‘West Philippine Sea a primary concern in 2022 elections’
Former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario urged Filipinos to consider the West Philippine Sea as a primary concern in the 2022 elections, saying President Duterte is “tyrannically forcing Filipinos to be silent against China’s encroachment of Philippine territory and maritime entitlements.”.....»»
Akbayan to Sara: You don’t have to be president to speak vs China
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Akbayan said on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have to be a president of the country for her to call out China’s intrusive actions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Empathy and a moral backbone is just what it takes to stand up with fisherfolk and frontline.....»»
China: PH is ‘straying down a dangerous path’
MANILA, Philippines — China continued to blame the Philippines and its ally, the United States, for the continued tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In a statement on Thursday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian warned that the Philippines is going down a dangerous path. READ: No letup in Chinese water cannon attacks.....»»
Revisiting Uniteam (Last of 2 parts)
THE Uniteam coalition of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, described by many political analysts as the "dream team", had come a long way since sweeping the 2022 elections......»»
Dela Rosa considers war with China but admits: ‘Hindi naman natin kaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is already fed up with China’s persistent harassments in the West Philippine Sea, prompting thoughts of engaging in war with Beijing. But he knows, war is not an option. “Naubos na ang sasabihin ko dapat dyan. Short of declaring war na tayo dyan against sa kanila e,.....»»
FOCAP condemns Chinese embassy’s claims on ‘manipulated’ West Philippine Sea videos
The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines strongly rejected and condemned yesterday China’s “false and baseless” claims that journalists manipulate videosthey recorded in the South China Sea to present the Philippines as a victim......»»
Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
‘Trade with China should continue’
The Philippines should continue to pursue stronger trade ties with China despite rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. and the Department of Trade and Industry......»»
US lawmakers stand with Philippines vs Chinese sea aggression
Visiting US lawmakers expressed their concern over China’s continued aggression in Philippine waters during their meeting with President Marcos at Malacañang yesterday......»»
View from Manila: ‘Tama na, Lord’
China responded like 'it's already the end of the world,' says National Security Adviser Eduardo Año in describing the latest 'illegal, coercive' act in the West Philippine Sea.....»»
Heightened security for Degamos after Teves arrest | The wRap
The wRap's highlights: Roel Degamo, West Philippine Sea, Kate Middleton.....»»
Fish catch in West Philippine Sea grows despite tensions with China
Despite rising tensions with China, the Philippines expanded its fish catch in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last year to a four-year high of over 200,000 metric tons on the back of higher state support to fishermen......»»
‘Not war with China; don’t rely only on US’ – Marcos Jr.
In an interview on Bloomberg TV last Wednesday, as reported in another national daily, he made two related comments that could represent important government policy stands. First, regarding China’s increasing aggressive moves against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea; second, about the United States’ repeated assurance of its “iron-clad” defense commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. The post ‘Not war with China; don’t rely only on US’ – Marcos Jr. appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
WPS tension: Chinese vessel blocks PH research ship
A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel again made “dangerous maneuvers” on Thursday and tried to block a Philippine fishery vessel carrying marine scientists conducting research in the West Philippine Sea or WPS. Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the WPS, told a press briefing on Friday that CCG vessel 5204 crossed the.....»»
Increasing demand for electric vehicles
The Department of Energy (DOE) in Mindanao has observed a growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Engr. Adrian Mel B. Delola, a Science Research Specialist II at DOE Mindanao Field Office, discussed this trend during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on January 15, 2024. He highlighted the impact of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Evida Law), implemented on April 15, 2022, which has contributed to the increasing interest in EVs. Delola acknowledged that the current cost of EVs is a concern but expressed optimism that as demand rises, the number of charging stations will increase and the cost of units will subsequently decrease. He also addressed the presence of hybrid models in key cities in Mindanao and the challenge of limited car dealerships facilitating their distribution. Additionally, Delola touched on the use of e-trikes, classified as light EVs under RA 11697, and the regulations regarding their weight and use on national highways. The DOE is working with various agencies to address issues related to the registration and use of e-trikes. Sellers are also advising consumers on the proper use of e-trikes for private purposes and cautioning against their use on national highways......»»
Biden meets Chinese FM, urges cooperation on ‘global challenges’
US President Joe Biden met China's foreign minister for talks on Friday as the two countries seek to smooth ties ahead of a possible visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Biden told top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi that Washington and Beijing must "manage competition in the relationship responsibly and maintain open lines of communication," the White House said. With the Israel-Hamas conflict raging in the Middle East, Biden also "underscored that the United States and China must work together to address global challenges," it added in a statement. Biden has invited Xi to San Francisco next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, but he has also stood firm on China in the run-up, keeping up a stream of sanctions and backing US allies in disputes with Beijing. Wang Yi has been on a two-day visit to Washington during which he also met US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The Chinese foreign minister had been expected to meet Biden too after Blinken met Chinese president Xi in Beijing in June, but it had not previously been confirmed. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had said on Thursday that this week's talks were a "milestone in that effort to keep the lines of communication open with the PRC (People's Republic of China)." Sullivan was going to raise "areas of concern" including China's behavior in the South China Sea, where it has been forcefully asserting its maritime boundaries. Stabilize Wang said after meeting Blinken on Thursday that he wanted to "stabilize US-China relations" and "reduce misunderstanding" after years of tensions. Acknowledging that differences will still come up, Wang said China would respond "calmly, because we are of the view that what is right and what is wrong is not determined by who has the stronger arm or the louder voice." Biden and Xi have had no contact since a meeting in Bali in November 2022. Relations have been tense for years between world's top two economies as they vie for influence in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and as Beijing boosts cooperation with Russia in a bid to reduce US dominance. Tensions have been particularly high over Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing that over the past year has launched major military exercises in response to actions by US lawmakers. The United States and China have also traded barbs over the conflict in the Middle East, where Biden has been Israel's foremost ally. US officials have repeatedly spoken of creating "guardrails" with China to prevent worst-case scenarios and have sought, without success, to restore contact between the two militaries. Biden on Wednesday warned China of US treaty obligations to the Philippines, which said that Chinese vessels deliberately hit Manila's boats in dispute-rife waters -- an account contested by Beijing. Speaking alongside Australia's prime minister, a key Asia-Pacific ally, Biden vowed to compete with China "every way according to the international rules -- economically, politically, in other ways. But I'm not looking for conflict." The post Biden meets Chinese FM, urges cooperation on ‘global challenges’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go reminds public to observe proper hygiene amid typhoid surge
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged Filipinos to be more vigilant and prioritize their health by observing proper hygiene in the wake of an alarming increase in typhoid cases across the country. According to the Department of Health (DOH), at least 17,531 cases of typhoid have been recorded this year. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his concern for the growing number of typhoid cases and called upon the Filipino people to take immediate action to protect their health and that of their loved ones. “Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na maging mapanuri sa ating kalusugan. Huwag tayong mag-atubiling magpatingin sa mga doktor kung may mga sintomas tulad ng lagnat o pagsusuka,” Go underscored. “Mahalaga ring magtulungan tayo para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng mga sakit na ito. Huwag nating kalimutan ang tamang kalinisan at sanitation sa ating mga tahanan. Siguruhing laging malinis ang ating mga paligid at inumin ang ligtas na tubig,” he added. Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily spreads through contaminated food and water. Its symptoms, which include high fever, abdominal pain, and severe weakness, can be severe and even life-threatening if left untreated. Therefore, the recent increase in cases is a cause for significant concern, stressed Go. According to the most recent disease surveillance report from DOH, there has been a 38 percent increase in reported cases of the disease from 1 January to 30 September compared to the same period last year, with 12,693 cases. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) reported the highest number of cases at 2,861 followed by Northern Mindanao with 1,932 cases, and Mimaropa Region (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) with 1,413 cases. Cases in SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) increased by 119 percent from 512 cases to 1,123. Central Luzon saw the most significant increase in cases, with a 192 percent increase from 334 cases last year to 975 cases this year. "Typhoid fever is a preventable disease, and it is disheartening to see the numbers continue to rise," Go said, adding "We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to our health. It is our responsibility to stay informed and practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of this disease." Go also urged the government and health agencies to intensify their efforts in raising awareness about typhoid prevention, enhancing healthcare services, and implementing strict measures to ensure food and water safety. Go then highlighted the importance of Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers as crucial components of the country's healthcare system, saying, “As the nation battles the increasing number of typhoid cases, it is essential for Filipinos to be aware of the facilities designed to provide quick and efficient medical services and assistance.” The Malasakit Centers program, a brainchild of Go, serves as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs. These centers bring together key government agencies to streamline the process of availing medical aid. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo sa inyong billing,” said Go. The program was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, which was principally sponsored and authored by Go. To date, there are 159 operational centers that have successfully helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide. “Sa ating pag-iikot sa buong bansa kapag naghahatid tayo ng serbisyo sa mga komunidad, lagi nating ipinapaalala sa ating mga kababayan—lalo na ang mga mahihirap—na unahin ang kanilang kalusugan. Huwag dapat silang matakot magpagamot dahil kung kailangan nila ng tulong pang-medikal ay nandiyan ang Malasakit Center sa kanilang lugar na handang tumulong sa kanila. Para sa taumbayan iyan. Kahit sino ay maaaring lumapit dito. Basta Pilipino ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center,” Go explained. Moreover, the Super Health Centers offer a wide array of medical services, including consultations, and diagnostic tests, among others, ensuring that more Filipinos receive proper medical care close to their homes. “Malaking tulong po ito na ma-decongest ‘yung mga hospitals. Makakatulong rin sa early disease detection para maagapan ang sakit. Pwede na sa Super Health Centers ang primary care at pagkonsulta sa doktor,” he added. Super Health Centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers and local government units, sufficient funds have been allocated under the DOH for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. "In times like these, we must come together as a nation. Let us be vigilant, look out for one another, and ensure that proper hygiene practices are consistently followed. By working together, we can combat this outbreak and protect the health and well-being of our fellow Filipinos,“ stressed Go. The post Bong Go reminds public to observe proper hygiene amid typhoid surge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Youth backsliding on tobacco use feared
Public health advocates in the Philippines expressed growing concern on Thursday over the escalation of influence by the tobacco industry, which they say threatens the health and welfare of young Filipinos. At the launch of the 2022 and 2023 Tobacco Industry Interference Index Country Reports, the advocates warned that the downward trend of smoking in the country could be reversed, and more young people could become addicted to nicotine products if the situation is not addressed. “The tobacco industry has proven just how relentless they are in using their political and marketing machinery to assert their interests via interactions with the government,” said Rom Dongeto, convenor of the Child Rights Network and executive director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development. “We need to stop tobacco companies from targeting children and youth, especially through online platforms, in the propagation of their deadly vapes and cigarettes,” he added. The 2022 and 2023 TII Index Reports found that the Philippines’ score has consistently increased over the years, indicating the increasing influence of the tobacco industry and the government’s failure to combat interference. The country’s score rose from 45 in 2017 to 54 in 2018 and 57 in 2019. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, scores rose to 54 in 2020 and 58 in 2021. By 2022, the country’s score was up another notch at 59 and moved up further to 60 in 2023. The post Youth backsliding on tobacco use feared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Luxembourg, EU’s richest country, grapples with housing crisis
Luxembourg's residents may be classified as the wealthiest in the European Union, but the sky-high cost of buying or renting a home in the country has made living there nearly impossible for some. The crisis has become the number one concern in the Grand Duchy of 660,000 people -- smaller than Rhode Island, the smallest US state -- as it goes to the polls on Sunday. Pascale Zaourou, a teacher and mother of three children, had to wait five years before being able to access coveted social housing. "On the private market, renting an apartment with two rooms costs at least 2,000 euros -- it's difficult with only one income," she told AFP at a recent demonstration in Luxembourg City. "Affordable housing is scarce, especially for young people and single-parent families," she said. Antoine Paccoud, a researcher at the Housing Observatory, which compiles data guiding government policy, backed up that sentiment. "More and more Luxembourgers are crossing the border to live in Germany, Belgium, or France just because rents and property prices are lower," he said. The situation is jarring for a country with a flourishing economy based around financial services. Net average earnings for a single worker in Luxembourg were 47,000 euros ($49,000) annually in 2022, according to estimates from the EU's statistics agency -- the highest in the bloc. 'Overshadows all others' In the capital city, new-build flats sell for 13,000 euros per square meter (around $1,300 per square foot) and older ones go for 10,700 euros. The average cost of a house is 1.5 million euros. Rents increased by 6.7 percent between June 2022 and June 2023, much faster than the inflation rate of 3.4 percent over that period. Philippe Poirier, a political analyst at the University of Luxembourg, told AFP that housing has become "the question that overshadows all others" at the legislative elections. He ticked off "the scarcity of housing and land, the cost of construction or purchase, and the high rents" as the key problems. The two major political parties hoping to spearhead the next government have pledged action. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel's Liberal Party promised to create a super-ministry for housing, wants to tax vacant properties more and invest in social housing. Socialist leader Paulette Lenert -- the health minister in the current coalition government -- is pushing for huge investments in affordable housing. 'Holding on to land' But the structural problems with housing run deep and changing them will not be easy. Paccoud said a lack of inheritance tax and only symbolic duties have encouraged owners to sit on land without developing it. "0.5 percent of the resident population, or 3,000 people, own half of the buildable land," he said. "These owners are holding on to their land as long as possible because prices are increasing." The economic opportunities on offer also bring in droves of foreign workers, which helps drive up the cost of the limited housing pool. Around half the people living in Luxembourg are not citizens of the country. There is a wide gulf in terms of homeownership rates between native Luxembourgers, at 80 percent, and foreign residents at just 50 percent. While many Luxembourgers have nearly guaranteed jobs working for state institutions, foreigners have to deal with the changeable job market. "Those who are at the bottom of the scale in Luxembourg are rather the resident foreigners," Poirier said. As a result, and despite the high salaries and an official minimum wage of 2,571 euros a month, Luxembourg ranks in the top three in the eurozone in terms of risk of poverty for single-parent families with one income, according to a recent report by the Chamber of Employees. The post Luxembourg, EU’s richest country, grapples with housing crisis appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
External headwinds
The price shocks besetting Filipinos, now the main preoccupation of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is a global phenomenon rippling down to the nation. Greatly affected are rice prices that had surged with the government hoping to tame them through price caps of P41 per kilo of regular-milled and P45 for well-milled grains. In its latest review of the domestic fiscal situation, an International Monetary Fund team said that while the economy has emerged from the pandemic strongly, it now faces “a confluence of global shocks.” Growth moderated from 7.6 percent in 2022 to 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2023, which IMF attributed “to a weak global economy and tightened policy settings.” The IMF, thus, recognized that the weak state of the global economy has had a strong impact on the country and that the response through the tightening of the money supply by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas resulted in a growth slowdown. An acceleration in public spending and an improvement in exports is expected to lift the gross domestic product by year’s end to 5.3 percent in 2023 and 6 percent in 2024. The risks associated with the slowdown in the economy all originated beyond the Philippines. The IMF review said the main downside risks to the outlook include the persistently high global and domestic inflation that could necessitate a further tightening of monetary policy. This abrupt global slowdown may further weaken goods and services exports, intensifying geo-political tensions and depreciation pressures stemming from capital outflows under volatile market conditions. Recent surveys showed that rising inflation has been the major culprit for the weakening of the public ratings of President Marcos and other high officials. Consider the resolute actions taken to arrest the price upsurge, particularly the calculated measures to place a ceiling on retail costs while the National Food Authority intervenes to keep farmgate prices high. Another budding concern should be the weakening in foreign direct investments, or FDI, which needs to be reflective of the high confidence level of investors, according to Trade Secretary Fred Pascual. Pascual cited the capital being plowed back and the rising cost of business projects listed with the Board of Investments and other investment promotion agencies, which would mean optimism in long-term prospects. He said FDI numbers reflect investors’ decisions well before the funds were released that go into the BSP records. The past practices of market manipulators with political agendas were to hit the equities and foreign exchange markets while influencing the flow of investments. Keeping these economic indicators weak makes it easy for opportunists to paint the perception of a looming economic crisis where there is none. For instance, during the shortened term of President Joseph Estrada, the peso depreciation that caused a dip in the stock market and a supposed capital flight were thoroughly exploited to show mismanagement of government that resulted in his eventual downfall. The recent association of high prices and the plunge in the survey ratings of Marcos and other officials raises suspicions of another black operation, which had been heard since the new leadership assumed office. It is not farfetched that the playbook of EDSA 1 and 2 is underway to undermine the Marcos administration. Another element that should be considered is the growing insecurity of China amid the strengthened relations between the Philippines and the United States. Considering its economic clout, China can manipulate situations that may pave the way for political conditions to favor its interests. The accurate picture is that most of the problems confronting Marcos are outside his control since they emanate from beyond the border. The post External headwinds appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SMC power unit investors warned
“Thread cautiously” on San Miguel Power Global Holdings Corp., or SMPGH, an international think tank advised investors after assessing the prospects of the energy unit of the Asian conglomerate. The Detroit-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, or IEEFA, issued the call for caution due to SMPGH’s piling debts in contrast to its earnings. In a review of the dominant power producer, IEEFA said the company’s elevated net debt-to-earnings and potential difficulties meeting financial obligations “create additional risk of devaluation, particularly in the long term.” Likewise, SMPGH investors were cautioned about its mounting challenges in securing favorable funding terms due to its high fossil fuel exposure and high non-call risk for its sizable US dollar-denominated perpetual securities. IEEFA said the backing of parent San Miguel Corporation, one of the most diversified Asian multinationals, offers only “some comfort.” It said SMC’s own elevated debt and “business uncertainties will be critical to monitor” when assessing financial risks to SMGPH. Thus, due to its ongoing fossil fuel expansion, the company needs more strategic options to address financial risks in the near to medium term. However, IEEFA expressed the belief that an immediate material pivot toward low-cost domestic renewable energy represents the best hedge against exposure to imported fossil fuels, prices of which remain on an upswing. A compilation of the financial performance of the SMC units last year showed that only SMGPH tallied a huge loss. By the numbers Food unit San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. reported a P34.6 billion or 10 percent gain; beer unit San Miguel Brewery Inc., a P31.75 billion profit, up eight percent; SMC Infrastructure a P14.24 billion net income, 110 percent higher; San Miguel Foods, P9.218-billion profit, up nine percent; Petron Corp., P6.697-billion, a nine percent increase; Ginebra San Miguel, P4.547 profit, a nine percent growth; San Miguel Packaging Group, 42 percent growth at P1.648-billion, and SMGPH, P3.134 billion or an 80 percent loss. SMGPH controls 4,719 megawatts or MW of operational power capacity, making it the largest power generation company in the Philippines by installed capacity. As of April 2022, the company owned 21 percent of installed capacity nationally and 28 percent of the Luzon grid, the largest of the three Philippine grids. However, SMC announced a 2050 net-zero target at its annual general meeting in June 2023. IEEFA said, “implementation details are sparse.” SMGPH’s existing generation portfolio is dominated by fossil fuel power plants, which comprise 87 percent of its operational capacity. Hydropower accounts for 12 percent. As of August 2023, the company does not have equity interests in wind or solar assets, IEEFA pointed out. “Without a change in strategy away from dependence on volatile fossil fuels, the company may increasingly find itself locked into financial instability,” according to IEEFA’s study. Fitch Ratings research unit CreditSights issued a similar report last year, saying the rising interest and debt payments of SMGPH may affect the company’s key projects. “Given the worsening financial profile of SMC Global Power, any concerns over its hypothetical default raise fears of triggering a cross-default on SMC,” the report said. The highly leveraged operation of the Asian conglomerate was also a concern raised by Bloomberg Intelligence, which indicated that it may impair the parent’s ability to rescue its subsidiaries in a financial fix. The post SMC power unit investors warned appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»