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Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., on Tuesday said the military organization needs to acquire modern defense equipment and weapons so it can better protect and defend the country against external threats. Aside from modern weapons, Brawner cited the need to equip soldiers with the resources and skills to prepare them for any challenges in fighting and neutralizing threats. Brawner said the AFP also envisions the creation of “citizen warriors” or recruiting more reservists that can be readily tapped during emergencies. Asked if the AFP is ready to meet any external aggression, Brawner said: “When it comes to Filipinos’ fighting spirit, we are number one because, for the longest time, we have been fighting for years, so we are one of the most capable fighters in the world so we just need modern equipment, modern weapons and that’s what we are doing in our modernization effort.” Brawner said an allocation of huge funds is needed to acquire more modern defense equipment and weapons. He said the AFP is targeting to acquire “multi-role fighter aircraft, naval assets, command and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines and the like” under the third Horizon of the AFP modernization program. Five-year program The Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 up to 2028. Horizon 2 was undertaken from 2018 to 2022, and Horizon 1 was pushed from 2013 to 2017. Brawner said such procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems, and platforms to enhance the military organization’s external or territorial defense capability. The post Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’ to combatting external threats
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday said the military organization needs to acquire modernized defense equipment and weapons so it can better protect and defend the country against any external threat. Aside from modernized weapons, Brawner also cited the need to equip soldiers with the resources and skills to prepare them for any challenges of fighting and neutralizing threats. Brawner said the AFP is also envisioning the creation of “citizen warriors” or recruiting more reservists that can be readily tapped during emergencies. “‘Yung taong bayan ay kailangang ihanda natin, tingnan nyo po yung nangyari sa Israel nung umatake yung Hamas, ang mga unang dumepensa sa bansa nila ay yung mga citizen warriors, yung mga reservists, yun din po ang gusto nating mangyari dito,” he said in an interview over the DZRH. “Gusto po natin talagang ihanda yung ating mga kababayan mga mamamayan for any eventuality whether it is man made or even natural,” he added. Asked if the AFP is ready for any external aggression, Brawner said: “When it comes to Filipinos’ fighting spirit, we number one, because for the longest time—we have been fighting for years, so we are one of the most fighters in the world so we just need modern equipment, modern weapons and that’s what we are doing in our modernization effort.” Brawner said an allocation of huge funds is needed to acquire more modern defense equipment and weapons. “Because really mahal po kasi yung mga kagamitan na kailangan natin but we have to invest in our defense kasi kung hindi po natin gagawin yan, kahit na anong gastos natin sa ibang mga bagay pero kung may mangyari man, kung may umatake sa atin mawawala lahat ito,” he added. Brawner earlier said the AFP is targeting to acquire “multi-role fighter aircraft, naval assets, command and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines and the like” under the third Horizon of the AFP modernization program. The Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 up to 2028. Horizon 2 was undertaken from 2018 to 2022 and the Horizon 1 was pushed from 2013 to 2017. Brawner said such procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems, and platforms geared at enhancing the external or territorial defense capability of the military organization. Among the platforms procured in the ongoing AFP Modernization Program include the S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters, missile frigates, close air support aircraft, air defense surveillance radars, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, corvettes, anti-submarine helicopters, light tanks, tactical radios, amphibious assault vehicles, civil engineering equipment, and modern pistols......»»
G20 to the last mile
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. These two words capture a deep philosophy: The world is one family. This is an all-embracing outlook that encourages us to progress as one universal family, transcending borders, languages and ideologies. During India’s G20 presidency, this has translated into a call for human-centric progress. As one Earth, we are coming together to nurture our planet. As one family, we support each other in the pursuit of growth. And we move together toward a shared future — one future — which is an undeniable truth in these interconnected times. The post-pandemic world order is very different from the world before it. There are three important changes, among others. There is a growing realization that a shift away from a GDP-centric view of the world to a human-centric view is needed. The world is recognizing the importance of resilience and reliability in global supply chains. There is a collective call for boosting multilateralism through the reform of global institutions. Our G20 presidency has played the role of a catalyst in these shifts. In December 2022, when we took over the presidency from Indonesia, I had written that a mindset shift must be catalyzed by the G20. This was especially needed in the context of mainstreaming the marginalized aspirations of developing countries, the Global South and Africa. The Voice of Global South Summit in January 2023, which witnessed participation from 125 countries, was one of the foremost initiatives under our presidency. It was an important exercise to gather inputs and ideas from the global South. Further, our presidency has not only seen the largest-ever participation from African countries but has also pushed for the inclusion of the African union as a permanent member of the G20. An interconnected world means our challenges across domains are interlinked. This is the midway year of the 2030 agenda and many are noting with great concern that the progress on SDGs is off-track. The G20 2023 Action Plan on Accelerating Progress on SDGs will spearhead the future direction of the G20 toward implementing SDGs. In India, living in harmony with nature has been a norm since ancient times and we have been contributing our share toward climate action even in modern times. Many countries of the global South are at various stages of development and climate action must be a complementary pursuit. Ambitions for climate action must be matched with actions on climate finance and transfer of technology. We believe there is a need to move away from a purely restrictive attitude of what should not be done, to a more constructive attitude focusing on what can be done to fight climate change. The Chennai High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy focus on keeping our oceans healthy. A global ecosystem for clean and green hydrogen will emerge from our presidency, along with a Green Hydrogen Innovation Center. In 2015, we launched the International Solar Alliance. Now, through the Global Biofuels Alliance, we will support the world to enable energy transitions in tune with the benefits of a circular economy. Democratizing climate action is the best way to impart momentum to the movement. Just as individuals make daily decisions based on their long-term health, they can make lifestyle decisions based on the impact on the planet’s long-term health. Just like Yoga became a global mass movement for wellness, we have also nudged the world with Lifestyles for Sustainable Environment. Due to the impact of climate change, ensuring food and nutritional security will be crucial. Millets, or Shree Anna, can help with this while also boosting climate-smart agriculture. In the International Year of Millets, we have taken millets to global palates. The Deccan High Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition is also helpful in this direction. Technology is transformative but it also needs to be made inclusive. In the past, the benefits of technological advancements have not benefited all sections of society equally. India, over the last few years, has shown how technology can be leveraged to narrow inequalities, rather than widen them. For instance, the billions across the world that remain unbanked, or lack digital identities, can be financially included through digital public infrastructure. The solutions we have built using our DPI have now been recognized globally. Now, through the G20, we will help developing countries adapt, build, and scale DPI to unlock the power of inclusive growth. That India is the fastest-growing large economy is no accident. Our simple, scalable and sustainable solutions have empowered the vulnerable and the marginalized to lead our development story. From space to sports, economy to entrepreneurship, Indian women have taken the lead in various sectors. They have shifted the narrative from the development of women to women-led development. Our G20 presidency is working on bridging the gender digital divide, reducing labor force participation gaps and enabling a larger role for women in leadership and decision-making. For India, the G20 presidency is not merely a high-level diplomatic endeavor. As the Mother of Democracy and a model of diversity, we opened the doors of this experience to the world. Today, accomplishing things at scale is a quality that is associated with India. The G20 presidency is no exception. It has become a people-driven movement. Over 200 meetings will have been organized in 60 Indian cities across the length and breadth of our nation, hosting nearly 100,000 delegates from 125 countries by the end of our term. No Presidency has ever encompassed such a vast and diverse geographical expanse. It is one thing to hear about India’s demography, democracy, diversity and development from someone else. It is totally different to experience them first-hand. I am sure our G20 delegates would vouch for this. Our G20 presidency strives to bridge divides, dismantle barriers, and sow seeds of collaboration that nourish a world where unity prevails over discord, where shared destiny eclipses isolation. As the G20 president, we had pledged to make the global table larger, ensuring that every voice is heard and every country contributes. I am positive that we have matched our pledge with actions and outcomes. The post G20 to the last mile appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malaysia offers halal, banking help
MALAYSIA — Filipino officials will soon get a helping hand from their Malaysian counterparts in terms of running the halal industry and Islamic banking. In his statement during his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said, “Malaysia has warmly offered its expertise to train Philippine personnel and officials to strengthen our capabilities in these increasingly important sectors.” “Cooperation in this sector would mutually benefit the growth of our respective halal ecosystems,” Marcos said. “Malaysia has warmly offered its expertise to train Philippine personnel and officials to strengthen our capabilities in these increasingly important sectors.” Halal is a dietary law derived from Islamic teachings, meaning “lawful or permitted. Of the 110 million Filipinos, Muslims in the Philippines make up about 6 percent of the population. The two leaders also agreed to enhance their trade and investment ties, with Marcos noting that Malaysia is one of the leading halal economies in the world. The Philippines and Malaysia, he said, have “longstanding relations and strong economic linkages” and “commonalities between our peoples which make our friendship easy.” Both leaders affirmed they would fortify further the bilateral ties between the two nations, geared toward the post-pandemic transformation. As he thanked the Malaysian government for its assistance in the development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Marcos said it is time to examine and strengthen the relationship between both Southeast Asian countries. Plans for joint meeting He added that he and the Prime Minister agreed to convene the next Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in the near future. “We do this so that our government agencies will have an avenue to discuss priority cooperation in detail, most especially in the areas of transnational crimes, agriculture, the halal industry, Islamic banking, education, tourism and culture, sports and the digital economy,” Marcos said. Ibrahim, for his part, welcomed Marcos to Malaysia and said the two countries have a long history of close ties. Meanwhile, Marcos and Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed hope the warm relationship enjoyed by Malaysia and the Philippines will continue to blossom for the mutual benefit of their people and nations. In his remarks during the state banquet in honor of Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, the Malaysian King said the Philippines is an essential partner to Malaysia, given the Philippines’ proximity and active involvement in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “Bound by our shared aspirations of progress, peace, and prosperity, our two countries share many commonalities and strong people-to-people ties to this day. We have faced many common challenges, but we have also achieved much more together,” the King said. [caption id="attachment_162690" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Warm welcome President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (seated) and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (right) are graciously received in a State Welcoming Ceremony at the Istana Negara on Wednesday. Honored by the presence of His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah (2nd from left), the King of Malaysia and Queen Azizah (left), the visit signifies the strengthening of diplomatic ties. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PCO[/caption] Re-strengthened ties The Philippines and Malaysia “re-strengthened” their relationship as the two Southeast Asian nations prepare for a post-pandemic recovery where they will play an important role in the region, Marcos Jr. Marcos made the statement in a meeting with Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah and Queen Azizah, where he and First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos received a State welcome, including a 21-gun salute, on their arrival at Istana Negara, Malaysia’s National Palace. The King and Queen of Malaysia, as well as Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, welcomed the Philippine President and the First Lady. “It is time for us to really examine that relationship and re-strengthen that relationship, and that, for me, is the most important aspect of this visit that I have made to Kuala Lumpur, to Malaysia,” Marcos said in the meeting. “I believe that it is the way for us to refocus our efforts together to mutually beneficial initiatives for our two countries and to see how we can help one another as we face the post-pandemic future,” he added. The post-pandemic scenario is a very different road that the two nations face compared to what we had before the pandemic. According to Marcos, their membership in ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA continue to strengthen their relationship as they come back and start to emerge from the difficult period of the last two and a half years of the pandemic. The two countries must recreate and transform themselves to be competitive and to be part of a new world order as it is happening and changing now, he said. “We will play a huge part in that transformation. And that transformation is going to strengthen and be made more stable by this partnership that we make with each other,” Marcos asserted. “And so it becomes more and more important for me that these partnerships we will foster on a cultural level and people-to-people (diplomacy) will continue to be expanded and gain stature in the way that we promote that relationship between our two countries,” he said. This partnership is essential not only for Malaysia, the Philippines, and ASEAN but also for the rest of the world, Marcos pointed out. Whatever beginnings they have made, they all proved to be of importance to the continuing relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines, he added. The President arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday afternoon for a state visit that include meetings with the Malaysian king, government officials, as well as business leaders to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia. The post Malaysia offers halal, banking help appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lacuna urges environment unity
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna appealed to residents, city officials and employees to live up to the recognition given by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau as the city with best practices on Ecological Solid Waste Management. The recognition given by the DENR was immediately followed by the opening of the Materials Recovery Facility at the Manila Zoo. The MRF aims to strengthen the city’s overall waste management by processing recyclable and biodegradable waste. Despite the numerous challenges being faced by the city in its cleanup efforts, Lacuna said that the city of Manila succeeded in clinching the recognition as being highly-compliant when it comes to the “Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation and Preservation.” This, she said, is a direct result of the daily cleanup efforts being carried out by the BASECO Beach Warriors, Estero Rangers and Team Mandaragat of the city government. Lacuna went on to say that the local government’s focus is not only on keeping the entire city of Manila clean, but also ridding it of bad elements, especially those who are involved in illegal drugs. The effort, she said, is done through enhanced police visibility in all strategic locations within the city. The post Lacuna urges environment unity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
World never waits
I was born in the 1960s and saw how life crossed over from the manual generation to where it is today — a world spawned by technology racing amidst the temblor of innovation, diversity, and the start of what we see beckoning in the future: a world dominated by artificial intelligence. Yet, across generations, one truth remains unshakable: the world never waits. It demands adaptation, change, and the ability to adjust on the fly. I hold to two intrinsic values that have been integral to overcoming challenges and embracing life’s ever-changing nature: resiliency and adaptability. Resiliency has served as my guiding force, empowering me to weather storms and emerge stronger. It’s the unwavering spirit that propels me forward when faced with adversity — as the spokesperson of the biggest electricity utility in the country, there are many. I’ve had my fair share of personal setbacks too, but resiliency reminds me that no matter how daunting the challenges, I possess the inner strength to persevere, rebound, and rebuild. On the other hand, adaptability fuels my readiness to adjust and thrive in the face of change. In my nearly six decades of existence, I’ve witnessed life’s constant flow of transitions. The pandemic further emphasized this, propelling us to adapt to new technologies at a staggering pace. While Millennials and Gen Z effortlessly embraced the digital shift, many of us Boomers and some Gen Xers encountered challenges. Yet, my inherent adaptability urges me to step out beyond my comfort zone, acquire new skills, and embrace the unknown with curiosity rather than fear. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to recognize that resiliency and adaptability are lifelong skills that can be nurtured and developed. They require conscious effort, self-reflection, and a steadfast belief in the future. By embodying these qualities, I’ve discovered a more fulfilling and enriching life experience, brimming with possibilities. The post World never waits appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Shipping industry must adapt to new technology, workforce training – PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a sustainable future for the shipping and seafaring industries, as the sector undergoes a major transformation. Speaking at the International Chamber of Shipping and the Filipino Shipowners Association, Marcos said that the shipping industry must adapt to new technologies and fuels, and invest in a highly qualified workforce. "We must come together to envision and shape the future of the industry and global trade for the next 25 years," Marcos said. "We can do this by identifying the skills required for the new generation of ships, discussing education and training requirements, and committing to a fair and just transition to build a future-ready and resilient shipping industry,” he added. Marcos also highlighted the Philippines' maritime heritage and said that the government would continue to strengthen maritime-related policies and protect seafarers. "We are also grateful for the opportunities that our seafarers have created and are thankful for the wealth that they have brought home," Marcos said. "I thus ensure everyone that this government will continue strengthening maritime-related policies and protecting our seafarers and their loved ones." Marcos reiterated his directive to the Maritime Industry Authority and the Commission on Higher Education to work closely with the shipping industry on the upskilling and reskilling of Filipino seafarers to prepare them for the shift of ocean-going vessels from using conventional fuel sources to green ammonia between 2030 to 2040. However, Marcos is confident that the shipping industry can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. "I am confident that, with all of us working together, we will navigate the turbulent tides ahead and chart a course towards a stronger and sustainable tomorrow for seafarers and the global community," Marcos said. He also enjoined all the national government agencies, multilateral organizers, and private stakeholders to work together in identifying strategies to ensure the availability of skilled workers to fulfill the requirements of the shipping industry. He concluded his speech by saying that he is confident that, with all of us working together, we will navigate the turbulent tides ahead and chart a course towards a stronger and sustainable tomorrow for seafarers and the global community. The post Shipping industry must adapt to new technology, workforce training – PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM lauds healthcare workers for sacrifices during height of pandemic
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday thanked the healthcare workers for the sacrifices they made during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chief Executive commended their efforts as he witnessed the launch of the bivalent vaccination at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. In his speech, Marcos acknowledged the tireless efforts of the healthcare workers and credited them with saving millions of Filipino lives. “I can speak of this intimately as I was a victim and that’s why I know the condition that patients felt and what a relief and what a godsend your care was to all of those who had suffered from Covid-19. So, once again, thank you, thank you, thank you very much for all that you did,” Marcos said. Addressing the nation on the path to recovery from the global pandemic, Marcos said that the “prayers have been answered” as he noted the significant decrease in cases and less severe symptoms since the introduction of vaccines. “The symptoms are no longer as severe as before, and the threat posed by the delta and omicron variants has diminished,” Marcos said. However, he urged the Filipinos not to be complacent against the virus and highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those with severe comorbidities and senior citizens. Recognizing the need to re-examine preventive measures, Marcos Jr. emphasized the significance of vaccination in safeguarding the population. “We must not let our guard down. We have to continue implementing programs like the bivalent vaccination campaign to protect our vulnerable sectors, especially the elderly," Marcos said. Marcos Jr. also expressed confidence that with science-based strategies and a whole-of-society approach, the risks associated with new variants could be managed effectively. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by vaccines in combating the virus and stressed the government's commitment to eradicating severe diseases caused by Covid-19. During the event, President Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to the governments of Lithuania for their generous donation of the country's first batch of bivalent vaccines. He also extended his appreciation to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) for their ongoing assistance in the Philippines. The President called upon every Filipino to contribute to the fight against Covid-19 by staying updated on their vaccinations. He emphasized that getting vaccinated was not only for personal well-being but also for the protection of families and the entire population. "Government-assisted vaccines, including bivalent doses, are free for every Filipino. Let us continue fortifying our efforts to protect the public against health risks," President Marcos Jr. stated, commending the Department of Health (DOH) and local government officials for their dedication to the vaccination campaign. Marcos then urged the nation to remain steadfast in the fight against not only Covid-19 but all infectious diseases. He emphasized the importance of discipline, cleanliness, and cooperation in overcoming the remaining challenges posed by the pandemic. The President expressed his belief that the Filipino society would emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity. As he concluded his address, President Marcos Jr. encouraged everyone to take part in the bivalent vaccination program, stating, "Let us get vaccinated to prevent illness and return to work swiftly. Together, we will build a healthier and more prosperous Philippines." The post PBBM lauds healthcare workers for sacrifices during height of pandemic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bongbong warns of new AFP challenges
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will encounter new obstacles due to the evolving geopolitical dynamics and the security landscape, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday. The Chief Executive aired the warning during the oath taking of newly promoted AFP generals and flag officers in Malacañang, stressing that the uniformed personnel should always be “effective, formidable and responsible” in defending and preserving the country’s integrity and interests. “This is a new era for the AFP, one that now looks outward while also building on the gains that we have made internally. With the ever-changing dynamics of geopolitics and the global security environment, more challenges will undoubtedly lie ahead,” Marcos said. “But cognizant of these circumstances, the AFP must always emerge effective, formidable and responsible as you have always done in order that our country’s integrity and interests are defended and are preserved,” he said. He said military personnel have the responsibility to effectively oversee the organization and its resources, ensuring its operational efficiency and endurance. Moreover, Marcos added, the AFP should lead and mobilize the next generation of protectors and future leaders of the nation, imparting upon them the values of discipline, courage, and dedicated public service, which have led to the present day. “Your strategic leadership will be the fulcrum and the compass so that the AFP will move in the right direction guided by the Constitution and the democratic principles that we have all sworn to uphold,” he said. Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. assured the armed forces of his support and promised to ensure the strength and well-being of its personnel. “I will ensure that the strength of the organization and the wellbeing of its personnel are attended to,” he said. “May God bestow His blessings and protection upon you, our entire Armed Forces, and upon our beloved country, the Philippines,” he concluded. The post Bongbong warns of new AFP challenges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Geopolitical implications of NATO-Plus
It is hard, even next to impossible, to remain neutral in our global war-prone situation today. This article is an attempt, as much as possible, to present a neutral geopolitical analysis. Events are cited here not to support one side or the other but as facts with deep geopolitical implications. As mentioned often in this column, the polarization of nations into two opposing sides always precedes a world war. The formation of the Allies and the Axis was the precursor for both World Wars I and II. Today, rapid polarization in both economic and military areas is happening at a dizzying pace — a preview of World War III which will be five- to ten-fold as big and intense as the previous world wars due to the advent of new sophisticated weapons that make the old weapons obsolete. All of a sudden, invincible carrier fleets will be vulnerable to multiple hypersonic missile attacks. Powerful lasers can now take out satellites, paralyzing entire military and commercial systems. There are dozens of game-changers, some of them still secret. The rise of NATO-Plus has increased the chances of World War III. Right now, it is germinating rapidly. The US Congress wants India in NATO-Plus. India is what Ukraine is to Russia, namely, the enemy in the backyard, threatening the nation’s “existential existence.” India, the ancient arch-enemy of China, welcomes this move. It will be effortless for the US to court India into NATO-Plus. India is forging a deal with the US to buy 30 killer drones. The proximity of India to China is of extreme geopolitical concern to both US-NATO-Plus and China and even Russia. Ironically, India is a major importer of Russian energy, which may be preempted if it joins NATO-Plus. In fact, Russia is in a predicament. It is being paid in Indian currency which is piling up unused in Indian banks, due to sanctions. Right now, the US is taking inventory of “non-NATO allies,” whom they can court into NATO-Plus. The campaign for NATO-Plus is gathering momentum with five members as of this writing — Japan, Australia, South Korea, Israel and New Zealand. Remember that more than half of NATO’s power lies with the US. NATO-Plus is a US initiative. China is rattled by this turn of events, warning that it would plunge the Indo-Pacific into war. This is true, but remember, this was partly in reaction to China’s earlier belligerence and aggressive moves in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. NATO-Plus will naturally intensify the ongoing cooperation between China and Russia, exchanging more armaments and high-level talks on cooperation and mutual defense protocols. China and Russia are part of a multinational bloc similar to NATO. Since early 2022, Putin and Xi have been forging “a sweeping long-term agreement that challenges the United States as a global power” (The New Yorker, Feb. 2022). The possibility of the Philippines joining NATO-Plus cannot be discounted. The catalyst may be a US-China war in Taiwan and/or the South China Sea. If China retaliates against US killer drones emanating from the EDCA bases, this will enhance the chances of the Philippines joining NATO-Plus. However, massive collateral damage to Filipino civilians around the EDCA bases, when push comes to shove, may derail present mutual defense agreements with the US. To stay neutral is the dilemma of PBBM, the Philippines being the rope in a US-China tug-of-war. If he leans heavily toward the US, especially in a US-China war in Taiwan and/or the SCS, China can stop its much-needed trade with the Philippines. On the side of economic alliances, the US is worried about the current expansion of the China-Russia-led BRICS economic bloc “which received membership applications from 19 countries ahead of a June summit, potentially expanding the group’s influence throughout the Middle East and Africa.” (Fox News, undated). Their primary goal is to destroy the US dollar. In the interest of peace in the Asia Pacific, it is better if NATO-Plus fails because otherwise, it would result in a frenzy of purchases of deadly new state-of-the-art weapons by eager warriors that would plunge the region into war — which is happening now in Europe and the Middle East. eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Geopolitical implications of NATO-Plus appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Legarda: Address challenges of times
In her keynote address at the 1st TOYM Impact Summit, Senator Loren Legarda called for collaboration to address the challenges of our times. The lawmaker stressed that addressing these challenges cannot be the sole responsibility of an individual or a single sector, but must be shared among everyone. Legarda also said that she envisions a country that gives importance to green development, innovation, resilient communities, responsible and compassionate humanity, and a regenerative and sustainable future. She said that these are the fundamental elements that she deems critical to our development. “Being an advocate is not just a job, but a way of life I am committed to fighting for the issues that matter most to the Filipino people, including social justice, environmental sustainability, access to education and healthcare and gender equality,” Legarda said. The lady senator concluded her speech by calling on everyone to work together to turn challenges into opportunities and emerge stronger. The post Legarda: Address challenges of times appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pita Limjaroenrat: Thailand’s opposition earth-shaker
Harvard graduate, corporate titan and unlikely pro-democracy champion, 42-year-old Pita Limjaroenrat has shocked the Thai establishment with a grassroots campaign pushing royal reform that has seen him emerge as a frontrunner to be the kingdom's next prime minister. His Move Forward Party (MFP) has captured the majority in an election that saw record turnout -- with 14.1 million people throwing their support behind him. Vowing Monday that he would be "the next prime minister of Thailand", Pita said in a triumphant victory speech that his party is now ready to form a government. "Today is a new day, and hopefully it is full of sunshine and hope," he said in English. Pita first appeared in Thailand's political scene as one of the fresh faces of the newly formed progressive Future Forward Party in 2018. It drew the third-largest share of voters in the following year's poll -- but after facing a barrage of legal challenges that critics say were politically motivated, Future Forward was dissolved and its leaders banned from politics. Reborn as the Move Forward Party, Pita has been a dynamic presence on the campaign trail -- capitalizing on his youth and energy to reach voters disillusioned and yearning for change after more than eight years of military-backed government. "We will together rewrite Thai political history," he told ecstatic supporters at MFP's last rally in Bangkok on Friday. The election is the first since major youth-led pro-democracy protests erupted across Bangkok in 2020 with demands to curb the power and spending of Thailand's king -- breaching a long-held taboo on questioning the monarchy. MFP is the only party promising to reform the kingdom's draconian lese majeste laws, known as "112" in Thailand after their section in the penal code. A hugely controversial and sensitive subject, it has long been held as an untouchable in Thai politics. Even opposition rivals Pheu Thai -- once Thailand's most popular party -- said they would leave the issue to parliament. But Pita has not shied from it, telling reporters late Sunday that "no matter what, we will push for royal lese majeste law reform". Harvard graduate In a Thai political scene more commonly populated by ageing wheeler-dealers, the charismatic father of one inspires rockstar levels of enthusiasm from his supporters. Educated in New Zealand and the United States, Pita studied at Harvard on an international scholarship, before going on to become an entrepreneur. However, following his father's death when he was 25, Pita returned home to run his family's heavily-in-debt business Agrifood, turning its fortunes around. He later became executive director of transport and delivery app Grab Thailand. In 2012 he married Thai TV actress Chutima Teepanat, and they have a seven-year-old daughter. The marriage broke down in 2019. His young daughter has featured prominently in the campaign with Pita bringing her on stage after speeches, much to the crowds' delight. Online, he has utilised a public "personal" account -- followed by almost one million users -- to share images of him and his daughter wearing matching t-shirts and eating ice cream together. But despite the success at the ballot box, there is no indication his path to prime minister will be straightforward. He must now cobble a coalition together to surpass government-appointed senators who elect Thailand's prime minister from among eligible candidates. The post Pita Limjaroenrat: Thailand’s opposition earth-shaker appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ripe for financial inclusion, Filipinos crave information
Information must spread wider regarding the gains of opening a bank account to tap the huge pool of potential depositors, particularly in the booming digital banking sector, a report by global market researcher McKinsey and Company said. With an effective information drive on opening digital bank accounts, McKinsey said domestic lenders can boost their growth by tapping the bankable population, which is expected to expand by 30 percent to 85 million by 2030, along with owners of small and medium enterprises. “’The Philippines has an estimated 15 million informal entrepreneurs and self-employed workers. Meanwhile, retail lending is heavily concentrated in a narrow band of wealthy households,” according to the report. The reluctance of the unbanked stems mainly from the lack of information. “The public’s limited information about the banking system is a major challenge. The opportunities presented by the vast market for digital finance far outweigh the risks, but a keen awareness of the challenges facing fintech service providers will offer a critical advantage.” A survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2021 showed 45 percent of unbanked Filipinos believe they cannot open bank accounts due to lack of documents and funds for the minimum deposit. However, McKinsey said “this challenge is likely exaggerated in the public imagination” as many digital banks now require only a government identification card, a selfie and a mobile number from a borrower. In 2021, banking penetration remained low at 56 percent, compared to 96 percent in Thailand and 88 percent in Malaysia. Last year, most loans from domestic lenders were delivered to corporations at a 76 percent share, much higher than Thailand’s 38 percent and Malaysia’s 32 percent. “The underserved rural sector is well suited to digital-first or hybrid offerings, and recent changes to onboarding requirements and agent-banking rules are designed to enable digital service providers to maximize the impact of the country’s limited rural banking infrastructure,” McKinsey said. Market remains limited McKinsey reported a few digital banks have gained traction, with three digital banks growing their total market value by $3 billion, while traditional banks saw a $2.2-billion growth between January 2021 and January 2023. The digital banks reviewed by McKinsey are GoTyme, UnionDigital Bank and UNO Bank. However, McKinsey stressed digital banks in the Philippines have been limiting their services to mobile payments. “While competition in digital financial services is clearly intensifying, dominant players have yet to emerge outside the mobile-payments subsector. Six digital banks have recently launched operations in the Philippines, but none are currently lending at scale.” To reach more customers digitally, the government has allowed foreign banks to operate in the Philippines. It noted that 73 percent of the population uses the internet, which represents a sizable market of over 70 million individuals. “Partnering with an established domestic player can provide vital information on local market conditions, and such partnerships can offer incumbents a chance to expand their offerings rapidly while leveraging the experience of an international counterpart,” McKinsey advised. The research outfit added: “The simplest way for a foreign player to access the Philippine market may be to acquire a small rural bank and repurpose it for digital banking; over 400 rural banks are eligible.” The post Ripe for financial inclusion, Filipinos crave information appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How CHAD KINIS found purpose and ‘unexpected family’ in BEKS BATTALION
Last 5 May, three years after Covid-19 struck the world, the World Health Organization finally ended its global emergency status. Many lives were lost during the nightmare of Covid-19, but there were still beautiful stories and turning points that happened to people. Chad Kinis (real name Richardson de la Cruz) has one such story. At the presscon for his directorial debut The Beks Days of Our Lives on 5 May — the same day of WHO’s declaration — the standup comedian and vlogger became emotional as he recalled how, during the time of the pandemic, his life dramatically changed. It was his friendship with Lassy and MC Muah, his co-members in the comedy troupe Beks Battalion, that inspired the storyline and concept of his first-ever movie, he said. “Beks Battalion is an unexpected family. Hindi po namin inasahan na magiging matatag kaming magkasama bilang pamilya. Nagkaroon ako ng mga bagong kapatid sa kanila (We didn’t expect that we’d emerge strong as a family. I found new siblings in them),” Kinis said, becoming tearful. “Sa totoo lang po kasi, I’ve been so alone for decades. Mag-isa nagta-trabaho. Papasok ako sa comedy bar, then uuwi ako mag-isa (In truth, I’ve been alone for decades. I was working alone. I would go to work at the comedy bar, then go home by myself).” [caption id="attachment_129313" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photographs by stephanie mayo for the daily tribune | (FROM left) Lassy Marquez, Chad Kinis and MC Muah.[/caption] But the pandemic changed all that. It was in February 2020, a month before the country was put on Covid-19 lockdown, when Kinis formed Beks Battalion (now with over two million followers on YouTube). The trio began working hard to bring comedy online through their YouTube channel. Chad, Lassy and Muah have been long-time friends and stand-up comics before the group Beks Battalion was formed. In November 2020, still at the height of the pandemic, the trio showed a new house where the three of them decided to live together as a family. “Nung pandemic, nabuo ang Beks Battalion. Parang I found a new purpose,” Chad shared, wiping away tears. “Hindi lang po ako nagkaroon ng mga kapatid, kundi ng pamilya na gumagabay sa akin. Si Kuya Lassy, kahit pinakamatanda sa’min, parang naging bunso namin. Ang saya lang po ng buhay. Nagkaroon ako ng bagong direksyon sa kanila (I didn’t just get new siblings, but a family to guide me. Kuya Lassy is the oldest among us, but he also sort of became the youngest. Life has become happy. I’ve found a new direction because of them).” Chad said he never fails to text Lassy and MC every single day just to tell them that he loves them, “as if it’s the last breath of my life.” [caption id="attachment_129312" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHAD Kinis[/caption] The dramedy Beks Days of Our Lives, which opens 17 May in cinemas nationwide, tells the story of three close friends, Richard (Chad), Melvin (MC) and Reggie (Lassy). When one of them is diagnosed with leukemia, the trio embarks on a vacation to experience the “beks days of their lives.” “Itong movie na ito, kaya excited kami, bukod sa may drama talaga ‘yung movie, may puso. Pero hindi pa rin namin nakakalimutan yung pinaka-core ‘namin, yung comedy. So magugulat kayo sa ending nito, na hindi talaga siya tipikal na pelikula. Talagang may pa-surprise sa ending (We’re excited about this movie because it has heart. But we haven’t forgotten our core, which is comedy. So you’d be surprised at the ending, which isn’t typical in movies. It’s really a surprise ending),” said MC at the presscon. Expressing admiration for his first-time director friend, MC revealed that Kinis studied directing and camerawork to prepare for this movie. “Napakatalino at brilliant ng mind ni Chad (Chad has a very smart and brilliant mind),” he said. Chad watched a lot of movies and even consulted with fellow directors to help him prepare for his big task as a first-time director of a full-length feature. He admitted to challenges such as budget constraints and the volatile weather, but otherwise, they were very happy on set, he said. And Lassy and Muah were “effortless” in their performances. Trusting each other helped make the project a breeze, he said. Which is a testament to the gift of having close and satisfying friendships that are more like family, like the Beks Battalion. The post How CHAD KINIS found purpose and ‘unexpected family’ in BEKS BATTALION appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu tops Miss Universe Philippines 2021 runway challenge, new fan favorites emerge
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Flawed legacy in Bongbong’s Germany visit
The visit to Germany of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the scion of the notorious Marcos family, signifies more than just a routine diplomatic visit. It encapsulates a convergence of historical legacies and contemporary challenges......»»