policies of the secretary who still has to be confirmed,” Legarda said. “I don't think that the DoH body institution system comprised of career people who -- it may be a headless agency this is insofar other secretaries concerned -- but all the systems are covered by the Usecs. and Asecs,” she added. She continued: “I am very confident that they will be able to answer our questions. I do not think that they would divert from any policy of the secretary or say anything that would be against his policies.” Cyber-attack on PhilHealth Senators also touched on the recent cyber-attack on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. Legarda quizzed PhilHealth officials about the effect of the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s operation, as well as the steps being taken by the agency to prevent encountering a similar case in the future. Responding to the lawmaker’s query, Atty. Eli Dino D. Santos, PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said that the agency has yet to return its online system. “All systems now are all transactions are offline and we resume operations meaning membership, employer submission, and payment over the counter,” Santos said. “Our benefits availment continues. We have already informed our partner providers that while the system is turned off, they can still submit claims or prepare the submission of claims,” he added. He continued: “At present, to confirm the statement of our President, we are set to turn on our systems today, but we are still completing the preventive measures before we turn it on. We are targeting to turn on our PhilHealth website, member portal, as well as the e-claims.” Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system, which prompted them to turn it off as part of its “containment measures”. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. A multinational cyber security software company, Trend Micro defined “ransomware” as a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. The Medusa ransomware group was demanding $300,000 from PhilHealth in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. The state-run health insurer previously stated that it would not give in to the group’s demand. The post DOH budget for 2024 hurdles Senate Finance panel without Herbosa appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports
The former Office for Transportation Security chief lambasted the cultural decay in the airport security teams that allows negligent screeners to continue working there, this before he could begin an internal purge. Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, who resigned from his post over the airport screener caught on closed-circuit television swallowing $300 bills taken from an outbound Chinese national, said the problem with airport security is “more than systemic, it is cultural.” “There was the problem with ‘tanim-bala.’ Maybe the problems were not highlighted in the past because no one was caught. Based on our records, for the past several years, no one was dismissed in the OTS for violations of our disciplinary policies,” he said. Aplasca said when he was the director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, his initial task was to clear the country’s airports of the “tanim-bala” scheme, in which airport inspectors hid bullets in travelers’ luggage to extort money. “That tanim-bala was the first marching order to me by former President Duterte, and that’s where I felt his 100-percent support; that’s why, in less than one month, we were able to solve the problem,” he said. Aplasca said that before his resignation Tuesday, the OTS had initiated 68 cases against erring personnel, with at least 11 people dismissed. Found guilty Meanwhile, DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the female Security Screening Officer and three other OTS screeners involved in the cash swallowing incident last 8 September were “found guilty of stealing.” Bautista said the guilty verdict was included in the investigation report handed to him by the OTS group of investigators, which included the CCTV footage that showed the lady scanner stuffing the money into her mouth at Terminal 1’s final security checkpoint at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The four SSO screeners face administrative and criminal cases. “The investigation showed that she was guilty and swallowed the money. However, what she said in an affidavit was that it was chocolates. But the investigators saw that she was guilty,” Bautista said in Filipino in an interview with the media after a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The CCTV footage showed that at around 8:20 p.m. on 8 September, a Chinese passenger, identified only as Mr. Cai, placed his shoulder bag on the inspection tray at the final security checkpoint. After trying to promote the gateway to potential foreign investors who may want to operate the NAIA, Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident. He authorized the imposition of the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the Department of Transportation’s determined push to rid the NAIA and attached agencies of scalawags. Aplasca submitted his courtesy resignation last Tuesday, 26 September, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through DoTr Secretary Bautista after House Speaker Martin Romualdez told him to resign or the Speaker would personally block the budgets of the DoTr and OTS. Not enough Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday the resignation of Aplasca would not be enough to stop the criminal activities at the country’s airports. “A resignation at the top does not clean up the ranks,” said Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services. “More than ever, the Office of Transportation Security needs steady leadership to implement much-needed reforms,” she said. “There should be zero tolerance for criminal acts and unprofessional behavior,” she added. “While a witch hunt might put a syndicate on pause, the OTS urgently needs to review and tighten its security program,” she said. She continued: “Our airports should improve the physical layout of the security screening stations and provide proactive measures to prevent further incidents.” She also noted that the challenge now is to appoint someone with “immense political will to overhaul the agency and stop these incidents once and for all.” The senator stressed that the OTS must improve its hiring system and enforce ethics training. “Employees must undergo extensive background checks,” she said. “In the long-term, we should also look into providing better compensation and benefits to these employees so they would not be enticed to do this nonsense,” she added. The post Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global concern
China’s recent release of its rewritten claim in the 10-dash line map is a prelude to more aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea or WPS, according to the assessment of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. Through a media mouthpiece, Beijing described the revision of its boundaries as a “normal exercise of sovereignty by law.” Security officials, however, view the new map as establishing China’s intent to strengthen its “control and occupation of the West Philippine Sea.” Teodoro urged international support for the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling invalidating China’s historic claim, or “if that’s not stopped, then the whole international rules-based order is in jeopardy.” China has consistently refused to arbitrate the overlapping claims in the WPS, insisting on bilateral dialogues or, at most, a settlement among claimants, which proved to go nowhere. Negotiations for binding rules in a proposed Code of Conduct have failed to advance for over 20 years. Ignoring China’s increasing assertiveness jeopardizes global trade since nearly all of the region’s goods shipments to the West and vice versa pass through the disputed waters. “If China’s claims are given credence, freedom of navigation and freedom of air traffic is jeopardized,” Teodoro warned. While China keeps blaming US intervention for creating instability in the region, the lack of concerted action among nations that Beijing encourages has led to its unbridled occupation of the sea features. Teodoro stressed that China’s “expansionist policy” heightens tensions. “It is the expansionist policy of China that is escalating the tensions not only between us but with Vietnam and other actors, and their 10-dash line is the best proof that they want to escalate tensions within the area,” he said. Teodoro contrasted the actions of China and the Philippines, saying that while Beijing asserts an arbitrary historical claim, Manila insists on enforcing international law based on the arbitral ruling. China’s containment is also not the target of the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. “China keeps saying that we are containing them. If you use the word contain, that means to say you have an intention to expand, so for me, it’s disingenuous for them to use that term,” the defense chief explained. Despite the assertion of China that the Philippines has given the United States a free hand to intervene in the conflict, Teodoro said the country’s independent foreign policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none is being maintained. “The (recent) water cannon (incident) proves that we are not leaning too much on the US because if we lean too much on the US, we would have asked them to escort us there, which we don’t want to do because we want to do things our way and we want a balanced foreign policy,” he said. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the country’s independent foreign policy is being upheld. Still, we will adhere to enforcing international law, particularly the 2016 international tribunal ruling based on the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. During the term of his predecessor, President Rodrigo Duterte, closer relations with China resulted in commitments of economic assistance and the fair resolution of the territorial rift through a CoC. Only a few promises were realized, rewards for actions that showed hostility towards the Americans. It didn’t go far, however, as in the twilight of his term, Duterte had to raise the international tribunal’s decision and the country’s maritime rights. Duterte said the ruling couldn’t be erased, and China would have to follow it, resulting in acrimony that continues today. The post Global concern appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Econ team courts Qatar’s capital
The Department of Finance, or DoF, said the government has approved four public-private partnership or PPP projects amounting to P212.8 billion and is looking forward to securing investment from a Qatar-based cooling equipment manufacturer. DoF shared the data on the PPP projects with over 70 executives of Qatar-based firms and industry associations who attended the economic team’s investor briefing at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha, Qatar last Friday. “We believe that the Philippines’ moment has arrived. We look forward to jumpstarting the conversation today and exploring exciting investment opportunities with the Middle East business community in the coming years,” DoF Secretary Benjamin Diokno said. In its statement on Monday, DoF said approvals for more PPPs with foreign firms have been faster through liberal policies established by the previous Duterte administration and being improved by the current Marcos administration, including the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, Investment Coordination Committee Guidelines, and Joint Venture Guidelines by the National Economic and Development Authority. PPP Act under review To streamline all policies related to PPPs, DoF said lawmakers at the Senate are now evaluating the proposed Public-Private Partnership Act. For other investment measures, Diokno also discussed with the Qatar business community the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act or CREATE. “CREATE provides a 40-year tax incentive package for highly desirable projects or activities with a capital investment of at least $900 million or those that can create at least 10,000 jobs,” he explained. Diokno stressed this law also makes the tax system “performance-based, timebound, targeted, and transparent.” DoF said the Philippine economic team is also discussing plans with a Qatar cooling equipment manufacturer for its plant construction in the Southeast Asian country. Aside from this, the Philippine economic team sat down with executives from Qatar Insurance Company, the largest insurance company in the Arab region, and the Qatar National Bank, the largest financial institution in the Middle East country. Qatar is the third largest destination for overseas Filipino workers, with over 200,000 members there and received Philippine exports worth $59.2 million last year. The post Econ team courts Qatar’s capital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t seeks Indon capital
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno presented to Indonesia’s business community the Philippine economic plans for securing investments in infrastructure, energy and technology. In a statement by the Department of Finance on Thursday, it said Diokno conducted the talk in Jakarta City on Wednesday ahead of the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting from 24 to 25 August. The listeners included members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Business Club Indonesia, and officials of foreign embassies in Jakarta. Diokno said the Philippine lawmakers are now studying all measures for faster public-private partnerships or PPPs as the Marcos administration aims to build 197 infrastructure flagship projects, including railways, airports and water management, among others. PPP crucial “The PPP Act, which is currently pending in the Senate, consolidates all legal frameworks on PPP and creates a unified system for investors to refer to when engaging in PPP projects,” DoF said. To build more capital for Philippine infrastructure development and diversify investment channels, Diokno said government agencies are now crafting the rules and regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund. “This is the Philippines’ first sovereign investment fund that will serve as a platform for investors to engage in direct equity investments in Philippine ventures,” he said. Diokno said both the legislative proposal and newly approved sovereign fund will support economic expansion from liberalized investment laws passed by the previous Duterte administration. Diokno shared amendments to the Public Service Act which now allows full foreign ownership from 40 percent previously of various businesses, such as airlines and telecommunications. Amid growing concerns with climate change, the finance chief said this applies also to renewable energy facilities, such as solar plants. Indonesia, along with China and India, is among the world’s largest exporter of coal, according to the International Energy Agency. However, Indonesia vowed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, while it is 2050 for the Philippines. To ensure efficient management and profitability of infrastructure, Diokno said the government also eased processes for foreign investors under the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. “To help foster the development of high quality, modern, and sustainable infrastructure in the country, we wasted no time in building a fertile business and investment ecosystem for private players,” Diokno said. The post Gov’t seeks Indon capital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati City scores anew
Six days after taking over the management and supervision of the 14 schools affected by the dragging boundary dispute between Makati and Taguig City, the Department of Education gave Makati City the go-signal to distribute school supplies to the affected students in 10 EMBO barangays the Supreme Court had ordered transferred to Taguig City. In a letter to Makati City Mayor Abby Binay dated 22 August, DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Michael Wesley Poa said Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte had approved the former’s request to distribute the school supplies, including the use of the school facilities. Binay earlier wrote to Vice President Duterte seeking permission to distribute school supplies in the 14 public schools to alleviate the financial burden on parents who would otherwise have to purchase new school supplies. “On behalf of the city government and all the intended beneficiaries in the 14 public schools, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte. We are thankful that she has the best interest of the students at heart in making a prudent and just decision,” Binay said, adding that the distribution would go on until 29 August when classes start. The 14 public schools are Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Makati Science High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School and Pitogo High School. Parents, school kids cheer Mayor Binay, accompanied by her husband, Makati 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos, distributed school supplies at Pembo Elementary School and Pitogo High School yesterday. School supplies will be given to all 45,000 students in the 14 public schools in 10 former barangays within Fort Bonifacio — Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Northside and Southside. Upon arriving at the Pembo Elementary School, Binay and her entourage were cheered by the parents and students who had been waiting for her since 10 a.m. Her arrival at 2 p.m. elicited applause and shouts of “Abby, Abby” from the crowd, many of whom were crying, including the children who rushed to hug the mayor. The parents were particularly ecstatic because they said the school supplies they received from Taguig were not comparable to what they received from Makati. Package contents Under the expanded Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education) of Makati, public school students from kindergarten to senior high school, including Special Education students in elementary and high school, receive school uniforms and supplies. Students in all levels each receive school uniforms, PE T-shirts and jogging pants. School bags, caps and anti-dengue kits are also given to kindergarten pupils. Elementary students each receive a pair of black leather shoes, three pairs of white socks, Randoseru bags (Grades 1 and 4), dengue kits, and school supplies consisting of 10 notebooks, five intermediate pads, and five ballpoint pens and pencils. Junior and senior high school students receive black shoes and socks, and the same school supplies package given to elementary students, with a Math graphing notebook added. Grades 11 and 12 students also get a jacket with hoodie. For SPED students in elementary and high school, the city provides a school supplies package, uniforms, leather shoes and three pairs of socks, and anti-dengue kits for elementary SPED. Schools to be rented out Asked what would happen to the 14 schools formerly under Makati City, Binay said they would be rented out to Taguig as the former held the titles to them. In a Facebook post, Binay said there was a “last-minute attempt” by the Taguig City government to halt the distribution even if Makati had written authorization to carry it out. Taguig City has also started distributing school packages to the students of the city, including those at the EMBO schools. Duterte issued DepEd Order No. 023 last week, titled “Assumption of authority of the Department of Education over the 14 public schools affected by the Supreme Court decision in G.R. No. 235316.” According to the order, DepEd is mandated to promote every Filipino’s right to accessible, equitable, and quality education which is consistent with its mandate to provide a safe and enabling environment for learners, teachers, and personnel. Duterte, in her order, said that relative to the SC’s final and executory decision in the case titled Municipality of Makati vs Municipality of Taguig (G.R. No. 235316), the Department of is cognizant of the increasing tension present in the 14 schools affected by the ruling, that caused uncertainty as to the peaceful and orderly reopening of schools on 29 August 2023. It further stated that in the pursuit of protecting the best interest and welfare of the learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel, “the Office of the Secretary shall directly supervise the management and administration of all 14 schools, pending a transition plan, effective immediately.” Duterte created a transition committee composed of the regional director (assigned outside of the National Capital Region); DepEd Schools Division Superintendent of Taguig-Pateros; the DepEd Schools Superintendent of Makati City; City Legal Officer of Makati and City Legal Officer of Taguig. Binay has since stood her ground that all 14 public schools are titled to Makati City and therefore Taguig City has no jurisdiction over it, though Mayor Lani Cayetano refuted the claim saying it was included in the SC order that is final and executory. The post Makati City scores anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP: No mass exit of Makati cops from EMBOs
The Philippine National Police will adhere to the letter of the Supreme Court ruling that transferred jurisdiction over the 10 so-called EMBOs, or enlisted men’s barrios, from Makati City to Taguig City. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said yesterday the transfer will take place under the guidance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. She emphasized there will be no mass transfer of Taguig City police officers to the community police precincts in the 10 EMBOs as some of the Makati officers assigned to those areas will have to remain to ensure a smooth transition. “The only concern will be on the part of the PNP because those areas that used to be under the Makati police will be turned over to the Taguig police,” Fajardo said in a Laging Handa briefing. “What is being planned is to have a transition, but we will leave a few Makati police personnel to support the Taguig police who will take over,” she added. According to Fajardo, Makati cops are more familiar with the EMBO villages, so they may only be reassigned after their replacements had become acquainted with their beats. She said they were holding meetings with the parties concerned to ensure that the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the 10 barangays would proceed smoothly and without incident on 30 October. Meanwhile, a day after saying it would comply with a Department of Education order halting its takeover of 14 schools within the EMBOs, the local government of Taguig was back in fighting mode Friday. In a statement, the Taguig local government insisted that it does not need a writ of execution from the Pasig Regional Trial Court to enforce the SC ruling on the transfer of the barangays. The Pasig RTC was the lower court that first heard the territory case. “The SC decision is self-executing. Government agencies have voluntarily complied conformably [sic] to law. Taguig does not need a writ of execution to exercise jurisdiction over the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation consisting of parcels 3, and 4 of Psu 2031,” its statement read in part. The statement came after Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said she welcomed Vice President Sara Duterte’s order that placed the 14 schools under the control of the Department of Education. “Taguig, by force of the decision, is legally obliged to immediately exercise jurisdiction over its territory. There cannot be a vacuum in the exercise of jurisdiction over the 10 barangays,” the statement added. The Taguig LGU then appeared to hit Duterte and her order as DepEd secretary when it said, “All agencies must immediately respect, recognize, and for those particularly affected, voluntarily implement final and executory decisions of the Supreme Court without insisting on a writ of execution.” The post PNP: No mass exit of Makati cops from EMBOs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Will Locsin soar over or crash into Great Wall?
The President’s appointment of Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. as Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China for Special Concerns — a post he will hold on top of his day job as Philippine Ambassador to Great Britain and Ireland — is a daring, if astute, move. Daring because Locsin is not known to hold back with either word or deed to express what he feels strongly about, e.g., the dirty finger, and astute because in naming Locsin, the President couldn’t have found a better, smarter, and more seasoned man to represent Philippine interests with singular loyalty and devotion to the republic. Locsin was, of course, the former dispensation’s Ambassador to the United Nations where he, fluent as he is in Spanish, enjoyed congenial relations and camaraderie with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the rest of the Spanish-speaking members of the Latin America bloc in the multilateral organization. The former journalist (his father, Teodoro M. Locsin Sr., was publisher of the legendary Free Press) and Makati congressman was subsequently appointed by then President Duterte Secretary of Foreign Affairs, during whose tenure 45 diplomatic protests were filed against Beijing, including over a law that allows the China Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines, in fact, during Locsin’s term as DFA Secretary was the first country in the world to file a diplomatic protest through a note verbale in January 2021 against China’s Coast Guard Law. As Foreign Affairs Secretary, he laid claim to “assiduously protesting every infringement on Philippine territory and sovereign right, as well as Chinese actions that amounted to provocation, threats or coercion.” The DFA, with Locsin at its helm, raised the South China Sea dispute in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other fora even as it continued to engage China through the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. His accomplishments included the two diplomatic protests filed by the DFA in May 2021 over the “incessant, illegal presence” of Chinese militia disguised as fishermen in fishing boats and the Chinese Coast Guard “shadowing, blocking, conducting dangerous maneuvers and radio challenges against Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the WPS,” which an irate Locsin accompanied with a separate post on Twitter saying, “China my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see. O.. GET THE F**CK OUT. What are you doing to our friendship? You. Not us….” He eventually apologized to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian for his intemperate language after then-President Duterte reminded him that only he (Duterte) could spew profanities while engaging in diplomacy. Whatever advice President Marcos may have received before he named Locsin to the post must have detailed certain actions by the former DFA chief towards the Chinese. That these did not deter the President from naming Locsin anyway signifies that he sees more in Locsin than his capacity for displaying outrage in a provocative manner. Many have lauded the choice of Locsin by the President. Indeed, we hold our breath as Locsin sets out to engage with the top Chinese officialdom in Beijing. We are curious to see what charms and ingenious diplomatic skills he will pull from his sleeve and whether these will make the Chinese finally accept, for instance, the 2016 ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal that said China has no lawful claim over waters determined to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It will be interesting to see if Locsin will be able to clinch his objectives and score well enough to make him, and the country, feel like soaring over — instead of crashing into — China’s Great Wall. The post Will Locsin soar over or crash into Great Wall? 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......»»
Makati Mayor Binay welcomes VP Sara’s takeover of 14 EMBO schools
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay welcomed the decision of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to take over the management and supervision of the 14 schools affected by the boundary dispute between Makati and Taguig City. “We look forward to working wholeheartedly with the transition team created by the Vice President. This decision will greatly ease the worries and concerns of our students, parents and teachers. Kaisa kami ni Vice President Sara sa kanyang layunin. Unahin natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga guro, mga kabataan at kanilang mga magulang,” Binay said. Duterte issued DepEd Order No. 023 dated 26 August 2023 titled “Assumption of authority of the Department of Education over the 14 public schools affected by the Supreme Court decision in G.R. No. 235316.” The order stated that the DepEd is mandated to promote every Filipino’s right to accessible, equitable, and quality education which is consistent with its mandate to provide a safe and enabling environment for learners, teachers, and personnel. Duterte in her order said that relative to the SC’s final and executory decision in the case titled Municipality of Makati vs. Municipality of Taguig (G.R. No. 235316), the Department of is cognizant of the increasing tension present in the 14 schools affected by the ruling, that caused uncertainty as to the peaceful and orderly reopening of schools on 29 August 2023. It further stated that in the pursuit of protecting the best interest and welfare of the learners, teachers and non-teaching personnel, “the Office of the Secretary shall directly supervise the management and administration of all 14 schools, pending a transition plan, effective immediately." The transition committee created by Duterte is composed of the regional director (assigned outside of the National Capital Region); DepEd Schools Division Superintendent of Taguig-Pateros; DepEd Schools Superintendent of Makati City; City Legal Officer of Makati and City Legal Officer of Taguig. Sara said the transition committee shall undertake the preparation of a physical inventory of all properties involved: collate transition documents including, but not limited to, a complete list of existing contracts involving operations of the subject schools and create a final transition plan. During the transition period, all activities to be conducted within the premises of and/or in relation to the public schools, that involve the local government units of Makati and Taguig, shall require prior approval from the office of the Secretary. The schools head was also ordered to directly report and defer to the OSec on matter pertaining to the daily operations of the subject public schools. Duterte likewise stated that the Philippine National Police will strictly implement the order and all existing orders, memoranda, and other issuances are repealed rescinded or modified. Binay has since stood her ground that all 14 public schools are titled to Makati City and therefore Taguig City has no jurisdiction over it, though Mayor Lani Cayetano refuted the claim saying it was included in the SC order that is final and executory. The Duterte order somewhat quelled the animosity among the residents of the EMBO schools since many people has arrived which are unknown to the neighbourhood that creates uneasiness. The post Makati Mayor Binay welcomes VP Sara’s takeover of 14 EMBO schools appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»