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Save BRP Sierra Madre
Geopolitical tensions rise by the week at the West Philippine Sea with the consistent occurrence of untoward incidents deliberately committed towards our citizens. This week, Chinese sea vessels collided with Philippine boats on their way to resupply the troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. This type of news breaks out so often that we feel it is a regular thing. What we might be missing is that this might blow up to gargantuan proportions, which we may fail to control. We must save the BRP Sierra Madre at all costs. This relic of a military jewel has gained enormous significance in our territorial claim over the disputed islands, specifically the Spratlys. It is symbolic of our culture and socially specific mannerisms. The ship was built for the US Navy, passed to Vietnam, and went to the Philippines. At the peak of the territorial tensions before the victorious UNCLOS ruling, the Philippines ran the ship aground on Ayungin Shoal, located in the Spratly Islands, to stake our claim. Reminiscent of the Filipino jeepney — an artifact and mode of transportation that we inherited from the Americans that still plies our roads nationwide — the BRP Sierra Madre is here to stay. Just like the jeepney drivers who refuse to give up their affordable and practical way of transporting passengers to make a living, the Philippine Navy refuses to give up the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, leaving several troops there to guard it, to stake the Philippines’ sovereign claim over the West Philippine Sea. It may be unfortunate that this is the best that we can do. This is saddening, especially since the Chinese emphasize their claim by building artificial islands and military outposts and bullying our people by exhibiting their high-powered sea vessels. But the Filipinos are resilient and will come into a fight, bringing whatever they can pick up, which, in this case, is a dilapidated and retired navy ship. The National Security Council categorically stated that we will not be deterred by the collisions caused by the Chinese Coast Guard. The Department of Foreign Affairs filed another diplomatic protest, but the Chinese envoy did not show up at their offices. Instead, we received news that the Chinese government is no longer interested in funding several projects in the Philippines. The first project that bit the dust was the Mindanao Railway, a much-heralded transportation system that would have linked key cities in Mindanao. If we recall, the Chinese also backed out of the Makati Subway System, even after right-of-way acquisitions had been made. In diplomatic relations, the key skill is making everyone happy, which is highly improbable. The President’s evident closeness to the US is manifested by the routine war games conducted by American and Filipino soldiers. The expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to other military bases early in the Marcos administration showed the preference of our President. The question here is if there will be a US payback to the Philippines for the renewed and strengthened relations by the administration, considering that there are still five years until the next presidential election. What we must worry about is the possibility of war erupting in the West Philippine Sea, where we would surely be the victims if we fail to associate ourselves with strong countries. And we hope China is not taking note of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Destructive wars should be avoided, and it would be advisable for our President to exercise due diligence in dealing with the USA and China. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com. The post Save BRP Sierra Madre appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Collision or ramming?
When nations compete for dominance, the concepts of fairness and sovereignty often go by the wayside. This weekend’s collision of Philippine vessels with Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea should serve as a vivid reminder of China’s aggressive expansionism in this crucial maritime region. While troubling, this incident is just part of a larger pattern of Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels within our territorial waters. China once again relied on its victim-blaming strategy, accusing the Philippines of “deliberately stirring up trouble” in an incident that the Philippine Coast Guard allegedly planned. These claims are ridiculous and unfounded, part of China’s long-running endeavor to legitimize its illegal acts in the West Philippine Sea. But regardless of Beijing’s bluster, the Philippines has the right to stand up to a neighborhood bully. Its claim to sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is firmly rooted in the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, which categorically rejected China’s extensive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap with the West Philippine Sea. This landmark decision made it evident that China’s historical claims do not hold up under international law, in an area where competing claims by other countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have sparked geopolitical concerns. Historically, the territorial irritants that have the potential to become full-blown conflicts have centered on fishing rights, oil and gas reserves, and the strategic importance of controlling these waterways. Still, unlike China’s bold territorial expansion and contempt for international jurisprudence, the Philippines’ approach is founded on the rule of law. China’s predilections extend beyond the assertion of spurious territorial claims, as it includes the unauthorized construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea. These man-made islands function as military outposts, providing China with a strategic regional advantage. Such acts are not only illegal, but they also pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability. As the Philippines struggles for its rights, exposing China’s duplicity on a global scale is critical. While China portrays itself as a rational and responsible nation in international crises such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict, its actions in the South China Sea reflect a different face — that of a regional bully. China cannot preach peace and diplomacy while actively pursuing territorial expansion and disregarding international law when it does not support its aspirations. The collision (or was it an intentional incident of ramming by China of Philippine vessels?) near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands is just the latest chapter in China’s unrelenting pursuit of regional supremacy. Philippine efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and defend international law merit support not only from its neighbors, but also from the world community at large. The West Philippine Sea is more than just a body of water; it represents sovereignty, justice, and the triumph of law over aggression. The Philippines’ resistance to China’s bullying is a fight for the rights of all nations that value international norms, territorial integrity, and conflict resolution through peaceful means. China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea and its disrespect for the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration must be countered by the international community with the position that in the South China Sea, might does not equal right. As we consider the perilous situation in the West Philippine Sea, it’s critical to understand that this is not a one-off occurrence but part of a larger pattern. The Philippines has been subjected to constant harassment by Chinese vessels within its own waters. Filipino fishermen are being harassed, maritime resources (like coral reefs) are being pillaged, and Filipino military troops are being put in danger by Chinese warships that have no business being in Philippine waters. There can never be a repeat of the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, which allowed China to build bases on man-made islands. As it stands resolute against China’s gunboat diplomacy, the Philippines serves as a beacon of hope for all nations confronting unjustified hostility. The Philippines’ dedication to upholding international law, maintaining its sovereignty, and defending its people’s rights is admirable. The post Collision or ramming? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Papua New Guinea is fifth nation to open Jerusalem embassy
Pacific island nation Papua New Guinea opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem on Tuesday, becoming only the fifth country to have its mission in the holy city. The status of Jerusalem is the most sensitive issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape inaugurated the embassy in the presence of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu at a function in Jerusalem. "Many nations choose not to open their embassies in Jerusalem, but we made the conscious choice," said Marape, whose country previously had no embassy in Israel. "For us to call ourselves Christian, paying respect to God will not be complete without recognizing that Jerusalem is the universal capital of the people and nation of Israel," he said, inviting Netanyahu to open Israel's embassy in Papua New Guinea. Netanyahu welcomed the opening of the mission in Jerusalem, making Papua New Guinea the first Asia-Pacific country to do so. "We are very proud and very appreciative of that fact," he said, adding that the new link between the two countries "will not only enable us to cherish the past, but seize the future". Most of the countries that have a formal diplomatic presence in Israel have their embassies in Tel Aviv, the country's commercial center. Only a handful of countries have their missions in Jerusalem -- the United States, Kosovo, Guatemala, and Honduras. Papua New Guinea's decision follows a landmark security pact, tabled in the country's parliament in June and obtained by AFP, which allows the US military to develop and operate out of bases in Papua New Guinea. The pact underpins Washington's effort to outflank China in the Pacific. After capturing it in 1967, Israel annexed east Jerusalem, including the Old City, in a move never recognized by the international community. Israel views the whole city as its capital, a stance backed by former US president Donald Trump, who moved Washington's embassy there. About 230,000 Israelis live in annexed east Jerusalem, along with at least 360,000 Palestinians who want to make the sector the capital of their future independent state. Peace talks have been moribund since 2014, and violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified since last year. The post Papua New Guinea is fifth nation to open Jerusalem embassy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Upping the ante
Beijing always ups the ante when it senses that its rival for the region’s security, the United States, is making its move to challenge its dominance in the region, which was probably how the 10-dash line came to be. With the release of the new map showing an expanded “historical” claim that included parts of India, China issued a strong criticism of the Americans with Senior Col. Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, saying the US should “stop meddling in the South China Sea issue, stop sowing discord and fanning the flames, and stop disrupting regional peace and stability.” The comment was in response to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III’s statement that “the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling is binding on all parties” and “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.” Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commander of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet, backed the American position, saying the recent use of a water cannon by China’s Coast Guard against a Philippine vessel “must be challenged and checked.” He also “assured the Philippines of US backing.” Wu reiterated China’s position that the Philippines infringed on its sovereignty and violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to justify the China Coast Guard’s action. “We hope regional countries can stay vigilant, faithfully implement the DoC, and work with the Chinese side to maintain peace and stability in the region. The Chinese military will resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the spokesperson stressed. The increasing challenge from China should be matched by the US, according to geopolitical experts. A former Pentagon official, Michael Rubin, suggested the “reflagging” of islands in the disputed areas to send a clear message to China. Rubin recalled an incident in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan ordered the reflagging of nearly a dozen Kuwaiti tankers to stop Iran from attacking them to force the emirate to cease its trade with and loans to Iraq. “Reagan ignored criticism that reflagging the tankers could embroil the United States in war because he understood that at stake were not only Kuwait’s oil exports but also freedom of navigation and the rules-based order,” Rubin explained. He said that while skirmishes did occur, “once the ayatollahs understood Reagan stood firm, Iranian forces suspended their provocations.” Rubin believes that since China challenges the freedom of navigation and the broader liberal order, “perhaps the US could take a page from Reagan’s playbook and reflag not ships but rather some of the rocks, reefs, and atolls over which China now erroneously claims sovereignty.” The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated in 2016 the historical claim of China through its nine-dash line as being without basis. The root of the claim was a 1947 map the authenticity of which historians dismissed. “That Beijing bases its claim on supposed historic Chinese fishing activity further displays the emptiness of the Chinese Communist Party’s logic. After all, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Malay, Filipino and Indonesian fishermen also plied the same waters and perhaps even some closer to China,” Rubin noted. “Regardless, using the fictional map, China, in one fell swoop, claimed the bulk of the South China Sea and its considerable fishing and oil reserves,” he said. His proposal would be based on “leases drawn between the US government and its regional partners.” The leases would be backed by the arbitral award. “While the current US legal position supports the 2016 Hague tribunal judgment that finds no power can legally exercise sovereignty over disputed territories, the White House might reconsider this (stance),” Rubin added. But Rubin admitted that a greater problem might be the unwillingness of the regional states to offer leases. The proposal breaks with the usual conventions in the settling of disputes. Americans have a term for that, however: “It’s so crazy, it just might work.” The post Upping the ante appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Battle for the Arctic
The Arctic is a very sensitive environmental area. They say that if the Arctic sneezes, the whole world catches a cold. The Arctic also holds vast amounts of oil and gas. Energy is the arch-enemy of the Environment. The Arctic Council was established in 1996 in the Ottawa Declaration “as a high-level forum to provide a means for promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the (eight founding) Arctic States” (arctic-council.org). The eight Arctic States are Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. For some reason, Greenland, the largest island, was not among the eight. The agreement stood until the war in Ukraine. The international spirit of cooperation suddenly vanished. The war in Ukraine made everyone edgy, with two factors as catalysts — energy and security. An intense energy crisis ensued. And security concerns triggered polarizations similar to the ones that preceded World Wars I and II, namely, between the East, led by Russia and China, and the West, led by US-NATO-EU. There was panic over getting new energy resources, and, in fear of wars, panic over procuring new sophisticated weapons, such as hypersonic missiles, killer drones, precision lasers that can take out satellites. Weapons makers like the US and Russia had a field day selling arms to allies. There is now a sudden focus on the vast energy resources of the Arctic, with its billions of dollars in untapped oil and gas — about 13 percent of the world’s oil and about 30 percent of the world’s gas — not to mention uranium, gold, and rare metals, all sitting there under the primordial ice. No wonder the environment is no longer a concern — it has been replaced by the lust for energy. The Arctic Circle The military map above gives an overview situationer on the Arctic Circle. (Source: International Institute for Strategic Studies — Arctic Portal.) There is UN-NATO in the west and Russia in the east. There are two existing shipping routes — the Northwest Passage and the Northeast Passage — which converge at the northern tip of the Arctic Circle. There is a third Future Trans Arctic Route in between west and east. There are 27 US-NATO bases in the west, in blue, and 28 Russian bases in the east, in black. The US-NATO bases are scattered over a wide area, while the Russian bases are concentrated along its northern shores. Note the concentration of both East and West bases in the Norway-Finland area where they face each other eyeball-to-eyeball. Many geopolitical and military analysts consider this the powder-keg for future confrontations. US-NATO cannot build bases near the Russian shorelines, so they concentrated their bases in the Norway–Finland chokepoint. Current energy extractions Russia leads the pack in energy extraction. Its turf covers about 40 percent of the Arctic Circle and 53 percent of coastal areas. There are about two million Russians living in the Arctic Circle in thriving mining communities servicing Liquid Natural Gas Projects 1 and 2. Project 1 is the Yamal LNG Plant. Project 2 is the newer $21-billion Arctic LNG2 Plan, whose goal is to extract 19.8 tons of LNG a year. Global warming has melted a considerable amount of Arctic ice in the last decade, which has triggered a more frenzied exploration and mining among the Arctic States. This is especially true for the ice corridor north of the Russian coastal area, which has triggered more daring Russian ships cutting through the melting ice. There is a 21,000-kilometer passage for Russian ships to bring their export gas to Asian markets through the Suez Canal, a long arduous route through the West, which makes the gas more expensive to deliver. Because of the melting ice, Russia now has an alternative of 13,000 kilometers through the east, 40 percent shorter than the western route. The mining activities of the Western nations will be covered in the next article due to space limitations. Future conflicts The goal of the Arctic military bases is defensive, namely, to protect the mining activities. But an Arctic encounter can be catalyzed by trigger-happy generals, or even by accidental encounters, which have happened before. The first step towards the nuclearization of the Arctic is the introduction of small tactical nukes, similar to those in Belarus, facing Poland, which can be an option if one of two contending forces is “cornered.” Tactical nukes may draw an equal response from the other side in a rapid escalation. Once tactical nukes proliferate on both sides, and an incident occurs, the next steps are the big ICBMs and the war with no winners. The post Battle for the Arctic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Of China’s ‘One Belt One Road’
Sometime in August 2016, I attended the formal media launch of One Belt One Road, or OBOR, in Beijing, China. I thought then that OBOR, also referred to later as Belt and Road Initiative, must be one of the most, if not the most, significant programs of President Xi Jinping, as it was attended by hundreds of print and broadcast journalists from around the world, the Philippines included. OBOR was to revive the “Silk Road” economic belt of ancient China, a land trade route carrying its finest silk and other goods to its neighboring Central Asian countries and later to as far as Europe; whereas today’s Road refers to the 21st Century land and maritime silk route to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The land route was launched, I think in 2013, while the maritime route was given a big push in 2017. Early on, China set up the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as part of the OBOR mechanism. China sank in the initial capital and was joined later by other member countries. The Philippines was the last country to join AIIB when the late President Noynoy Aquino signed its Charter in the last few minutes of 31 December 2015, and this was ratified a year later during Duterte’s term. In sum, AIIB had 106 members to start. The Philippines, if we look at the records, derived from loans and infrastructure projects, was quite slow in availing of cheap money from this BRI initiative. Indonesia, Singapore, and other ASEAN and African countries had done so for various infra projects, among these railways, dams, and ports. The small loan amount we obtained was later topped up by China in terms of gifts which came in the form of bridges, schools, medical supplies, and vaccines when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. Add to that are the much-needed arms for our armed forces to get rid of the marauding Maute ISIS terrorist group in Marawi City and additional help to rehabilitate it later. Alarmed by the inroads China was making with the BRI through the land and marine infrastructure built with the billions of dollars it loaned to countries along the silk routes, the West was quick to make a big issue of it when Sri Lanka defaulted, calling China’s loans a “debt trap.” Of course, not a few of those struggling economies defaulted as the impact of the new infrastructure on their development had yet to gain traction. However, President Xi Jinping waived the interest dues. How is it for China midway to the Road’s target completion date of 2049? The BRI has covered more than 68 countries with an estimated 65 percent of the world’s population. All told, the largesse from China resulted in the reduction of dependency on the US and it created new markets for Chinese products. The US of A is fast losing its dominance. China, once wallowing in the quagmire of poverty, is now the second-largest economy in the world and growing. Will China then go beyond firing water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard vessels? This could only be answered by another set of questions. Is China willing to cut the marine silk route that passes through or close to the West Philippine Sea? Will its land route suffice to bring its products to its export markets in the event the sea lane is altogether cut off? Will the Chinese people relish going back to poverty and isolation? The answers are a big NO. So why EDCA? Why not pursue the Philippines-China joint oil exploration in the WPS as the offer stands at a 60/40 sharing agreement in favor of the Philippines? Why build more military bases when these are veritable beckons to war which we as a policy abhor? Why not take advantage of the short maritime link between China and the Philippines to enhance our economy? The price of fuel is skyrocketing. Our peso is depreciating as in a free fall. We have solutions and yet these, too have become problems. The post Of China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kalayaan declares Chinese envoy persona non grata
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The municipal council of Kalayaan unanimously approved Wednesday a measure declaring Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian persona non grata, signifying their strong opposition to his presence in their area at any time. Councilor Maurice Philip Alexis Albayda’s resolution will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Senate, and the Chinese Embassy in Manila to convey the sentiments of the island town. Albayda said this will serve to inform high government officials of their feelings and to make Xilian aware of their strong concerns regarding his country’s oppressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, where their hometown Kalayaan is located. The resolution was prompted by the 5 August incident during which China Coast Guard ships attempted to ram and used a water cannon on two supply boats being escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard. Albayda said the aggressive behavior by China not only put the lives of the supply boats’ crew and passengers at risk but also of the crew aboard the escorting PCG’s BRP Cabra who included three Kalayaan residents. “Did you know that we had fellow Kalayaan residents on board the BRP Cabra? Yes, they were there,” he said. “Without a doubt, the actions of our neighboring country are truly infuriating.” The Kalayaan residents were en route to Lawak Island at the time to build a shelter for coastal enforcers, he said. “I want to propose that we declare Ambassador Huang Xilian persona non grata in the town of Kalayaan, the only town in the West Philippine Sea,” Albayda said in his privilege speech shortly before the resolution was passed. Albayda also said he was calling on the DFA to downgrade the Philippines’ diplomatic relationship with China given what it is doing in ignoring the safety of the people in the WPS. Kalayaan Vice Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan supported Albayda’s move declaring Xilian persona non grata. “I’ve personally experienced China’s harassment, like being driven away, but the situation with the two supply boats was much more intense,” Alindogan said, emphasizing that Kalayaan should also communicate to China their strong disapproval of its actions. He said he has volunteered to join the reservists and encouraged the military to conduct training on Pag-asa Island, to allow residents to display their patriotism. Former Kalayaan Mayor Joel Bito-onon, who is now a municipal councilor, also voted to approve the declaration against Xilian, but cautioned that it might jeopardize diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines given what happened in the past when two government officials were denied entry to Hong Kong. “Since way back, I’ve thought that due to China’s deceptive behavior, very deceitful. They say one thing, do another. I’ve seen countless instances on YouTube of them overturning ships, like what they did to Vietnam. I’ve wondered when that will happen in the Philippines. And now, this incident with our supply boats, it’s the worst that I have seen so far,” Bito-onon said. “But I’m thinking, maybe we should add a bit more wisdom, because you might end up like me, being told not to go to any city in China,” he added. Meanwhile, Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday said he will propose the allocation of at least P100 million in the 2024 national budget to fund the construction of permanent structures at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea “to strengthen the country’s presence in the contested maritime territory.” “I will propose the allocation of a minimum of P100 million to fund the construction of a pier and lodging structures for our soldiers assigned in the area, and for our fishermen who might seek temporary refuge in times of bad weather,” Escudero told the Senate reporters. The senator said the structures could serve as permanent lodging for military personnel stationed at the old BRP Sierra Madre, a warship intentionally grounded in the shoal in 1999 as a Philippine military outpost. It can also serve as temporary shelter for foreign fishermen “who will be caught in bad weather” in the waters. Lade JEAn Kabagani @tribunephl_Lade The post Kalayaan declares Chinese envoy persona non grata appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl ‘promise’ to tow away BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin, not under my Pa’s term – Ejercito
Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito on Thursday asserted that it was not his father, former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada, who allegedly promised China that the Philippines would remove the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal. “It was former President Joseph Estrada who ordered that BRP Sierra Madre be placed in Ayungin Shoal in 1999 as a symbol of our sovereignty and to mark our territory,” Ejercito said in a statement. “I cannot recall such a commitment from the Philippine government to remove the Sierra Madre,” he added. Over the weekend, China claimed that the Philippines had promised to tow away the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal. "The Philippine side has repeatedly made clear promises to tow away the warship illegally 'stranded' on the reef," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. 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. In a separate statement, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines further supports Beijing's claim that the Philippines promised to tow away the vessel several times. “For instance, in November 1999, the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Domingo Siazon and Chief of the Presidential Management Staff Leonora de Jesus to make another round of representations. Many times the Philippines promised to tow away the vessel, but it has taken no action,” the embassy said. “In September 2003, upon the news that the Philippines was preparing to build facilities around that military vessel illegally run aground at Ren'ai Jiao, China lodged immediate representations. The Philippine Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Franklin Ebdalin responded that the Philippines had no intention to construct facilities on Ren'ai Jiao and that, as a signatory to the DOC, the Philippines had no desire to and would not be the first to violate the Declaration,” it added. On Wednesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied that 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. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines decided in 1999 to deploy the BRP Sierra Madre as a permanent station on Ayungin Shoal in response to China’s illegal occupation of Panganiban Reef in 1995. “The deployment of a Philippine military station in its own areas of jurisdiction is an inherent right of the Philippines and does not violate any laws,” it added. The agency also explained that the Philippine station on Ayungin Shoal was deployed in 1999, years ahead of the conclusion in 2002 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. “[It] is therefore not a violation of the DOC,” it pointed out. The DFA also reiterated that China Coast Guard’s actions on 5 August which includes the use of water cannon and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels were in violation of the relevant provisions of the 1982 UNCLOS, the Award on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration, the 1972 COLREGS, and the 2002 ASEAN-China DOC. “The 2016 Arbitral Award is based on UNCLOS and affirms UNCLOS. It is final, legal and binding,” the agency said. The post Phl ‘promise’ to tow away BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin, not under my Pa’s term – Ejercito appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators weigh in on Marcos’ Manila Bay reclamation suspension order
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s latest directive halting reclamation works in Manila Bay gained mixed reactions from senators. In separate statements on Wednesday, lawmakers from the upper chamber expressed support for the recent directive on the Manila Bay reclamation activities which is linked to massive floodings in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, who earlier urged the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy to inspect the Chinese vessels undertaking the reclamation in Manila Bay, backed the suspension order. “That is a very welcome development. I support the President’s decision 100 percent,” Ejercito said. Marcos ordered the suspension of all the reclamation projects in Manila Bay except one that he did not identify. Senator Risa Hontiveros also welcomed the chief executive’s suspension of reclamation projects in Manila Bay, particularly those handled by the China state-owned China Communications Construction Co. or CCCC. “We should not take risks with companies like the CCCC,” Hontiveros said in a separate statement. “The government should self-control on projects that destroy the environment. When there is a change in the natural resources, it will be difficult to fix,” she added. Earlier this month, the government of the United States, through its Embassy in the Philippines, expressed concerns over the “negative long-term and irreversible” impact on the environment of the ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, particularly those linked to the CCCC. Of 32 ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, China Communications Construction Co., or CCCC, is involved in two projects such as the Pasay Harbor City Reclamation Project and Manila Waterfront City Development Project. The CCCC is a firm that was added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea. “The company has also been cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices,” the embassy said. While many senators supported the President’s decision, Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla seems to be against the suspension of reclamation activities in Manila Bay. During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Works, where proposed measures including those on flood control projects were taken up, Padilla clarified that he is not against the reclamation activities in Manila Bay. “Reclamation is considered a sign of progress in a country. I am not against it,” he said. Citing many countries and territories such as The Netherlands, Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, and Dubai that he visited which have reclamation projects, but are not marred by flooding, Padilla said the Department of Public Works and Highways must implement reclamation projects properly. “You in the DPWH should be aware that flooding has affected not just Bulacan but also Pampanga and Nueva Ecija, which are agricultural areas,” he said. “If flooding affects farmers and their produce, this will lead to importation, and our problems will never end,” he added. He continued: “We are all public servants. I repeat that I am not against reclamation, but I hope the problem of flooding can be solved.” The post Senators weigh in on Marcos’ Manila Bay reclamation suspension order appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reclamation opposition, misplaced and misleading
In what appears to be a move that might be viewed as laced with political undertones given the US’ ongoing conflict with China, or at best a misplaced and misleading concern, the US Embassy thru its spokesman issued a media statement stating: “We have expressed concerns about the long-term negative and irreversible impacts to the environment, the resilience to the natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce.” “We are also concerned that the projects have ties with the China Communications Construction Co. or CCCC, which has been added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese build and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea.” The US Embassy communication reminded of the World Bank’s 8-year debarment of CCCC’s predecessor of its funded roads project improvement in the Philippines. There are presently six approved reclamation projects by the Philippine Reclamation Authority, i.e. Horizon Manila (Manila), Manila Waterfront City (Manila), the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay Harbor Reclamation Project, 360-Pasay Reclamation Project. Curiously, the US Embassy is zeroing in on the Manila Waterfront City simply because the Gatchalian family that runs it has for its business partner the China Communications Construction Co. What do the experts have to say about the environmental concerns on reclamation projects? As early as 2013, the renowned Filipino architect and urban development planner Felino “Jun” Palafox, debunked fears about reclamation projects, particularly on their effect on the environment. Palafox shrugged off criticisms that a reclamation project in Manila Bay would place Manila more vulnerable to storm surges. Palafox, who designed two reclamation mega projects in Dubai, the Palm Islands Resorts and Map of the World, which are both acknowledged architectural wonders and tourist destinations, said that a reclamation project is OK provided “it is planned, designed, engineered, and implemented properly.” He pointed out that reclamation projects have been done in many parts of the world but there were no environmental impacts on the communities. He cited the example of Singapore, recalling: “Like Singapore, it used to be 65,000 hectares. They reclaimed 6,000 ha, so (it’s now) 71,000 ha. But they did it properly.” He added experiences in Dubai. Hongkong and the Netherlands showed that those fears of reclamations are unfounded. Palafox also pointed out that reclaimed land may be designed as a natural barrier against tidal waves. He also explained that concerns about the environment and the economy could be addressed simultaneously through thorough planning, citing the example of Dubai. “Dubai was able to expand its waterfront from 70 kilometers to 2,000 kilometers through reclamation. The Philippines has the longest waterfront but we don’t use our waterfronts properly.” Another expert on the matter, a former official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Leo Jasareno, expressed support in 2013 for a plan of the late Mayor Alfredo Lim to build a reclamation in a portion of the Manila Bay. He cited two airports built on reclaimed lands, the Singapore Changi Airport and the Hongkong Airport. He dispelled apprehensions that reclamation will cause flooding. He cited a study by the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Science. “Studies show that some parts of Manila experienced land subsidence due to over extraction of groundwater as water from wells. Sea levels will continue to rise due to global warming. The land is sinking while the sea level continues to rise.” Palafox agreed with Jasareno saying that: “If done properly, it is the solution to flooding in Metro Manila, it is the solution to tsunami; solution to storm surges, solution to (producing) prime land.” Jasareno likewise said then that reclamation “could be Manila’s defense against climate change. Reclamation is a normal development option and can be good if properly engineered and the drainage system (is) properly installed.” In a statement, the Gatchalian family said that their company is compliant with all government regulations which is precisely why it has been given, like the others, the approval to proceed with the reclamation by the Philippine Port Authority. As regards the CCCC, the regulating agency is aware of its participation in the reclamation project and it must have exercised due diligence on the matter. Suddenly just because the US has raised concerns, which, evidently, are misplaced and misleading, given the expert opinions of those knowledgeable on the subject plus the favorable experiences of other countries with their reclamations, some eager beaver officials of the government are making noise about it and have expressed intentions of investigating while subtly implying irregularities in the approval of the reclamation projects. Another opportunity for self-projection and publicity for them. A nasty and odorous habit they can’t escape from. The post Reclamation opposition, misplaced and misleading appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Deaf or blind to Vietnam’s activities?
Last week I mentioned the report regarding Vietnam facilities and other structures being built within the Philippine territory. I am just wondering how come the government is quiet about the issue. I even suggested that a public forum and press conference be conducted to inform the people and make fellow Filipinos aware of it. A fellow observer even asked me why is it that the Marcos government is silent on such an issue. As I remember right, since President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. took over as the Chief Executive there have been only six diplomatic protests filed against Vietnam compared to the 97 against China. I cannot recall if the protests against Vietnam were in the news but I am afraid the public was never informed about such things. A fellow journalist confirmed that there has been no report of Hanoi’s ambassador to Manila being summoned by the Department of Foreign Affairs to explain the Vietnamese activities in our country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine government has the responsibility to make statements on this matter considering that it is our sovereignty that is at stake. As I said, Vietnam’s activities in the WPS are a threat to our national security and should be dealt with accordingly by Philippine authorities. To give you a picture of how serious this matter is, on 1 August, despite heavy rains a small group of around 50 members of Makabayan Alyansa ng Bansang Anti-War and Anti-Terrorism (Makabansa), who claimed to be concerned citizens, held a protest rally in front of Vietnam’s embassy in Malate, Manila, to show that they are against what the Vietnam government is doing. The protesters called on the Vietnam government to stop the alleged militarization at the WPS and their fishing in the Kalayaan Group of Islands. The militant group through their spokesman, Benny delos Reyes, urged the embassy to respect their demands for amicable ties between the Philippines and Vietnam. For the information of the Philippine government, its department or agency concerned, Vietnam is planning to build “a covert fortification, command fortification, firepower fortification, weapons storage fortification, traffic trench system, trench, and related tactical items” within the Philippine territory. The Vietnamese government is ready to send more people to the land features, where they will set up residence. Perhaps due to the non-reaction of the Philippine government, Vietnam thinks that building military and civilian infrastructure and sending people to live on the islands will prove that those islands, which are in a portion of the WPS, belong to them. Let our government be reminded that Vietnam first took possession of areas within our own territory in 1978. Without knowing it, Vietnam might not only be occupying Philippine territories but already controlling our society. In the Gospel today, Jesus takes some of His friends away from the business of the village and marketplace. He invites them to travel with Him as He makes His way up the mountain. This is not unusual. We know from the Gospels that Jesus often went off by Himself to the mountains to pray. While they were there praying something wild and wonderful happened. Jesus was transfigured; He was changed; His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light. Imagine how surprised, shocked, and taken aback those with Jesus were. Once composed, Peter uttered the famous words: “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here.’ But more important than what was said is what they heard: ‘This is My Son, the Beloved, He enjoys My favor, listen to Him.” My regards to Rev. Father Richard Diaz, CICM, the Academic Dean of Maryhill School of Theology, and to Ms. Daisy Arao-arao, MST Registrar, all the faculty, students, and staff of MST who are about to start the Academic Year 2023-2024. The post Deaf or blind to Vietnam’s activities? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China visit
There has been a torrent of wild speculations about the recent visit of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte to China and it focused mainly on the meeting between him and China’s President Xi Jinping. Actually, what brought Duterte to China was an invitation from Fuzhou City, the strategic capital of Fujian Province in southeastern China. The city inaugurated a school building and named it after Soledad Roa Duterte, the venerable late mother of the former president. Unknown to many but not forgotten by the early Chinese migrants in Davao who came from Fujian province, our Nanay Soleng, who was an educator, was among the pioneer teachers of the Davao City Chinese School in the 1950s. Given the rise in prominence of the former president’s mother, who on her own carved an important role as a teacher, wife of Governor Vicente Duterte of then undivided Davao province, civic leader, political activist, and mother of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte who became president of the Philippines, and grandmother of incumbent Vice President Inday Sara Z. Duterte, it comes as no surprise why the grand matriarch of Davao City occupies a special affinity and pride among the Fujian Chinese. Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who accompanied private citizen Duterte, said the visit to China was personal. He intimated that since they were already in China and not far from Beijing, his former boss and friend suggested they visit President Xi Jinping. Duterte, he said, wanted to personally thank the Chinese leader for helping the Philippines with the millions of vaccine doses, hundreds of thousands of which were donated, and personal protective equipment at the time when the United States and Europe imposed an embargo on the Covid-19 vaccines they produced. Duterte, too, was grateful to China for helping him with much-needed logistics to fight the Maute ISIS terrorists who laid siege to Marawi and attempted to convert the once pristine city into an ISIS caliphate. It can be recalled that the US refused to sell arms to the Philippines on the stupid claim by some American senators that the Duterte government would use firearms against its own people. Then, of course, there were the multi-billion-peso bridges that now span the Pasig River and help ease the traffic in the metropolis, not to mention the grants and cheap loans with incredibly long grace periods that funded some of the government’s big-ticket projects. Truly, former President Duterte still has an avuncular space in the heart of the Chinese leader. His Beijing visit was personal but it rekindled the spark of friendship between China and the Philippines that was being snuffed out by the gale spawned by the much-ballyhooed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement bases. Duterte, now using a cane to keep his balance, demonstrated what it is to be strong and independent even now that he is a private citizen of a sovereign state. President Bongbong Marcos, in an ambush interview, said he was aware of the visit of his predecessor to China and that Duterte needed no permission to travel. But, of course. He also hoped that the visit would enhance the relationship between China and the Philippines. He better watch, listen and learn how diplomacy and sovereignty work. The post China visit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Equalizer in place
On 10 March 2022, a couple of weeks before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ended and after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez announced a sharp turn in policy after Duterte said he was ready to open the country’s military facilities to American forces under the improved Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA. Duterte then announced in his patented permutation of events that the Philippines had no choice but to allow the Americans access to local military installations if Russia’s war against Ukraine intensified and embroiled the United States. Romualdez thereafter revealed that the “President stated that if they (the United States) are asking for the support of the Philippines, it’s obvious that, of course, if push comes to shove, the Philippines will be ready to be part of the effort, especially if this Ukrainian crisis spills over into the Asian region.” Duterte added that in the event of an emergency, “the Philippines would allow US forces to return to the former naval station at Subic Bay and the nearby Clark Air Base.” The growing worry was that Beijing might take a page out of Russia’s playbook by applying gray zone operations, conducting hybrid warfare, and using force to acquire and eventually annex disputed territories. Thus, the implication, according to the American policy think tank Brookings Institution, that the Duterte administration expressed its willingness to allow American forces to use the Philippines as a staging ground in a Taiwan contingency. Before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in June 2022, Manila and Washington appeared to have struck a deal regarding their complementary roles. On 2 February, Philippine and US defense officials announced that the US military would be given new access to four Armed Forces of the Philippines bases nationwide under the enhanced EDCA. The two allies sought to expand the US strategic footprint in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region in the face of an aggressive and expansionist China. Negotiated by the two countries during US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s second visit to the Philippines, the improved EDCA increased the number of bases from five to nine. While it was billed as an agreement for rapid deployment of relief materials during emergencies and calamities, it was obvious that the United States can use the new sites for training, setting up equipment, and building runways and other facilities. Inside the EDCA camps, American forces will be allowed to build warehouses, living quarters, joint facilities, and store combat materiel — except for nuclear weapons which are prohibited by the Philippine Constitution. There was only limited construction of EDCA sites during Duterte’s six-year term. Nevertheless, the United States has allocated over $82 million for infrastructure investments at the five original EDCA sites. These investments support economic growth and job creation in the local communities. The decision to increase the number of joint locations was made in October 2022, when the United States sought to deploy more of its forces and weapons to the new joint military camps, mainly in the central northern Luzon region, which the 160-mile Luzon Strait separates from the self-governed island of Taiwan. This development coincided with the US and Filipino forces expanding their joint combat and disaster response training in preparation for future contingency operations in the South China Sea — which lies to the Philippines’ west, and the Taiwan Strait, which is north of the country’s Luzon region. In 2022, the newly formed 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, or MLR, deployed several combat concepts with the Philippine Marine Corps Coastal Defense Regiment in provinces on the Luzon Strait. By prepositioning MLR equipment in northeastern Luzon, “US Marines could respond more quickly in a crisis over Taiwan or aid the US military’s power projection into the Luzon Strait and South China Sea,” a Brookings Institute analysis said. The post Equalizer in place appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Taj Mahal’ of Negros Occidental
“Ancient ruins,” said Mary Jo Arnoldi, chair of the anthropology department at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, “give us a connection to the past that’s visceral. This was a real place, and you can walk through it.” This could be why Raymund Javellana, the man who wanted The Ruins, which is listed by oddee.com as “one 12 most fascinating ruins of the world,” restored to its former glory. The Ruins was a mansion built in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. “I am so glad that it was not destroyed completely. With the blessings of The Lord, we were able to restore the mansion itself. I challenge people who keep on destroying the old structures to please stop and make some good use of it,” Javellana said when he accepted the award for The Ruins as Best Destination (Heritage Sites category) at the first Choose Philippines Awards in 2016. Javellana is the great-grandson of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, the Negrense sugar baron who built the mansion for love. How the mansion came to be Love, goes a famous song, comes from the most unexpected places. This is what happened to Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a sugar baron from Negros. The most-sought after bachelor was visiting Hong Kong with a friend when he met Maria Braga, a Portuguese lady from Macau and daughter of a ship captain. Smitten by her beauty, he courted her earnestly until she said yes. To make the long story short, they got married and he brought her to his ancestral house in Talisay, where they raised their family together. Children came after one another: Victoria, Rafael (who later became the governor of Negros Occidental), Mercedes, Natividad, Sofia, Felipe (who became a mayor of Talisay), Consolacion, Angelina, Ramon and Eduardo. Maria was pregnant with their 11th child when she slipped in the bathroom. She was bleeding; her condition was so precarious that traveling outside of the house was out of question. Mariano summoned some of his men to get a resident doctor from a nearby town. He told them to use a horse-drawn carriage, then the fastest mode of transportation. It was the 1920s and it took two days to traverse the various sugar farms to Silay. By the time the doctor arrived, on the fourth day, Maria and her child were dead. Mariano was so devastated, he went into a depression for a time m. Yet knowing he still had children needing his attention, he began to focus instead on building a house in memory of his beloved wife. He consulted his father-in-law about the idea, who fully supported his plans. Being a ship captain, he brought in many items from Europe and China — ranging from machuca or handmade custom cement tiles, chandeliers and china wares. He even brought with him some construction workers from China just to help build the mansion. A local builder was entrusted to make the design and building specifications. Mariano asked his son Felipe to supervise the project and ensure an A-grade mixture of concrete was precisely poured. The marble-like effect of high-grade concrete can be felt by touching the posts and walls of what remains now of the mansion. The entire property has a floor area of 900 square meters: 450 sq.m. upstairs and the same on the lower ground. Ten rooms occupied the mansion: eight for children, a Master’s bedroom and a family room. The house was of Italianate architecture as evidenced by its neo-Romanesque columns all around. “Since the engineer was a Filipino, it is believed the design came from that of Maria’s ancestral mansion which was given by her father to Mariano as sample,” an inflight magazine said. “The imprimatur of Maria’s father, a ship captain, is now clear from the shell-inspired décor all around the top edges of the mansion – the same ones that identified the homes of ship captains in New England at that time.” It took about three years to finish the Don Mariano Lacson Mansion. Because it was built out of a husband’s devotion to his wife, Javellana likens it to the Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife. The initials engraved on every post of the mansion — two Ms facing each other — stand for Mariano and Maria. [caption id="attachment_134716" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The two M's facing each other stand for Mariano and Maria.[/caption] At that time, the mansion was the largest residential structure ever built in the area. It was constructed at the center of a 440-hectare farm. The Lacson family lived in the mansion happily, but it was not “ever after” as Japanese forces invaded the country in December 1941 after Japan’s declaration of war upon the United States, which controlled the Philippines at the time and possessed important military bases. In anticipation of the war, the Lacson family fled their home. They left behind all their furniture, china wares, home décor and some personal belongings, locked up the place and left a caretaker to watch over the mansion. The soldiers of the US Armed Forces in the Far East came to the place. Sensing that it might be used as headquarters of the Japanese troops, it was decided that it would be burned just like other big houses in the area. While it took three years to build the mansion, it took only three days to consume all of its roofs, ceilings, two-inch wooden floors, doors and windows, which were all made of hardwood of tindalo, narra and kamagong. Still, the three-day inferno was not able to flatten the whole mansion. Thanks to its oversize steel bars and the meticulous way of pouring A-grade mixture of concrete, the skeletal frame remains. The four-tiered fountain in front of what remains of the mansion makes it a perfect replica of the ancient homes with spacious gardens – like those you see in the old city of Savannah, Georgia in the United States. Joy Gallera Malaga, an independent writer who visited the place, wrote: “And most likely you would appreciate the mansion even if it was already reduced to its skeletal frame, or maybe it is its present condition that adds to its character and beauty. That’s the charm of old structures; it invites you to engage in an experience just by being there, getting to know it better through the stories it continues to tell.” [caption id="attachment_134715" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Water fountain.[/caption] Love and legacy Filipinos would have never seen The Ruins – which was abandoned for 67 years! – had it not been for Javellana. He is the son of Ramon, who was the son of Mercedes, the daughter of Mariano. Raymund had a travel agency in Manila when his mother requested him to come back to Negros and help her manage their sugar plantations. He now settles in Silay but in one of his trips to Talisay, he saw the abandoned mansion, which is located in Hacienda Sta. Maria. He decided to make it one of the province’s tourist attractions. Although people were not too keen about the idea, Javellana pursued his plans. In January 2008, he opened The Ruins to the public. People flocked to the place. Aside from being a tourist attraction, The Ruins is fast becoming a favorite venue for weddings and photo shoots. It was a good Javellana, inspired by his father and their forebears, kept his dream alive, never giving up on it. That’s love. The post ‘Taj Mahal’ of Negros Occidental appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US to build new military bases near South China Sea
Beijing has responded that countries in the Asia-Pacific must not allow themselves to be "coerced or used" by Washington The United States is set to build four new military bases "scattered" around the Philippines, the country's president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has confirmed. He added that at least one f.....»»
US to build new military base near South China Sea
Beijing said countries in the Asia-Pacific must not allow themselves to be "coerced or used" by Washington The United States is set to build four new military bases "scattered" around the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, noting that at least one facility would be placed near a disputed island.....»»
Senate probe sought into allowing China-backed telco to build cell sites in military camps
Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday urged the Senate to immediately probe a recently inked deal allowing China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corp. to build cell towers in military camps......»»
End Dito cell sites pact, Kiko asks DND
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has asked Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to rescind the deal allowing China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corp. to build cell sites inside Philippine military camps, saying it compromises the security of the people and the country as a whole......»»
Lorenzana urged to rescind deal allowing China-backed telco to build cell sites in military camps
Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Friday called on Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to void a recently inked deal allowing China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corp. to build cell towers in military camps. .....»»
Recto on Dito cell sites: Military camps should be no-go zones for possible electronic Trojan horse
A senator on Thursday questioned the Department of National Defense's decision to allow China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corp. to build cell towers inside the country's military camps. .....»»