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Think tank: SMGPH faces liquidity crunch
The declining profitability of San Miguel Corporation’s energy unit San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. has affected the capability of the company to meet near-term financial obligations, according to a report of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, or IEEFA. Local groups held a forum on Wednesday ahead of the 133rd anniversary of the Adian conglomerate that focused on the “losing strategy” of maintaining its dependence imported fossil fuel with its planned shift from traditional coal to liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Think tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development indicated during the event that SMGPH is implementing “a losing strategy that is having devastating consequences on shareholders and investors, energy consumers, and the environment.” “While SMC is pursuing the country’s further dependence on fossil fuel, it is also losing on the actual energy transition development. SMC had lost in the race to secure new permits for renewable energy capacity, which will be built in the next two to three years,” Gerry Arances, CEED executive director, said. Sam Reynolds, author of an Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, or IEEFA, report titled San Miguel Global Power: Fossil fuel-oriented growth strategy raises financial red flags, said the article detailed the financial issues SMC faces because of its reliance on coal and gas. IEEFA is a Detroit-based advisory group for energy industry strategies. He warned the company’s overexposure to volatile fossil fuel prices could sink its financial health and that “SMGPH’s overreliance on fossil fuels has weakened its financial health — moving from coal to LNG is not going to solve the fundamental problem of overexposure to fossil fuel prices.” SMGPH debts are falling due between 2024 and 2026, according to the study. The company’s financial position would likely remain inadequate to address the callable perpetual securities, amounting to $3.4 billion (P193 billion). “SMGPH could face a double-edged sword. On one hand, the need to redeem perpetual securities demands additional capital or funding. On the other, opting not to exercise the call option subjects the company to additional financial costs, further straining its financial position,” according to IEEFA. No contract to back up projects “This is especially true when you consider the company’s lack of contracts for its existing and proposed LNG facilities,” he added. SMC’s status as one of the country’s biggest conglomerates entails that the company should be among those leading the transition away from fossil fuels, Reynolds added. Reynolds also doubts the company will be able to fulfill the 2050 net zero commitment it unveiled earlier this year. “Unless there is a major, material pivot within the company to transition to renewables and phase out its fossil fuel expansion plans, the company is going to have very little chance of achieving its 2050 net zero target. Without a strategic, material, immediate pivot, that goal is simply unrealistic,” he said. Liquidity crunch possible As a result of SMGPH’s declining profitability, IEEFA’s analysis indicated that its ability to cover near-term financial commitments in the form of debt, interest and capital distribution for perpetual securities may have worsened considerably. This points to an overall liquidity crunch, which could translate to a longer-term funding shortfall if not carefully managed. IEEFA indicated that its view “aligns with conclusions from Bloomberg Intelligence, which stated that the company may need $900 million (P51 billion) by the end of this year to meet its financial commitments. “SMGPH’s funding constraints also depend on its ability to extend P21 billion worth of short-term loans. There is also a possibility of obtaining local funding due to its connection to parent company SMC,” IEEFA indicated. Its financial SMGPH’s perpetual securities come with a notable feature: a step-up interest mechanism. If the call option on the security is not exercised, the interest rate increases by a certain percentage each year. SMGPH has strategically tapped into the issuance of bonds and loans to fund its expansion plans, increasing its total debt. Total equity has also grown, driven largely by the company’s issuance of perpetual securities. The paper added that a broader assessment, beyond operating cash flows, reveals a rising liquidity risk for SMGPH. It measured the SMGPH’s cash flow from operations (CFO)-to-current liabilities ratio, the results of which pointed a “concerning trend.” The ratio has been on a downward trajectory since 2019. In 2022, the CFO-to-current liabilities ratio plummeted to an all-time low of -0.12, indicating insufficient cash flow to cover short-term liabilities. The same ratio remained weak in the first half. Its ratio in 2022 was 1.00, down from 1.43 in 2021, meaning the company has exactly one dollar of current assets for every dollar of current liabilities. “In essence, the company holds a relatively tight margin of assets available to cover its immediate financial obligations. Meanwhile, the accounts receivable turnover ratio stood at 3.15, marking its lowest value since 2016.” The post Think tank: SMGPH faces liquidity crunch appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red Velvet’s third full-length album out in November
Red Velvet is set to release its highly anticipated third full-length album in November, as confirmed by the group’s agency SM Entertainment on 18 September. “Red Velvet is preparing a full-length studio album with the goal of [releasing the album in] November,” the agency said. The album would mark the group’s first full-length album in six years following the release of the critically acclaimed and chart-topping Perfect Velvet in November 2016. Red Velvet was consistent last year in releasing hit after hit. The phenomenal South Korean girl group previously released two mini albums with The ReVe Festival 2022 — Feel My Rhythm in March 2022 and The ReVe Festival 2022 — Birthday in November 2022. The group also released its first Japanese studio album, Bloom, in April 2022. Recently, Irene, the group’s leader and main rapper, was rumored to be not renewing her contract with SM Entertainment. However, no official confirmation followed the rumor. Another member, Yeri, had previously hinted that they were preparing to release a new album during the group’s anniversary live broadcast in August. Red Velvet is a wildly popular South Korean girl group composed of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri. The quintet is recognized for unique, distinctive concepts and enchanting music that has captured the attention of a global audience and a massive fandom called ReVeluv. Debuting in 2014, the group has given birth to such hits as “Happiness,” “Bad Boy,” “Psycho,” “Feel My Rhythm” and more. The post Red Velvet’s third full-length album out in November appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rolling Stones album of new songs out next month
The Rolling Stones will release their first album of new music in 18 years next month, lead singer Mick Jagger, fellow founding bandmate Keith Richards and bass guitarist Ronnie Wood announced Wednesday in London. The album, "Hackney Diamonds", is the first since the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2019, and the first containing original material since 2005's "A Bigger Bang". "We didn't want to make just any record and put it out," Jagger, 80, told a launch event at the Hackney Empire theatre in east London, hosted by US talk show host Jimmy Fallon and livestreamed on YouTube. "I'm not saying we're big-headed about it but we're pleased with it and we hope you all like it," the octogenarian rocker said. The Stones' 24th studio album, set for release on October 20, has 12 tracks, with the single "Angry" the first to come out. Wood, 76, confirmed during the launch that superstar Lady Gaga features on another, "Sweet Sound of Heaven", adding she "sings really sweet" on it. Two of the tracks were recorded with Watts in 2019. The others feature Steve Jordan, whom Watts recommended to replace him. "Ever since Charlie's gone it's different," said 79-year-old guitarist Keith Richards of recording the new album without one of the band's founders. "He's number four, he's missing, he's up there. Of course he's missed incredibly." Already acclaimed "Hackney diamonds" is English slang for the shards of glass left scattered on the ground after smash-and-grab robberies, and refers to the historically working class east London neighbourhood. "It's like when you get your windscreen broken on a Saturday night in Hackney," Jagger joked. Throngs of people crowded outside the event venue, including those without tickets who came out of curiosity and hoping to spot the band. "I've been following the Stones since I was four years old and I'm from round here -- it's my backyard," said musician and fan Rory McGlinchey. "It's crazy that they're here!" Wearing a Rolling Stones t-shirt, he said the new release was "great news". "Can't wait," he told AFP. Critics have already hailed the release as the band's best work in many decades. Will Hodgkinson, rock and pop critic for Britain's The Times newspaper, said it is "unquestionably the best Stones album since 1978's 'Some Girls'". "Variously poignant, irreverent, anarchic and, in one gospel-tinged moment, quite spiritual, it touches on all the aspects we love about the band, glued together by the rambunctious energy they have made their own since the early Sixties," he wrote. The Daily Telegraph's music reviewer Neil McCormick said "Angry" was "their best single in four decades". The Stones also unveiled the single's typically rock'n'roll video. It sees the band playing from Los Angeles' billboards as scantily-dressed, leather-clad "Euphoria" actress Sydney Sweeney writhes to the soundtrack in the back of a convertible red Mercedes driving through the city. Teaser The Rolling Stones' last studio album was 2016's "Blue & Lonesome", which was made up of blues covers. "We've been very lazy," said Jagger. "We've been on the road most of the time." The band teased the release of the new album through a spoof advert in the local Hackney Gazette newspaper. The cryptic ad, which also appeared in sister title the Islington Gazette, referenced several of the band's best-known songs including "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Gimme Shelter" and "Shattered". The ad went on: "Opening our new store on Mare Street, September 2023. Our friendly team promises you satisfaction when you say gimme shelter we'll fix your shattered windows." Clues that the ad was not for a bona fide east London glass repair business included a miniature version of the band's famed lips logo to dot the letter i. The ad -- in the same font as the "Some Girls" album -- also says the firm was established in 1962, the same year the band was formed. Last year the Stones travelled through Europe for their 60th anniversary tour which featured stops in cities including Madrid, Milan and Munich, and also a performance at British Summer Time (BST) festival in London. Asked for the secret to their decades-spanning musical marriage, Jagger quipped: "not speaking too often". "How to say shut up politely," added Richards. The post Rolling Stones album of new songs out next month appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Musk threatens to sue anti-defamation group for falling revenue
Elon Musk, the owner of social media platform X, formerly Twitter, said he is considering suing a leading anti-defamation group, arguing that its accusations of anti-Semitism have led the company to lose revenue. Musk late Monday accused the US-based Jewish organization of making unfounded complaints against him and X that have scared away advertisers. "To clear our platform's name on the matter of anti-Semitism, it looks like we have no choice but to file a defamation lawsuit against the Anti-Defamation League... oh the irony!" Musk wrote on X on Monday. "Based on what we've heard from advertisers, ADL seems to be responsible for most of our revenue loss," he wrote, adding that the group "would potentially be on the hook for destroying half the value of the company, so roughly $22 billion." "Advertisers avoid controversy, so all that is needed for ADL to crush our US & European ad revenue is to make unfounded accusations," he wrote in a long thread that started with a clarification that he favors free speech but is "against anti-Semitism of any kind." The ADL declined to comment on Musk's legal threats but responded to the "BanTheADL" hashtag that has been trending on the website. Musk, who bought Twitter last year and rebranded it as X, has come under fire for liking posts with the hashtag. "It is profoundly disturbing that Elon Musk spent the weekend engaging with a highly toxic, anti-Semitic campaign on his platform," ADL chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt said in an email to AFP. "This behavior is not just alarming nor reckless, it is flat-out dangerous and deeply irresponsible." The hateful campaign started after the ADL participated in a civil rights march marking the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech, according to the group. The ADL has for years accused the social media site of amplifying anti-Semitic hate speech and recently met with top executives at X. In a 2016 report, the group said anti-Semitic attacks against journalists had exploded on Twitter, "thanks to the rhetoric in the 2016 presidential campaign." It accused the social network of failing to control its "trolling problem." Billionaire Musk has also previously been accused of fueling anti-Semitic tropes, including attacks against Jewish philanthropist George Soros. According to the ADL and the Center for Countering Digital Hate, problematic and racist speech has sharply risen on X since Musk completed his $44 billion takeover in October. Since then, the Tesla boss has fired thousands of the platform's employees, cut content moderation, and reinstated former president Donald Trump's account. Last month, Musk sued the CCDH, accusing it of a smear campaign that damaged the social network's relationship with advertisers. The post Musk threatens to sue anti-defamation group for falling revenue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
San Jose del Monte City strives to shine
Defying rains and strong wind brought by two typhoons — “Goring” and “Hanna” -— and the southwest monsoon, the local government of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan kicked off the celebration of its Tanglawan Festival on 1 September with a flashy program and a fashion show. This year, the city in the eastern portion of the Central Luzon province is holding its biggest festival yet, which lasts until 10 September. Tanglawan is spearheaded by the city’s prominent political family, led by its mayor Arthur Robes and his wife, congresswoman Florida P. Robes. Meant as a celebration of the anniversary of San Jose del Monte’s achievement of cityhood on 10 September 2000, the festival aims to project the city as a beacon of progress in the province, thus the name, which derived from the Tagalog word tanglaw, meaning “light.” Launched in 2016, it is also, of course, an opportunity for San Joseños to gather together, enjoy and be entertained. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="179659,179658"] In the 2017 festival, the city made a bid to be included in the Guinness World Records for mounting the largest lantern parade on 19 September, involving 14,173 people. During the two years of lockdowns because of the coronavirus pandemic, the festival was held virtually. It made a comeback as an onsite event in 2022. This year, Tanglawan Festival, which has the theme, “Tanglaw ko, Bukas Mo, Mananatiling Bulakenyo. Yes to HUC!,” is made grander to promote its bid to secure a highly urbanized city status, according to the deputy festival director Glenn de Jesus. The Pasiklab ng Tanglawan: Tanglawan Festival Grand Opening at the CSJDM Sports Complex featured celebrities, such as Robi Domingo, Darren Espanto, Paul Salas, AC Bonifacio and Jillian Ward. The show also featured the debut of the new signature moves created by dance group Douglas Nierras Powerdance, performed by about 400 dancers to the new festival theme song composed by Ato del Rosario. The moves and music would be used for their street-dancing parade and competition, the Arya-aryahan Street Dance Comp the first time that the festival featured a fashion show, a nod to the city’s garment industry. Organizers said that San Jose del Monte was once considered the fashion capital. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="179653,179654"] The “Tanglaw ng Kahapon” part of the fashion show showcased the collections of Viña Romero, who is from San Jose del Monte, with accessories by Arnel Papa. A collection took heavy inspiration from the Dumagat people, an indigenous people of the city, which can be problematic. Another collection was inspired by the piña fabric. The second part of the show featured the luxurious pieces of Francis Libiran, who hails from the town of Balagtas. Organizers hope that the fashion show would be a regular part of the lineup of events of the Tanglawan Festival, which includes events regularly seen in modern festivals in the country, such as trade fairs, sporting competitions, concerts and parades. The post San Jose del Monte City strives to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US reaffirms ‘ironclad’ commitment to Phl amid celebration of 72nd anniversary of MDT
The United States on Wednesday reiterated its “ironclad” alliance commitment to the Philippines as the two nations observed the 72nd anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty. "The United States stands firm in our ironclad commitment to our alliance and partnership with the Philippines as we face new and continuing challenges," US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said in a tweet. Signed in 1951, the Philippines and the US agreed that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declared that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes. Earlier this month, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III reiterated that the MDT between Washington and Manila is extended to the latter’s public vessels. “Austin reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include those of its Coast Guard—in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said. This was after China Coast Guard aggressively attempted to block the Philippines from its resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The US, along with other Western countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and France have condemned China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration – a landmark decision that China continues to reject. The post US reaffirms ‘ironclad’ commitment to Phl amid celebration of 72nd anniversary of MDT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
British foreign chief visit to Manila to boost UK-Phl ties
United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Spencer Cleverly’s visit to the Philippines will bolster the ties between London and Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. Cleverly, who is expected to arrive in Manila today for a one-day official visit, will meet his counterpart, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, to discuss the bilateral relations between the Philippines and United Kingdom. “The visit is anticipated to reaffirm the Philippines-United Kingdom ties and demonstrate mutually strong cooperation between the two governments, in line with the PH-UK Enhanced Partnership which was launched in November 2021,” the DFA said in a statement. The two foreign chiefs are also expected to exchange views on pressing regional issues, after their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ministerial meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia last month. During his one-day visit to Manila, the British Foreign Secretary will also be calling on other high-level officials of the Philippine government. Cleverly’s visit to the Philippines will be the first time since 2016 that a British Foreign Secretary has set foot in Manila. The Philippines and the United Kingdom just celebrated the 77th anniversary of their diplomatic relations last 4 July 2023. The post British foreign chief visit to Manila to boost UK-Phl ties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Legarda eyes expanded TESDA mandate in future
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda today shared her vision for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as it nears its third decade of existence. Legarda, a staunch supporter of the state agency, shared her desires for the agency, which has helped countless lives for almost three decades. “I want to envision TESDA expanding even further — where every Filipino has the opportunity to acquire the skills and tools they need to pursue their dreams and contribute to national progress,” said Legarda during her keynote address at TESDA’s anniversary celebration at SM Megamall. “Upskilling and reskilling must be an option that is available to all,” she added. “We must transform lives beyond the limitations of social and economic boundaries. TESDA has a large role to play in answering the demands of the labor sector and in shaping a labor force that is responsive, fit, and adaptive.” For her role in promoting various livelihood programs in her home province of Antique, Legarda was bestowed the National TESDA Kabalikat Award in 2021. Among the programs pushed were the Barangay Kabuhayan Skills Training Program (BKSTP), Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), and Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), which has benefitted over 18,000 Antiqueño trainees since 2016. During the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Legarda ensured that access to tertiary education included those in the technical-vocational sector. As one of her first pieces of legislation to open her fourth term in the Senate, Legarda pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 6, a proposed measure that seeks to create the Department of Technical Education, Training and Certification. Once passed, it will strengthen the role of the TESDA to serve as a leading partner in the development of the Filipino workforce. She also praised the agency for being at the forefront of web-based education through the TESDA Online Program, which has produced 3,220,912 course completions in 2022 alone. “The world is changing at a rapid pace — technology, automation, and digitalization are reshaping industries and demanding new skill sets,” remarked Legarda. “TESDA must be at the center of this. Our businesses and industries must connect with our educational institutions to assess, plan, and strategize our approach to providing quality technical-vocational education,” she continued. The post Legarda eyes expanded TESDA mandate in future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘BLINK x BLACKPINK forever’: 7 years of the K-pop megagroup
BLACKPINK turned seven this year, and the girl group’s members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa commemorated the event with heartfelt messages to their fans and personal photos through the years on their Instagram accounts. Jisoo shared an adorable photo booth snap of the quartet with the caption: “Blink Blackpink forever.” The 28-year-old superstar also went live on Weverse to celebrate the anniversary and talk to fellow BLINKs. Jennie, meanwhile, said in a post accompanying a mini-album of the group: “7 years with @blackpinkofficial. I love us, I love Blackpink, I love Blinks.” Lisa also shared personal photos of her bandmates, noting how the number seven is one of her favorite numbers and now they’ve reached seven years in the industry: “Happy 7th anniversary to me and my 3 amazing girls @blackpinkofficial… I hope this year will be a lucky one for us! Love you girls and blinks so so much.” Not to be left out, Rosé penned a long and emotional tribute to the girls and all their fans along with childhood photos. [caption id="attachment_168666" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF IG/LALISA MANOBAN[/caption] “Thank you, Blackpink for being such a blessing in my life. I have really been able to experience everything and more than what I have ever dreamed of growing up as an aspiring artist. Thank you, thank you and thank you a thousand times. Blackpink, Blinks, Teddy, YG entertainment and everyone else who believed in @blackpinkofficial for the past seven years,” she wrote. “My heart is so full. I cannot express my gratitude for every single person who has been a part of this seven year journey with us four. 7…..!!! @blackpinkofficial is officially seven years old today.! And I am immensely proud of every single one of us. For making history. For always having so much fun and pride with what we do. Thank you to our blinks for trusting each and every one of us, all along,” she added. BLACKPINK was the first girl group from YG Entertainment in seven years, debuting in 2016 with their hit songs “Boombayah” and “Whistle.” The K-pop megagroup rose to global stardom and became one of the most successful girl groups in the world. The BLACKPINK girls are also shining brightly in their solo endeavors. Aside from the successful solo music they released, they also became global ambassadors of several luxury brands like Dior Beauty, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Bulgari and more. Jisoo and Jennie have also ventured into acting. Jisoo bagged her first lead role in the successful 2022 drama Snowdrop while Jennie made her Hollywood debut alongside Lily-Rose Depp in the recently concluded television series The Idol. BLACKPINK has been headlining its second worldwide concert tour “Born Pink World Tour” since 2022, which will conclude on 26 August in Los Angeles, California. The post ‘BLINK x BLACKPINK forever’: 7 years of the K-pop megagroup appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl sends note verbale to China
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government has sent a note verbale to China after a Chinese coast guard vessel used a water cannon on a Philippine boat that was on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with the media following a command conference in Bulacan, Marcos said the note verbale included pictures and video of the incident. “Our secretary of foreign affairs summoned Ambassador Huang (Xilian) today and gave him a note verbale, including pictures and video of what happened, and we are awaiting their reply,” Marcos told reporters. The incident happened Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard was escorting chartered boats carrying food, water, fuel and other supplies for Filipino military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. [caption id="attachment_168205" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela (left), spokesperson for the National Security Council Jonathan Malaya (center) and spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Colonel Medel Aguilar take part in a press conference in response to recent aggression by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila on 7 August. | Ezra Acayan / POOL/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE[/caption] Howls of protests The US State Department on Sunday condemned the Chinese action, saying it was carried out by its coast guard and “maritime militia,” and it directly threatened regional peace and stability. Britain, Australia, Canada and the European Union also criticized Beijing’s action. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. The Philippine military and Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of breaking international law in blocking and firing a water cannon at the resupply mission, which prevented one of the charter boats from reaching the shoal. Another charter boat successfully delivered its cargo. China said it had taken the “necessary controls” against Philippines boats that had “illegally” entered its waters. Marcos said, “We continue to assert our sovereignty and territorial rights in the face of all of these challenges, consistent with international law and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) especially.” He said the Philippines would also continue to communicate with the Chinese government to try and resolve the issue. “Of course, China’s position is that they say, ‘we own this, that’s why we are defending it.’ On our side, we say, ‘no, this is ours, that’s why we are also defending it.’ That’s why there’s a gray area being discussed now,” Marcos said. The incident at Ayungin Shoal is the latest in a series of Chinese provocations in the West Philippine Sea. In recent months, Chinese coast guard vessels have harassed Philippine fishing boats and blocked resupply missions to its military outposts in the area. 444 diplomatic protests The Philippines has repeatedly called on China to respect its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. China, however, has refused to recognize the Philippines’ claims to the area. For context, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday the Philippines has so far filed 444 diplomatic protests against China regarding its activities in the West Philippine Sea since 2020. Of this number, this year alone Manila has so far filed 34 diplomatic protests against Beijing. In the same media interview, Marcos said the recent West Philippine Sea incidents are unrelated to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent visit to China. Marcos was asked about what Duterte reported to him regarding his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and why the incidents have recurred. “I don’t think it’s related. I don’t think this is related to his visit,” Marcos said. He said he and Duterte discussed the latter’s conversation with Xi, but that some things that were discussed need to remain confidential. “That is between President Digong and myself,” Marcos said. He said the incidents in the South China Sea involved “operational aspects” of the Philippines’ military, navy, and coast guard, which is why it is “difficult to discuss them in too much detail.” “These are things that are being handled by our military, our navy, our coast guard,” he said. Duterte and Xi met in Beijing on 17 July, shortly after the Philippines marked the seventh anniversary of the arbitral decision that affirmed the nation’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, countering China’s extensive territorial assertions. Chinese media reported that Xi expressed hope that Duterte would maintain a significant position in fostering an amicable collaboration between the Philippines and China. Another report said that Xi urged Duterte to “play an important role in the friendly cooperation between the two countries.” Marcos acknowledged the former president’s visit to China and expressed openness to establishing fresh channels of communication amid ongoing concerns in the South China Sea. The post Phl sends note verbale to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate adopts reso on WPS harassment
A resolution denouncing China’s intrusion into the West Philippine Sea and its harassment of Filipino fishermen was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. The approval of Senate Resolution 718, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Risa Hontiveros, came after the Senate held an executive session on Monday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and their senior officials. Members of the Senate, as well as the mentioned officials, discussed Hontiveros’s earlier resolution 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. Under the resolution, the lawmakers urged the Philippine government, through the DFA, to “continue asserting” the country’s sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone. Likewise, the agency was encouraged to “intensify” efforts to engage the international community in upholding its hard-earned victory at the Hague. The Philippines celebrated the seventh anniversary of its historic victory over China in 2016 last month, which solidified Manila’s claims to the West Philippine Sea. China has continued to reject the arbitral ruling and stood by its historic rights over the area. As of 5 July, the Philippine government, through the DFA, has filed a total of 30 diplomatic protests against China in the last seven months. Over the span of three years, Manila has sent a total of 427 notes verbale against Beijing. The resolution also states that the DFA is “expected” to continue holding dialogues with the Chinese government to push for recognition and respect of the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its EEZ and pursue the formulation of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea based on international law and the UNCLOS. Should China continue to ignore the country’s efforts, the resolution contains actions the agency must do such as bringing international attention to China’s harassment of Filipino fishermen in the Philippine EEZ and its continued violation of the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS; utilizing international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and raise awareness on the real situation in the West Philippine Sea; and engaging with “like-minded” countries to call on China to respect the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS. The DFA is also encouraged to file a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly, to call for the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the Philippines’ established rights in the West Philippine Sea; and pursue other diplomatic modes as the agency may deem appropriate and necessary. ‘Never watered down’ In his manifestation, Zubiri stressed that the resolution filed by Hontiveros was “never watered down,” but instead “strengthened.” “We came out with strong consensus yesterday after the discussions with the West Philippine Sea Task Force, together with the AFP chief of staff General Brawner and DFA Secretary Manalo and actually we never watered down the resolution that we filed, we actually strengthened the first resolution that we initially filed with Senator Risa,” he said. “I think what happened here is we strengthened the position of the government. Now we gave them several options to choose on how to deal with our neighbors in the North,” he added. He continued: “And the beauty of this is with proper consensus and of course consultations among our colleagues we have come out unanimous.” For her part, Hontiveros expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for the adoption of the resolution, which she described as an “important success” for the country. “I would first like to thank all our colleagues for this concerted effort to not only make the West Philippine Sea issue a part of our national conversation but for ensuring that the Philippine government takes the necessary steps to consolidate global support over our historic 2016 Arbitral Award,” she said. “This bipartisan effort tells the Filipino people that when it comes to matters of national sovereignty, we will never be bullied into submission.” The post Senate adopts reso on WPS harassment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate adopts reso condemning China’s incursion, harassment in WPS
A resolution denouncing China's intrusion into the West Philippine Sea and its harassment of Filipino fishermen was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. The approval of Senate Resolution 718, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Risa Hontiveros, came after the Senate held an executive session on Monday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and their senior officials. Members of the Senate, as well as mentioned officials, discussed Hontiveros’s earlier resolution 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. Under the resolution, the lawmakers urged the Philippine government, through the DFA, to “continue asserting” the country’s sovereign rights over its exclusive economic rights. Likewise, the agency was also encouraged to “intensify” efforts to engage the international community in upholding its hard-earned victory at the Hague. The Philippines celebrated the seventh anniversary of its historic victory over China in 2016 last month, which solidified Manila's claims to the West Philippine Sea. China has continued to reject the arbitral ruling and stood by its historic rights over the area. As of July 5, the Philippine government, through DFA, has filed a total of 30 diplomatic protests against China in the last seven months. Over the span of three years, Manila has sent a total of 427 notes verbale against Beijing. The resolution also states that the DFA is “expected” to continue holding dialogues with the Chinese government to push for recognition and respect of the Philippines' sovereign rights over its EEZ and pursue the formulation of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea based on international law and the UNCLOS. Should China continue to ignore the country’s efforts, the resolution contains actions the agency must do such as bringing international attention to China's harassment of Filipino fishermen in the Philippine EEZ and its continued violation of the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS; utilizing international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and raise awareness on the real situation in the West Philippine Sea; and engaging with “like-minded” countries to call on China to respect the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS. The DFA is also encouraged to file a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly, to call for the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the Philippines' established rights in the West Philippine Sea; and pursue other diplomatic modes as the agency may deem appropriate and necessary. ‘Never watered down’ In his manifestation, Zubiri stressed that the resolution filed by Hontiveros was “never watered down,” but instead “strengthened.” “We came out with strong consensus yesterday after the discussions with the West Philippine Sea Task Force, together with the AFP chief of staff General Brawner and DFA Secretary Manalo and actually we never watered down the resolution that we filed, we actually strengthened the first resolution that we initially filed with Senator Risa,” he said. “I think what happened here is we strengthened the position of the government. Now we gave them several options to choose on how to deal with our neighbors in the North,” he added. He continued: “And the beauty of this is with proper consensus and of course consultations among our colleagues we have come out unanimous.” For her part, Hontiveros expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for the adoption of the resolution, which she described as an “important success” for the country. “I would first like to thank all our colleagues for this concerted effort to not only make the West Philippine Sea issue a part of our national conversation but for ensuring that the Philippine government takes the necessary steps to consolidate global support over our historic 2016 Arbitral Award,” she said. “This bipartisan effort tells the Filipino people that when it comes to matters of national sovereignty, we will never be bullied into submission. In the face of relentless China propaganda since last week, we held our ground. Despite fake news and lies to stop the adoption of the measure, we stood firm,” she added. She continued: “This is an important success not only of the Senate but of the whole Philippines. The Senate crossed party lines to stand unified for our country.” The lawmaker also said that the fight against China’s reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea “does not end here.” “The fight continues,” she stressed. The post Senate adopts reso condemning China’s incursion, harassment in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jewels in the Palace kitchen
Power and food. These are not usually spoken in the same sentence, but hey, they go hand in hand. Last September, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos posted on her official Facebook page a photo showing her at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new catering area in Malacañang. No other details of the project were released. The post got mixed reactions from netizens. However, despite the praise and criticisms of said post, it somehow got us into thinking — who are the people behind the important functions of each and every chief executive living in the Palace? Hands down, Glenda Rosales Barretto comes to mind. The one and only doyenne of Philippine cuisine. She of the Via Mare fame. From Ferdinand Marcos Sr. down to Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Barretto presided over numerous state dinners in Malacañang. The most recent was the inaugural ball of the 17th president of the Philippines, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Barretto is caterer extraordinaire well-known for reinventing and refining Filipino dishes fit to be served at the highest tables in the land. During PBBM’s inauguration, she served savory chicken soup with ginger, lemongrass and green papaya (more like a deboned chicken tinola), prawn in roasted coconut cream, seared prime beef tenderloin with kaldereta sauce and guava-basil sorbet. Barretto is also popular for her humba (a Visayan braised pork similar to the classic adobo), crispy adobo flakes (ultra crunchy and extra flaky dish using chicken, beef or pork), pancit luglog, puto bumbong and bibingka. Via Mare, founded in 1975, has a well-established and long-standing reputation of being the choice concessionaire to do banquets for heads of state and international guests in the Palace serving traditional flavors. It can be recalled that Barretto rose to prominence when she catered the silver wedding anniversary of President Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, and soon after became the official caterer of the Palace. [caption id="attachment_161357" align="aligncenter" width="1137"] MARGARITA Fores | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESYOF www.theworlds50best.com/[/caption] Margarita “Gaita” Fores Gaita Fores has also been trusted in handling the country’s most delicious affairs, hosted by the Palace for visiting chiefs of state. “I started catering only during Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s time,” said Fores in a text message to Daily Tribune. Fores recently catered the state dinner for Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the first European prime minister to visit the country under the new administration to discuss trade relations and mutual cooperation. The Asia’s Best Female Chef also served a delectable Filipino spread before the men and women of the diplomatic corps during the last vin d’honneur in Malacañang to celebrate the 12 June Independence Day. In 2016’s vin d’honneur, the last major function of the Aquino administration, Fores’ Cibo presented a Filipino buffet of three kinds of longganisa, toasted adobo flakes and corned beef flakes. Fores, who’s been in the food business for more than 30 years, has also prepared presidential dinners for King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, US Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama and Prince Albert of Monaco in Malacañang state dining room. Fores is the first cousin of former senator and interior secretary Mar Roxas, who is the second cousin of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Chef Jessie Sincioco Jessie Sincioco, dubbed the “Papal Chef,” is still the most in demand chef for fine dining and fine catering today. She has served the dining pleasure of Presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Noynoy Aquino and Rodrigo Duterte. She catered the inauguration lunch of PBBM for the diplomatic corps at the National Museum, serving smoked milkfish on toast with bihod, mini croissant sandwiches of smoked salmon or chicken salad, mini pandesal stuffed with chicken adobo or grilled kesong puti, lemongrass chicken, brochette of beef lamb ball with potato and ensaimada balls with ube halaya, to name some. A frequent caterer to Malacañang, Sincioco shares with us some of the favorite food of each president that she has served through the years. “Tita Cory loved spinach mushroom soufflé,” said Sincioco in a text message to this writer. “FVR, pan-fried Chilean seabass. Estrada, roast beef. GMA, chocolate durian souffle. PNoy, US black angus bistek. Digong, pan-fried Chilean seabass. BBM, brochette of lamb and beef ball with potato (pica-pica).” [caption id="attachment_161361" align="aligncenter" width="730"] millie and Karla Reyes. |PHOTOGRAPH COURTESYOF www.flavorsoflife.com[/caption] The Plaza The Plaza Catering, another reputable food and catering service run by the mother-and-daughter team of Millie and Karla Reyes, also has the privilege of serving the head of state and official banquets. “We have catered all presidents from Marcos Sr. to Duterte,” said Karla. “Not yet with PBBM.” The Plaza has been in the business since 1965 and is well-known for its piece de resistance — The Plaza premium baked ham and corned beef which Millie and Karla include in the menu whenever they cater to the Palace banquets. The Plaza has played host to foreign heads of state, such as Pope Paul VI, US Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George H.W. Bush, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Premier Li Hsien Yen of the People’s Republic of China. They also shared their version of the presidents’ favorites. “Marcos Sr., fish and Ilocano food. He had his own cook preparing his meals,” said Karla. “Imelda, steaks and she’s a very good cook. Erap, lechon and our boiled Angus corned beef and baked ham. GMA and husband Mike, The Plaza ham. PNoy, barbecue and angus tapa.” She added: “For Duterte, we didn’t get to serve him up close and personal. We catered an event at Malacañang but he came like five hours late to his own event so he didn’t eat anymore.” [caption id="attachment_161358" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Bulak Bustaliño at the Arlegui Guest House in 1996. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF kusina ni maria[/caption] Kusina ni Maria During the time of Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos, Kusina ni Maria would also cater to Malacañang events, including special occasions at the Arlegui Guest House, where Cory and FVR lived during their time while holding government affairs in the Executive Building. Among their favorites were lengua con setas, chicken relleno, callos a la Madrileña, zarzuela de mariscos, grilled blue marlin, sarsiadong bias, paksiw na bihud, asadong curacha, tostadong alimango, kare-kare oxtail with bagoong, lao-ya, minaisang kabute and pancit buko. “Same dishes as what we have now,” said Ding Bustaliño, who now runs Kusina ni Maria founded by her late mom Bulak Bustaliño in 1984. “I used to join my mom in Arlegui when she would check the table setting, flowers and those were the food she would serve.” The real jewels in the Palace — made up of the virtual who’s who in Philippine cuisine — are in the kitchen. The post Jewels in the Palace kitchen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stalled CoC tabled anew
The long-delayed negotiations for a Code of Conduct or CoC on the West Philippine Sea resume next month reviving hopes for a binding agreement that China will adhere to in defusing maritime tensions, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed. Talks between ASEAN members and China are scheduled in Manila in August. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague issued an award that basically invalidated the nine-dash line claim of China but did not settle sovereignty issues. China refused to participate in the proceedings and said it did not recognize the ruling. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo announced the latest development following the completion of the second reading of the Single Draft CoC negotiating text. Pandemic stalled talks Constraints brought about by the pandemic prevented ASEAN and China from holding CoC negotiations over the past two years. According to Manalo, Manila anticipates adopting an “effective and substantive” agreement next month. In addition, the DFA chief advocated for stronger cooperation on several issues related to ASEAN and Beijing relations, saying that everyone involved “must ensure that gains are not undercut by threats to regional peace, security, and stability, as well as major power rivalries.” “Regarding developments in the South China Sea, we call for the effective management and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” Manolo said. Both ASEAN and China reiterated through a joint statement their intent to expedite the negotiations on the long-stalled CoC. Back in November 2022, Manalo bared that at least two or three rounds of negotiations were expected to take place this year. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are at odds over the resource-rich South China Sea, with China claiming the disputed waterway entirely. China remained firm over its territorial claims, notwithstanding the 2016 arbitral award. Last week, the Philippines, joined by its allies, celebrated the seventh anniversary of the country’s victory in the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration. The post Stalled CoC tabled anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China still intractable
On the seventh anniversary of the Philippines’ historic 12 July 2016 arbitration victory in which the Permanent Court of Arbitration or PCA in The Hague that voided China’s sweeping claims, including over the West Philippine Sea which covers the exclusive economic zone stretching 200 nautical miles from Philippine shores, the words of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. strike an uplifting chord in the hearts of all patriotic Filipinos. “I will not preside over any process that will abandon even one square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power,” he said with conviction to thunderous applause as he stood before members of Congress in joint session for his first SONA on 25 July 2022. The words of the President serve as the title to the microsite recently launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs, which marks the seventh year of Manila’s victory against China at the PCA. That victory, the DFA said on the site, “authoritatively ruled that the claim of historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash’ line had no basis in law and is without any legal effect.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo describes the site as a central resource of information regarding the award and its contribution to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS and international law. China, ironically, was among the first to ratify UNCLOS in 1992. Said Manalo, “Anniversaries remind us of the trajectory we have taken as a nation and as a people. In the decision (by the Philippine government, under then President Benigno C. Aquino III) to file an arbitration case, the Philippines opted to take the path of principle, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Tribunal’s decision affirmed the correctness of that course of action.” It took three years from the Philippines’ filing of its case against China until 12 July 2016 for the PCA to issue its ruling that crushed China’s claims over the SCS, including its nine-dash line, denouncing the encroachment in and harassment by armed Chinese maritime elements of Filipino fishermen in the WPS. China has long argued that its claim over the South China Sea is historical in nature, with Chinese scholars and analysts contending that islands in the South China Sea were first discovered by China’s Han dynasty over two millennia ago. In his book Asia’s Cauldron, US scholar and strategist Robert D. Kaplan says that between the 10th and 14th centuries, during the Song and Yuan dynasties, many official and unofficial Chinese accounts show the South China Sea to be within China’s national boundaries. He, however, argued that this “historical rights” argument has been challenged on several fronts. First, there is scant proof that China had controlled the South China Sea after the mid-17th century. “Indeed, after a burst of seafaring exploration during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), China’s emperors largely shut their empire off from the seas,” said Chinese marine geographer Wang Ying who contends that, consequently, there is scarce cartographic proof of China’s rights over the SCS. While the nine-dash line concept has been around since 1947, Chinese maps — for the longest time — hardly gave it any prominence. This changed in 2009 when a map marking the nine-dash line was included in the documents submitted by China to the UN during a dispute with Vietnam. Today, Chinese passports are emblazoned with a map with nine dashes through the South China Sea as well as a 10th dash that counts Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. Still, there exists vagueness over what China’s nine-dash line implies. Wang says the dash lines mean that “the ocean, islands, and reefs all belong to China and that China has sovereign right over them. But it’s discontinuous, meaning other countries can pass through the lines freely.” Notwithstanding the ambiguities over its nine-dash line concept and the quashing by the PCA of its claim over the SCS, China, to this day, refuses to recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling even as nations, including the US, Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the European Union have expressed strong support for the landmark decision that recognized Philippine sovereign rights over its EEZ in the WPS. For the US, the 2016 ruling of the tribunal constituted under UNCLOS is “final and legally binding.” The EU called the ruling a “significant milestone” and a “useful basis for the peaceful resolution of disputes…” even as Canadian Ambassador David Hartman said, “We have always been strong in our position; we have been an active vocal proponent on the enforcement of it, encouraging all parties involved to respect the ruling.” Speaking for President Marcos, DFA Secretary Manalo welcomed “the growing number of partners that have expressed support for the Award. We are honored that the Award stands as a beacon whose guiding light serves all nations. It is a settled landmark and a definitive contribution to the progressive development of international law. It is ours, as much as it is the world’s.” A world, that is, that an obdurate China doesn’t seem to want to be part of nor care for unless it can be bent to its will. The post China still intractable appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA: 2016 arbitral ruling no longer contestable
The 2016 arbitral ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that cemented the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippines is “no longer contestable,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday. Responding to Beijing’s statement that the 2016 arbitral award is “illegal, null and void,” DFA spokesperson Tess Daza reiterated Manila’s position in the matter. “The Award is no longer contestable and is beyond compromise. It is now a part of international law. We firmly reject attempts to deliberately diminish or undermine the Award’s definitive legal effects in international law,” Daza said, quoting DFA Undersecretary Tess Lazaro. On Wednesday, the Philippines commemorated the seventh anniversary of the landmark decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands favored the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea with wider support from different countries. However, China through its embassy in Manila, maintained its position about the 2016 arbitral award. “China’s position on the so-called South China Sea arbitration and the award is consistent, clear, and firm. The Arbitral Tribunal gravely violated UNCLOS and general international law,” it said. “The award is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action based on the award,” it added. Likewise, Beijing urged other nations outside the region to “respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.” ‘Hypocrite’ The statement did not sit well with Senator Risa Hontiveros, who warned China that its continuous rejection of the Philippine victory in the West Philippine Sea arbitral ruling “further isolates itself from the international community.” “The world has spoken: the territorial claims embodied in the so-called '9-dash line' have no basis in history or international law. Despite the name, the South China Sea is not Chinese, and the Chinese government has no special authority therein, other than as provided for in the UNCLOS,” Hontiveros said in a statement. “China’s call for the rest of the world to stay out of the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea and respect its ‘territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests; is the height of hypocrisy, as the Chinese government itself all too willingly violates the sovereignty, rights, and interests of other claimant countries when it thinks it can get away with it,” she added. She also cautioned the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines to “at least show some basic courtesy to the Philippines, their host country, before deciding to release inflammatory statements on a day the Filipino people are celebrating a great victory.” “This is an affront to the Filipinos who stood up for ourselves, and had the heart, courage, and fighting spirit to take China to court,” she said. The senator said that if China continued to reject the arbitral decision, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should reconsider the country’s policies with China. “If China keeps ignoring the Arbitral Ruling, the Marcos administration should seriously consider reviewing our national policy toward China,” she said. The post DFA: 2016 arbitral ruling no longer contestable appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beijing hits U.S. as arbitral ‘mastermind’
After several countries backed the 2016 arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea, China yesterday maintained the same to be “void.” “China’s position on the so-called South China Sea arbitration and the award is consistent, clear, and firm. The arbitral tribunal gravely violated UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) and general international law,” the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said in a statement on Wednesday night. “The award is illegal, null, and void. China does not accept or recognize it and will never accept any claim or action based on the award,” it added. Likewise, the Chinese Embassy took a swipe at the United States for “playing up” the 2016 arbitral award to exert pressure on China. China averred that as “the mastermind behind the South China Sea arbitration,” the US “ropes in allies to play up the issue each year on the anniversary of the illegal award to gang up against China, exert pressure, and force China into accepting the award.” On Wednesday, the Philippines commemorated the seventh anniversary of the 12 July 2016 arbitral ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and received an outpouring of support from different countries. Foreign ministers and ambassadors from at least eight countries, such as the United States, Japan, the European Union, Australia, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and India, reiterated their support for the landmark ruling. They also urged Beijing to recognize the arbitral ruling and stop its “harassment” in the South China Sea. Beijing, however, stood by its historic rights over the West Philippine Sea, which is part of the larger South China Sea. “China’s sovereignty and relevant rights and interests in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history and are solidly grounded in history and the law. This shall under no circumstances be affected by any illegal award,” the embassy said. The post Beijing hits U.S. as arbitral ‘mastermind’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Italy push for bilateral ties expansion on maritime security
The Philippines and Italy have agreed to push the enhancement of their defense partnership as both nations shared an interest in global peace and the freedoms guaranteed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, said the Department of National Defense on Thursday. This development came after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the Italian delegation, led by Italian Ambassador to Manila Marco Clemente and visiting Deputy Minister of Defense Matteo Perego di Cremnago in a courtesy visit to the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on 11 July. DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the two sides noted the 7th anniversary of the South China Sea Arbitration Award on 12 July 2016—which upholds the primacy of the UNCLOS as the law of the sea—wherein Italy, among other states, has expressed firm support to the ruling. “Secretary Teodoro stressed the significance of broad international recognition of and support for the Award, which benefits all countries,” Andolong said. Andolong said Teodoro emphasized the importance of laying down a framework for defense cooperation, which will help build a foundation for resilience against future security challenges and also cover the enhancement of personnel capacities, including in the areas of the maritime domain and the law of the sea. Further to cooperation in terms of acquisition of hard assets, he added. The Italian Deputy Defence Minister’s brief visit to Manila came alongside the four-day goodwill visit by ITS “Francesco Morosini”—one of the Italian Navy’s latest and most advanced multipurpose offshore patrol vessels. The Italian government said the Morosini is in the region “to promote naval diplomacy and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.” “The Deputy Minister’s visit as well as that of the Morosini signal Italy’s keen interest in fostering closer relations with the Philippines,” Andolong stressed. The post Phl, Italy push for bilateral ties expansion on maritime security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China accuses US of forcing it to accept 2016 tribunal ruling
The Chinese Embassy in Manila called the US the “mastermind” behind the arbitration in a statement issued on the seventh anniversary of the Philippines’ victory against China. .....»»
Allied nations tell China: Acknowledge arbitral ruling
The Philippines marked the seventh anniversary of its landmark victory against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration with an outpouring of support from different countries. At least eight nations on Wednesday renewed their support for the 2016 Hague ruling that cemented Manila’s claim to the West Philippine Sea. Diplomats from the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and the European Union called on China to acknowledge the ruling and stop its “harassment” of claimant states in the South China Sea. On this day, seven years ago, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands favored the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea, rejecting China’s nine-dash line claim. “We continue to urge Beijing to comport its maritime claims with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention; to cease its routine harassment of claimant state vessels lawfully operating in their respective exclusive economic zones; [and to] halt its disruption of states’ sovereign right to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage their natural resources,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. Miller called on Beijing to end its “interference” with the freedom of navigation and the overflight of states lawfully operating in the region. “We will continue working with allies and partners to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, one that is at peace and grounded in respect for international law,” he said. Last week, Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and carried out “dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine Coast Guard ships in the Ayungin Shoal. Beijing, however, countered Manila’s claim, saying the Chinese maneuvers were “professional and restrained.” It also insisted on its territorial claim over Ayungin Shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Reef, saying the Philippines “intruded” into its waters. Ayungin Shoal is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines. ‘Final, legally binding’ Japan also joined the growing pressure on China to recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling which it described as “final and legally binding.” “As the tribunal’s award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the parties to this case, the Philippines and China, are required to comply with the award,” Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshima said in a statement. “The claim by China that it will not accept the award is against the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, and undermines the rule of law as a fundamental value of the international community,” he added. According to Hayashi, Tokyo “strongly hopes” that the parties’ compliance with the award will “lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.” “Upholding and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law will be to the benefit of all countries, large and small,” he said. He noted that Japan renewed its objection to China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea, saying that these were “inconsistent” with UNCLOS. He also said that it remained “seriously concerned” about the current situation in the area. “Japan will continue working in coordination with ASEAN and other countries concerned to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.” ‘Strongly opposes’ Likewise, the European Union “strongly opposes” any “unilateral attempts” to change the peacefully established status of territories by “force or coercion” anywhere in the world, be it in Eastern Europe or the South China Sea. In a forum organized by the international think tank Stratbase ADRI Institute, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron reiterated that the Permanent Court of Arbitration laid down very clearly that there is “no legal basis” for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. “We are one with the Philippines and other international partners in stressing the importance of upholding international law, including UNCLOS and the peaceful settlement of disputes as the basis for peace and stability in this part of the world, as elsewhere,” Veron said in his speech. “Respect for the rules-based international order is at the core of the EU’s approach towards cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” he added. According to the envoy, the EU is “determined to work with the Philippines and other partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific and, more broadly, a free and open international order” based on the rule of law.” “The EU also stands ready to facilitate activities which help build confidence, and prevent and defuse tensions,” he said. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu echoed the same sentiments, stressing that Canberra wants to see a “peaceful South China Sea where international law is respected and adhered to, and waterways are open for trade.” Yu also stressed that maritime claims inconsistent with UNCLOS are causing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. “Australia is deeply concerned when countries pursue claims or engage in activities that are inconsistent with international law where they undertake activities that are provocative and destabilizing or where they don’t respect the rights and freedoms of others or when they advance their claims by intimidation and coercion,” she said. “UNCLOS provides the comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas and it provides the foundation for peace and security and stability in the maritime domain,” she said. She continued: “Adherence to UNCLOS is vitally important for the region and maritime claims within the South China Sea or elsewhere must be consistent with it.” Outgoing French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz also supports Manila’s position in the West Philippine Sea, saying that Paris is “concerned” by the recent development in the area. “There is indeed no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. This position was clearly stated in April during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ communiqué,” Boccoz said. “Also last week, together with the Philippines and other like-minded countries, France expressed its concern with regard to the recent developments involving Chinese vessels in the South China Sea,” she added. She also noted that France welcomes the growing support for the 2016 arbitral award while reaffirming its commitment to the Philippines. “In the current context of rising tensions, the relevance of the 2016 Award is gaining stronger momentum, as reflected by the wider support of like-minded nations,” she said. “We welcome this trend and we will continue to show our support. We will continue to walk the talk,” she added. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran likewise expressed New Delhi’s support for the arbitral award. “Let me take a few minutes to also say that today’s discussion on the arbitral award is a reflection of the broader approach that both India and Asean have taken and our bilateral relations with the Philippines as well,” Kumaran said. “And accordingly, I think in the joint statement, we did recognize the need for adherence to international law and called for the arbitral award to be respected in that context,” he added. 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