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On WPS conflict, ‘Trillanes cut deals’
Amid the guessing game started by China on who the unnamed President was who promised to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has pointed to a former senator as the culprit. “I haven’t heard from previous presidents that they promised to remove the Sierra Madre, but what I know is that the late President Benigno Aquino III did some backchanneling, and his backdoor agent was former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV,” Enrile said. He added: “Trillanes bypassed then Ambassador Sonia Brady in negotiating with China, and his only credential was he rode in a Philippine Navy boat when he was in the military service.” “The subject of the backchanneling was the Scarborough Shoal standoff, but Trillanes was deceived by the Chinese. The Philippine vessels withdrew from the area of the deadlock, but China stayed put,” he recalled. 2012 Senate skirmish Then-senator Enrile and Trillanes had a confrontation in September 2012 over the government’s covert negotiations with China that Aquino had assigned to Trillanes. In a face-off on the Senate floor, Enrile produced the so-called Brady notes, a report on the discussions between the ambassador and Trillanes on the backchanneling mission. During his several engagements with Chinese officials, Enrile quoted the Brady notes as saying that Trillanes indicated that Filipinos needed more interest in the conflicting claims in the region. Enrile said the Brady notes stated that Aquino was not made fully aware of the details of Trillanes’s actions, and there was a point when the President did not know the talks were suspended for two weeks and that Trillanes was acting on his own. “And for whom? Whose interest was he serving?” Enrile asked. While admitting that it was the prerogative of Aquino as Commander-in-Chief to resort to backchannel talks, designating Trillanes was a huge mistake, he said. “Trillanes should have been discreet, and he should have brought along an embassy representative to record the event. Trillanes thought he was James Bond. That should not have been allowed,” Enrile said. “A person entrusted by the President with a mission must first exercise discretion. When you go to a country to deal with a foreign power, you must notify the embassy,” he said. “Trillanes should have notified the embassy to alert them that he was there on a mission, and he should have brought along at least one responsible official,” he added. He continued: “Everybody should have known that international law already provided the way to settle the dispute, which was the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, but which China did not respect.” “China based its claims not on international law but on its might. We should have a counter-balancing force,” according to Enrile. “We should not rely solely on the assistance of other nations; we should keep building up our military assets.” “We should also be prepared, and one way to do that is to require all young Filipinos to undergo training to defend the country.” “Only Filipinos can fight for their country; nobody else can do the fighting for you,” Enrile stressed. False narrative Meanwhile, China was accused of using deception in its sea maneuvers when it tried to block a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on 7 September. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, Col. Medel Aguilar, at the weekly Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, said the Philippine Navy offered to help a Chinese rubber boat in distress near Ayungin Shoal. “Our troops offered assistance, but the Chinese refused and another boat came to their rescue,” Aguilar said. He said one of the Chinese rigid hull inflatable boats had gotten entangled in a fishing line while it was tailing the Philippine vessels heading to Ayungin to resupply the troops there. Aguilar said that while the Chinese boat’s refusal to accept aid from Philippine forces was expected, what surprised the troops was Beijing’s radio call where they blamed the Filipinos for the incident. “They had the guts to challenge our radio message. ‘Philippine Coast Guard, because of your maneuvers, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel came into problem,’” he quoted the Chinese as saying. Aguilar said this was another narrative the Chinese would tell their people. “After this incident, they will come up with their narrative to tell their people about what happened,” Aguilar said. “We don’t want the truth to be drowned out by what really happened,” he added. Misplaced bullying Aguilar described the China Coast Guard’s behavior as “misplaced bullying” amid its continued aggression in Philippine territorial waters. “The CCG is a misplaced bully in the WPS,” Aguilar said. Meanwhile, Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson, said several CCG ships and maritime militia vessels tried to block the Philippine vessels and stop the resupply mission. “It is very important for the government, for us, to be more transparent about what is happening in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. “We face the media; we give them the true story. The media will play a very important role in curtailing this fake news that spreads every time the Chinese release their narratives.” He said China has been pushing the narrative that the Philippines is acting on behalf of the United States. Ayungin Shoal, which is part of the Kalayaan island group, is an integral part of the Philippines and is well within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, over which the country has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded on Ayungin Shoal since 1999, where it stands as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty and on which a dozen Filipino Marines and sailors are holding the fort. The post On WPS conflict, ‘Trillanes cut deals’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teddy Boy named special envoy to China
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. as the President’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China for Special Concerns, the Presidential Communications Office announced on Wednesday in a Facebook post. Locsin’s recent appointment came amid the resurgence of tensions in the West Philippine Sea between China and the Philippines. In a Viber message to Palace reporters, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Marcos appointed Locsin to boost the bilateral relations between the two countries. Locsin, who is the Foreign Affairs Secretary of then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte from 17 October to 30 June 2022, takes on the new task “in a concurrent position” as the Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Chief Executive appointed Locsin UK ambassador with jurisdiction over Ireland, Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey, and Bailiwick of Guernsey on 30 August 2022. During his tenure, he frequently lodged numerous diplomatic complaints and occasionally used the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticize China. The newly-appointed special envoy is the son and namesake of Teodoro Locsin Sr., a journalist who was imprisoned during the 1970s for criticizing President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Following the overthrow of Marcos Sr. in 1986, the younger Locsin became the speechwriter and legal advisor to President Corazon Aquino. Subsequently, he wrote speeches for Presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was elected Makati 1st District representative in 2001, a seat he held until 2010. Holding a master’s degree in law from Harvard University, Locsin is a lawyer and a media figure. The post Teddy Boy named special envoy to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI assures enough manpower at departure area
Amid concerns over the crowding at the airport’s immigration departure area, the Bureau of Immigration assured the public Thursday that it has enough staff to assist those who will fly out of Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. In his statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the immigration booths in NAIA 3 are always fully manned as the bureau has already beefed up the number of BI officers deployed at the premiere port. Tansingco added that although their manpower at the airport is more than enough, these long queues of passengers could not be avoided due to many factors, foremost of which is the recent transfer of several airlines from NAIA 1 to NAIA 3 that resulted from the impending shutdown of international flight operations at NAIA 2. The BI chief disclosed that the recent transfer to NAIA 3 of China Southern Airlines, Gulf Air, Jeju Air, Thai Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Jetstar, Starlux and Scoot has caused a 10-percent increase in the average number of passengers who depart from NAIA 3 daily. Tansingco also attributed the congestion problem at NAIA 3 to other factors, such as limited space, flight delays and diversions caused by bad weather, and the frequent declaration of lighting alerts that result in the simultaneous disembarkation of passengers from affected flights. “We are constantly coordinating our efforts with the Manila International Airport Authority in seeking the best solution to address this perennial problem of overcrowding in our immigration areas at the NAIA,” the BI chief added. “Among these are the installation of additional BI counters and expanding the space of our departure area.” He reiterated that the BI has already addressed its previous problem of manpower shortage in light of the continuous hiring by the bureau of new immigration inspectors. “In fact, due to the augmentation of our manpower, we have granted the request of our airport terminal heads outside Metro Manila, such as those in Clark, Mactan, and Davao, by reassigning immigration officers to their turfs, Tansingco said. The post BI assures enough manpower at departure area appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Euro firms targeted for big-ticket projects
The Department of Transportation is targeting to draw up more European investments in the country’s big-ticket transport projects to keep its massive infrastructure goals on track amid budgetary constraints. “The biggest obstacle has always been fund-sourcing, considering the strained national budget of our government after coming out of the pandemic,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Wednesday. Bautista met top officials of the European Union-Association of South East Asian Nations Council and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to discuss various possibilities in generating investments in the transport sector. “We offered various infrastructure transport projects to international financial institutions, private investors, and professional associations and industry groups,” Bautista said. Viable option Bautista pointed out that project financing from foreign business groups has been a viable option to undertake massive projects locally. Among others, the Transportation chief also reiterated that the proposed privatization of the operation and management of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and New Manila International Airport can be a rosy option for the private sector to invest in. “Other regional airports across the country are in the pipeline for privatization,” he said. He also cited other infrastructure projects in various transport sectors such as railways, maritime and road, including the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, MRT-7, and MRT-4. “They can assist us in financing the projects through PPP so, we hope investors from their countries can be supportive of many projects of the DoTr. We have public-private partnerships projects for airports, rails and for roads and for maritime,” Bautista said. PPP revitalization The Marcos administration has revitalized public-private partnerships to ante up its infrastructure program. Last March, the National Economic and Development Authority announced a P9-trillion flagship infrastructure program —many of which will be funded via the public-private partnership mode. Based on targets, the government plans to build 194 infrastructure projects. Of these, 123 were proposed by the incumbent administration, while the other 71 were carried over from the previous one. As indicated in the NEDA report, about 45 of these projects will be financed through the help of the private sector. PHilMech expects youth embracing machines The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization or PHilMech targets the youth in embracing the mechanization program for farms. “We’re doing this to spark the interest of the youth in operating machines and training others. This is by far the biggest project we have for the future of agriculture,” Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, PHilMech Director IV, said Wednesday during the center’s 45th anniversary. Alvindia said the country now has a bigger pool of young farmers to tap as the average age of Filipino farmers is now younger at 47 from 57 previously. He added the new farmers will be critical in the application of PHilMech’s climate machines with less emitting carbon Euro 3 and 4 engines, and predictive technologies with artificial intelligence that analyzes the health of the soil and plants. Available in 4 yrs Alvindia expects the technologies to be available within four years and help farmers reduce postharvest losses and fight climate change, which causes extreme drought, floods and forest fires. “We don’t only think of productivity but also saving the planet. This is the heart of the fourth industrial revolution. We will transform agriculture and today is the beginning of that future.” Alvindia said the Filipino youth will also benefit from other machines to be rolled out from the Agricultural Machinery Design and Prototyping Center in Nueva Ecija, which is now being built under the Philippines’ partnership with Korea International Cooperation Agency of South Korea. In the center, South Korean scientists will share their knowledge on farming mechanization with Filipinos so they can build their own machines in the future. Leocadio Sebastian, Department of Agriculture’s undersecretary for rice industry development, was grateful for this collaboration but stressed the Philippine officials must carefully study which agricultural areas mostly need mechanization. The post Euro firms targeted for big-ticket projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cleanfuel Strengthens Retail Network in Southern Manila
Now serving with the newest technologies implemented to create high-tech fuel for your vehicles, Cleanfuel, believes in the resiliency of the Filipino people that would bring and sustain solid economic recovery amid health crisis. Their recently opened retail station at Doña Soledad in Parañaque City shows a testament that the company remains upbeat in expanding their network footprints in Southern portion of Metro Manila. “While 2020 is a challenging year, Cleanfuel has remained optimistic riding in the resiliency of Filipinos towards economic recovery. This is the reason why Cleanfuel Group of Companies continues to invest and opened more stations as a testament and commitment to its people to provide top-notch fuel to every motorist,” said Atty Bong Suntay, President of Cleanfuel. “The opening of the new station in Doña Soledad is in line with Cleanfuel’s goal to expand its reach and strengthen its customer base in the Southern part of Metro Manila,” Suntay said. Situated at the busy thoroughfare of Doña Soledad Avenue Extension at Barangay Don Bosco in Parañaque City, the new station offers a top-notch fuel and lubricants including Clean91 (Unleaded), Premium 95 gasoline, and Euro-4 diesel. It provides access to both public and private motorists from Better Living going to Moonwalk, connecting in the bustling intersection of eastern Parañaque. In addition, the second district of Don Bosco is the primary residential Barangay of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and one of the 16 Barangays in Parañaque City. Key factors of the city’s progress include banks, shopping malls, restaurants, residential properties, and commercial manufacturing. Motorists heading towards the busy streets of Doña Soledad Avenue Extension from east-west and northern side of Parañaque can gas up to experience Cleanfuel’s brand mantra: Quality fuel for Less! Further, Cleanfuel Doña Soledad station will become a key driver of growth to more than 60,000 population of Barangay Don Bosco. As the city relies on shopping centers as part of major contributors, the company sees that the opening of Cleanfuel Doña Soledad will further strengthen and boost economic confidence. “We’re grateful and honor to inaugurate Cleanfuel Doña Soledad as our first station to open in these unprecedented times. The economy in the City of Parañaque has been growing consistently with massive projects in property and commercial manufacturing,” the company’s chief executive said. Suntay adds that in the next coming months Cleanfuel is adding more stations not only in NCR but also in provinces to provide quality fuel for business and opportunities for others. “We intend to leverage our business aggressively and expand our retail network across the country, focusing on Mega Manila and Northern Luzon,” concludes Suntay. Cleanfuel is expected to open more stations in coming weeks in Ortigas Avenue Extension in Pasig and mega branch in Mabalacat Pampanga as part of the long-term business expansion plan. Aside from expansion, the company has extended its support by providing fuel subsidy for the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr’s) Free Bus Ride for Health Workers Program and drive relief donations to northern provinces, which include Pangasinan (Villasis, Binalonan, Pozorrubio) and San Fernando (La Union) and other cities in Metro Manila......»»
eTravel pains
You know it’s a popular season for traveling when television news outlets are already reporting live from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to check if there are already hordes of passengers preparing to leave town or the country during the Holy Week break......»»
DOT seeks inclusion in protected areas board amid Chocolate Hills issue
Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco —INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo After the recent controversy surrounding a resort development near Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Bohol, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced plans to advocate for its inclusion in the national government’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated during a.....»»
PDEA-7: No marijuana-flavored vapes in Central Visayas
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DA chief orders transfer of suspended NFA supervisors’ authority
The transfer of authority of suspended warehouse supervisors of the National Food Authority has been ordered by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday as NFA facilities remain closed amid the suspension order of the Office of the Ombudsman......»»
BSP on guard vs inflation risks amid El Niño
The BSP chief said headline inflation likely further accelerated to 3.9 percent in March from 3.4 percent in February due to base effects, but lower than the 7.6 percent in March 2023......»»
Mark Leviste miss na si Kris Aquino: I’ll always pray for you
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NAIA deal signing set in Malacañang on Monday
Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. will get the blessing of no less than President Marcos in its takeover of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as the Chief Executive is expected to witness the signing of the concession on Monday......»»
Marcos Jr. at PNP command conference: Not a loyalty check
It was not a loyalty check but an admonition to strengthen focus on addressing criminality, the country’s national police chief said yesterday of his first command conference with President Marcos at Camp Crame, amid rumors of destabilization attempts......»»
CNN Philippines shutdown rumors circulate amid financial troubles | The wRap
The wRap highlights: CNN Philippines, Kris Aquino, Oppenheimer.....»»
Philippines to improve 9 of its islands in South China Sea
MANILA, The Philippines: The Philippines is set to enhance the habitability of islands it considers part of its territory in the South China Sea, according to Romeo Brawner, Manila's military chief. These plans are unfolding amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China, as both nations claim South China Sea territory and have accused each other of provocative actions in the region. Apart fr.....»»
Philippines to enhance habitability of its islands in South China Sea
MANILA, The Philippines: The Philippines is set to enhance the habitability of islands it considers part of its territory in the South China Sea, according to Romeo Brawner, Manila's military chief. These plans are unfolding amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China, as both nations claim South China Sea territory and have accused each other of provocative actions in the region. Apart fr.....»»
PNP officers urged to shun adventurism
Amid rumors of destabilization attempts against the administration, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has rallied police officers against resorting to adventurism......»»
Heavy fire from Lebanon targets northern Israel amid concern over Gaza spillover
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Amid MSU bombing, defense chief urges review of campus ban on security forces
Defending the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Teodoro stressed that what happened was officials’ “failure to appreciate” the intelligence sent to them.....»»
Amid underlying tensions, Xi pushes for more trust with Vietnam
Hanoi [Vietnam], December 13 (ANI): Barely months after Hanoi improved ties with Washington, China and Vietnam, two ancient foes with long-standing disputes over competing claims in the South China Sea, decided on Tuesday to hold discussions on collaborations between them, according to CNN. Chinese state media hailed a "new positioning of relations" between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Vietnamese Communist Party chief Ng.....»»