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Philippines, EU resume free trade agreement talks
MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Monday, the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Tuesday. "Strengthening economic engagement with the EU remains a priority for the Philippines," said Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, adding that the Philippines aims for an ambitious, b.....»»
PH OKs revised Asean free trade pacts with ANZ, Hong Kong
MANILA — The Philippines, a founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), has agreed to amend two important free trade agreements to benefit investors, traders, and exporters. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Thursday that it signed the Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade.....»»
Mendiola massacre victims honored by continuing demands for peace talks, genuine agrarian reform
“Our commitment to lasting peace never ended. For the martyrs of Mendiola, we continue to assert peace talks [in different administrations] together with the KMP, and we acknowledge the recent breakthroughs in the Oslo Joint Statement, a sign for the resumption of peace talks." The post Mendiola massacre victims honored by continuing demands for peace talks, genuine agrarian reform appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Trending tickers: Trump Media, Tesla, Bitcoin and DS Smith
Former US president Donald Trump’s media firm, Trump Media & Technology Group, had a successful stock market debut in New York, with shares soaring past.....»»
VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
European businesses welcome restart of FTA talks
European businesses welcomed the restart of talks between the Philippines and the European Union for a free trade agreement, as they emphasized the importance of trade deals in promoting economic growth and stronger ties......»»
Trump wins South Carolina, swamping Nikki Haley in her home state
The lopsided outcome will bolster calls from Donald Trump's allies that Nikki Haley, Trump's last remaining challenger, should drop out of the race.....»»
Shares of Trump-linked companies rise- Bloomberg
The former president secured a record margin of victory in Iowa's Republican caucus on Monday Shares in companies linked to former US President Donald Trump surged after his first victory in the campaign to reclaim the White House, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. On Monday, Trump decisively beat his chief rivals.....»»
NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand's ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union. "I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union of our ratification of the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EUFTA)......»»
Trade Minister heads to Abu Dhabi for key WTO negotiations
Trade Minister Todd McClay travels to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) today, to take up his role as Vice Chair of the negotiations.The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body within the WTO and meets every two years. Trade ministers will negotiate the reform of agriculture trade rules, E-commerce, fisheries subsidi.....»»
Sara reveals she will run in next polls
Summary: Sara Duterte, the Vice President and Education Secretary, announced her intention to run in the next election during a visit to flood victims in Barangay Bago Gallera. In a Facebook Live video, she mentioned that her brothers, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, may not run in the next election, prompting her decision to campaign. However, she did not specify the position she would be running for. The upcoming election will be the 2025 midterm senatorial elections for senators, congressmen, and local officials, with the presidential national elections scheduled for 2028. Duterte also emphasized the importance of barangay development councils in times of calamity and stressed the need for disaster resilience and awareness among barangay officials and children. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of safety and security, urging trust in security personnel and caution against scammers and swindlers. Duterte also emphasized the importance of education for the younger generation and the equal opportunities it provides. This announcement comes amidst her visits to various areas in the Philippines, where she has been extending aid and addressing pertinent issues such as disaster resilience and community safety......»»
‘High-level’ US trade mission to arrive in PH next week
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry announced that a “high-level” US trade delegation is arriving next week to enhance “commercially meaningful partnerships.” According to DTI Foreign Trade Service Officer Jollan Llaneza, the delegation, led by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual......»»
NDFP consultants welcome return of peace talks to national level
Detained National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultants welcome reported dialogues to revive stalled formal peace negotiations with the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Government of the Republic of the Philippines, expressing hope to join the talks if efforts succeed. The post NDFP consultants welcome return of peace talks to national level appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
French Farmers Protest Unfair Competition in EU Free-Trade Agreements
French Farmers Protest Against Unfair Trade Agreements Imposed by EU French farming unions have taken to the streets to protest against free-trade agreements imposed by.....»»
Youth groups condemn Marcos, Duterte ‘word war’ amid cha-cha talks
"We maintain that the two rallies are not expressions of the genuine calls and struggles of the Filipino masses" The post Youth groups condemn Marcos, Duterte ‘word war’ amid cha-cha talks appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Philippine calls for stronger action on climate change
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual has called for stronger sustainable trade and development initiatives to address climate change during the second ministerial meeting of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate on the sidelines of the 13th World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates......»»
Philippines-European Union FTA talks resume in H2
The Philippines and the European Union (EU) are looking to resume formal negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) in the early part of the second half of the year, according to the Department of Trade and Industry......»»
Free leptospirosis meds, anti-tetanus vaccines for flood-affected residents
Summary: The Davao City Health Office (CHO) is providing free medicines for leptospirosis and anti-tetanus shots to residents affected by floods. Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, CHO Officer-In-Charge, announced the availability of these medications during a media forum, emphasizing their dispatch during emergencies. He highlighted the proactive response of health district staff, ensuring that evacuation centers are equipped with prophylaxis for leptospirosis. Additionally, tetanus toxoid, dressings, and antibiotics are available for flood-related injuries. Ababon emphasized that these services and medications are provided free of charge. He advised seeking a doctor's guidance for the dosage of prophylaxis medicine, as well as the administration of antibiotics due to potential allergies. Despite recording 17 cases of leptospirosis in the first two weeks of the month, no related deaths were reported. This initiative aims to safeguard the health of flood-affected residents in Davao City......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
NZ - UAE trade agreement consultation begins
Following a meeting with UAE Trade Minister Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, Trade Minister Todd McClay has launched public consultation for a trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "The UAE is a top-20 export market for New Zealand, and our largest market in the Middle East, with exports increasing 17% i.....»»