Digong declares National Bicycle Day
There is a need to highlight the importance of non-motorized transportation as a means of fostering sustainable development and promoting environmental health that is conducive to the physical health and well-being of all Filipinos. The post Digong declares National Bicycle Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte declares ‘National Bicycle Day’
President Duterte has declared the fourth Sunday of November of every year as “National Bicycle Day” in an effort to promote non-motorized transportation and to ensure ecological integrity and a clean and healthy environment......»»
Duterte declares fourth Sunday of November as National Bicycle Day
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the fourth Sunday of November of every year as “National Bicycle Day” in a bid to ensure ecological integrity and a clean and healthy environment. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation 1052 on Wednesday, Nov. 18 by the authority of the President. President Duterte declares Fourth Sunday […] The post Duterte declares fourth Sunday of November as National Bicycle Day appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
What’s up in the House?
The House is crumbling. This after they had a fiesta trying to impugn the proposed confidential and intelligence funds for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. Speaker Martin Romualdez must be smiling from ear to ear, watching his disciples repudiate the proposed CIFs. His ever-loyal sidekick, Reginald Velasco, joined the fray by articulating Romualdez’s statement that the CIF for the OVP and DepEd would be realigned to other government agencies, making it sound like the funds had already been allocated. How can you realign something that does not exist? In short, all the sound bites from the House of Romualdez were only early and divisive politicking. In short, the Unity Ticket is now just a jumbled heap of a wreck. In the case of the ACT Teachers, Bayan and Gabriela party lists, theirs is a dire act of political survival. They have lost their influence on the mass base with the massive surrender of NPA combatants who had returned to the fold of the law. They are mad specifically at VP Inday Sara Duterte for getting rid of the CPP-NPA-NDF in Davao City, which was the first place to be declared insurgent-free. This was to be followed later by the rest of the provinces and cities in the Davao Region. Finally, the rest of Mindanao has been declared free of the CPP-NPA-NDF by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. All these developments happened because of the proper use of confidential and intelligence funds and the information gathered in the process. The commies are mad at the Vice President because it was during her incumbency as mayor that the NPAs finally lost their total grip on Davao City. Furiously mad because they were aware that the city allocated CIF funds to totally cripple and eradicate several decades of communist insurgency in the now progressive and most livable city in the country. I must, however, say here that credit should go to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the AFP. NTF-ELCAC is the task force organized by the government in 2018, whose job is to respond to and raise awareness of the communist rebellion in the country. The task force operates in tandem with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and local government units. Now, the legal fronts of the CPP-NPA-NDF are extremely furious and apprehensive because VP Sara Duterte co-chairs NTF-ELCAC. That spells doom for the armed insurgents in the Philippines. As if the attacks on Sara were not enough to demonize and diminish her popularity, France Castro trivialized the warnings of former President Rodrigo Duterte against the feeble House action in dispensing with the proposed CIF allocations for the OVP and DepEd. With bravado, Castro declared she would file a case against the ex-president, comfortable in the assurance of Speaker Romualdez and House Secretary General Velasco that she would be given security. If the present House leadership believes it can further discredit VP Sara by attempting to diminish the immense and unprecedented fame and popularity of her father, then they are in for some surprises. Digong has been a virtual recluse, but now that he has been dragged into the fray, we can expect exciting fireworks. The post What’s up in the House? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Matibag quits post in Digong’s PDP-Laban
Lawyer and former acting Cabinet secretary Melvin Matibag has quit his post as the secretary general of PDP-Laban chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte. In his resignation letter dated 19 October, Matibag said that he is "forever grateful for the trust and confidence you have bestowed to me as the party's secretary-general." He added that he believes he has "shown my loyalty to you as the Chairman by helping to steer the party in the direction you have taken, especially during the national elections of 2019 and 2022." Matibag did not give any reason for his resignation, apologizing instead for its "apparent inopportuneness." He said that he will "always be available to give assistance to ensure smooth and seamless transfer of my duties and responsibilities." Matibag's resignation comes at a time when the PDP-Laban is facing internal divisions. In March 2022, Duterte appointed Matibag as the interim cabinet secretary. He replaced Karlo Nograles, who had been serving as the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission. Matibag was affiliated with Alfonso Cusi's PDP-Laban faction, which had differences with the group led by Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel. Cusi, who was the Department of Energy secretary during Duterte’s term, supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 elections, while Pimentel supported ex-senator Manny Pacquiao. The post Matibag quits post in Digong’s PDP-Laban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LAWMAKER ON WHEELS — Ejercito’s love for Phl sports is one of a kind
Senator JV Ejercito’s love for cycling is hard to miss. From interviews to his social media posts, the 53-year-old lawmaker would always find a way to display his love for cycling — and sports in general. That’s why in a recent interview with Daily Tribune, Ejercito took the opportunity to preach the benefits of cycling and how he wants to spearhead the staging of more local and international tournaments that would encourage a lot of enthusiasts to take the sport seriously. “We need to have more competitions like Ronda Pilipinas. I hope somebody picks up the cudgels for it to continue because competition improves the quality of our athletes,” said Ejercito, referring to the annual professional road cycling competition that covers major cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The prestigious bikefest started in 2011 and has drawn the interest of the best local and international riders. It, however, got canceled this year as it prepares to transition from being an annual to a biennial event. “We need competitions,” Ejercito stressed. But batting for the staging of a professional cycling competition is just a mere fraction of Ejercito’s love for the sport. In fact, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Ejercito took the cudgels for the cyclists when he slammed the Inter-Agency Task Force for raising the proposal of requiring cyclists to wear face shields on the road. Ejercito stressed that this proposal will put the cyclists’ lives at risk as they might suffer hypoxia or lack of oxygen. Having first-hand experience on the challenges of the sport, Ejercito asserted that the proposal might create more harm than good. “I am not in favor of requiring face shields to those who are biking and exercising. This might cause hypoxia or lack of oxygen. While breathing hard, intake of oxygen is already minimized with masks so what more if they will require them to wear face shields? This can be fatal,” Ejercito said. “Cyclists usually are away from each other. Face shields should be required in enclosed and crowded places. There is already a mask that is required anyway.” “Wearing a face shield while cycling is dangerous. The mask is enough.” But that’s not all. Ejercito also fought hard for the rights of cyclists through Senate Bill 393 that pushes for more bicycle lanes in major thoroughfares. He believes that by putting up bicycle lanes, the government would encourage the public to bike to their respective schools or offices instead of riding cars, buses or trains. The public would also get to save a lot on their transportation expenses while helping the government solve the worsening traffic situation. “This legislation is one way to help unburden commuters who are choosing to ride their bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles in order to escape the worsening traffic situation and save money on fares and fuel, especially now that prices of petroleum products have skyrocketed,” the bill’s explanatory note said. Ejercito said the government will also benefit from this proposal. “Though we admire such resilience and innovation, the government should also look into improving road conditions for alternative means of transportation,” Ejercito, the son of former President Joseph Estrada, said. “Until such a time that the government has finished its goal to provide mass transportation that is people-centered and accommodating to every walk of life, there will always be room for alternative forms of travel.” Ejercito admitted that he even considered riding his bicycle to work. “Even I couldn’t bear it each time I load up on gas. I shell out P5,000 every time. It’s hard on my pockets. Hopefully, I can save by biking to work,” Ejercito said. As of May 2023, about 546 kilometers of bike lanes were already established in Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, according to the Department of Transportation. Aside from cycling, Ejercito also plays golf and boxing. He is also an avid fan of basketball. In fact, he was at the sidelines when Gilas Pilipinas battled China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup together with other senators in Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Ejercito said if there will be a chance, he will gladly lend a helping hand to Philippine sports. After all, he is no stranger to grassroots sports after serving as chairman of the committee on youth and sports when he was still representing San Juan City in the House of Representatives. With him in charge, he was able to help the Philippine Sports Commission with its funding that led to the rise of promising athletes like Hidilyn Diaz, who went on to become the country’s first Olympic gold medalist. “There’s no specific NSA (national sports association) but if there is an opportunity, I will help. I box, I cycle and I even played basketball before,” the mild-mannered Ejercito said. Truly, sports, especially cycling, occupies a very special place in Ejercito’s heart. And he will keep on helping Filipino athletes — one pedal at a time. The post LAWMAKER ON WHEELS — Ejercito’s love for Phl sports is one of a kind appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Road-raging SUV driver summoned
A show-cause order was issued Thursday to the registered owner of a sports utility vehicle whose driver hit and then attacked a cyclist in another road rage incident that went viral on social media. Land Transportation Office chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said the order would determine if the registered owner of the white Nissan Patrol with license plate NFY 4437 was the driver of the vehicle when the incident took place in Marikina City. A copy of the show-cause order has already been forwarded to the office of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. “The number of these cases is increasing, but the LTO will not tire of taking action on all of them because we need to ensure that our roads are safe for all road users,” Mendoza said in Filipino. He urged motorists to control their temper and not resort to road rage when dealing with misunderstandings or traffic incidents. “This should serve as a lesson to our countrymen that the LTO is quick to act on these matters and that there will definitely be a punishment imposed,” the LTO official stressed. LTO-National Capital Region director Roque Verzosa III directed the registered owner of the vehicle to appear before his office on 2 October. If he was the man who figured in the altercation, the owner was also ordered to submit a notarized affidavit explaining why he should not be held liable for reckless driving, disregarding traffic signs, and obstruction of traffic. The show-cause order also asked the owner to explain why he should be allowed to continue operating a motor vehicle. It also suspended the vehicle registration for 90 days, unless the matter is resolved sooner. Failure to appear and submit an affidavit by the owner would be construed as a waiver to be heard, and allow the LTO to resolve the issue based on available records, Verzosa said. In the video, the SUV can be seen hitting the bicycle along Dragon Street near MG Square Auto Interiors. The driver of the SUV then alighted from his vehicle at the pedestrian lane and engaged the cyclist in a fistfight, which obstructed the traffic flow in the area. “Let us not show anger while on the road. We must respect our fellow road users to avoid these recurring road rage incidents,” the LTO chief said. The incident followed that of a man who drew and pointed a gun at a cyclist he had an altercation with, also in Quezon City. The post Road-raging SUV driver summoned appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman vindicates (2)
The Ombudsman was correct in his unsolicited recommendation that Audit Observation Memorandum or AOMs should not be published to prevent prejudging those involved. But AOMs with biased, political undertones and color, if released within a conspired time frame and raising issues as critical as huge Department of Health or DoH money intended to combat Covid-19 being stolen, can cause a rebellion. More than ever, these justify graft buster Martires’ anger over the publication of AOMs. Amazingly, this scenario reappeared with an almost repeat performance by the same personalities like the lady who poured out her tears over the plea bargaining agreement, Heidi Mendoza, who suddenly appeared from nowhere crying again and asking everyone to pray for the soul of her colleague, UN Auditor, Atty. Jake Cimafranca, who worked hard on the DoH report, died of a heart attack. She posted about it in time for Cimafranca’s burial. Also suddenly appearing was Grace Pulido Tan of the “kahindik-hindik (hideous)” PDAF audit report, echoing the same statement of her tandem Heidi that the release of the DoH audit report was regular and not premature. Astonishing everyone, including CoA state auditors, was the rebuff by no less than CoA Chair Michael Aguinaldo of the directive of President Duterte telling him to audit the Philippine National Red Cross. He said the CoA needed more authority to audit the PNRC. State auditors were shocked by the answer of their chief to a presidential order. Something must be cooking. And there emerged the resounding call for an immediate investigation by the senators of the Republic on the DoH’s P67.32- billion fund intended to fight Covid-19. Soon, the call for an inquiry sounded worldwide. The internet showed news flashes in the world’s capital cities of allegedly massive Department of Health funds of the Philippines intended to protect the people of the archipelago from the onslaught of Covid-19 being stolen. But former fiscal and President Rodrigo Duterte could not be intimidated. “Pure bullshit”: Duterte says CoA-flagged DoH funds not stolen. Duterte tells Cabinet secretaries to ignore CoA reports: “Nothing will happen there.” All probes against DoH “can continue,” Palace says after Duterte scores CoA. In effect, Fiscal Digong was saying, you can go on with your investigation. Catch the crooks, but do not hinder government efforts to provide our people with the supplies they need to protect them from Covid-19. Here is how it all started. The annual audit report on the accounts and financial operations of the Department of Health for the calendar year ending 31 December 2020 disclosed, among other things, the following most significant observations contained in one of the collections of AOM released as an annual audit report on 11 August 2021: “1. Various deficiencies involving some P67,323,186,570.57 worth of public funds and intended for national efforts of combatting the unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 crisis were noted. These deficiencies contributed to the challenges encountered and mixed opportunities by the DoH during the state of calamity and national emergency and cast doubts on the regularity of related transactions. “We requested that the SoH (Secretary of Health) implement the recommendations contained in the Consolidated Management Letter on the audit of Covid-19 funds for the year ending 31 December 2020 and submit a status report on the actions taken on the audit recommendations stated therein.” On 11 August 2021, the preceding observation was reported by a local stream media as a blazing headline: “CoA finds DoH lacking in managing P67.32-B Covid funds.” “The Commission on Audit found deficiencies in how the Department of Health managed the P67.32 billion fund to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that it contributed to challenges that the country faced during the crisis. “CoA’s annual audit report for DoH in 2020 revealed that the deficiencies are caused by non-compliance with pertinent laws and regulations, which led to missed opportunities for the department primarily tasked with managing the pandemic.” (To be continued) The post Ombudsman vindicates (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Road rage driver’s license revoked for 2 years
Land Transportation Office Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II on Thursday afternoon announced that they have revoked the driver’s license of the former policeman who figured in a viral road rage video with a bicycle rider in Quezon City on 8 Aug. In an order dated 5 Sept, 63-year-old Wilfredo Gonzales was found liable for four traffic violations, one of them Section 27 (Improper Person to Operate Motor Vehicles) of the Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code that resulted in the revocation of his non-professional driver’s license for two (2) years. “Respondent-driver's acts of having no due diligence in driving, which caused the incident that resulted in the destruction of the property of the victim, is considered unacceptable behavior of a driver. Taken as a whole, his actions are tantamount to the acts of an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle, which is punishable under Section 27 (a) of R.A. No. 4136,” the LTO Resolution signed by LTO-National Capital Region director Roque Verzosa III and approved by Mendoza read. “Respondent GONZALES is hereby declared as an Improper Person to Operate Motor Vehicles Sec.27(a) of R.A. No. 4136. Hence, his Driver's License which is valid until 07/08/2024, is hereby ordered REVOKED and he is DISQUALIFIED from securing a driver's license and driving a motor vehicle for a period of two (2) years from issuance of this Resolution,” it added. In revoking Gonzales’ driver’s license, Mendoza explained that the acts of the former “undeniably show that he abused such privilege and failed to comply with the conduct necessary for the continued possession and enjoyment of the said privilege.” “The grant of a license to drive is a privilege that carries with it important duties and responsibilities, paramount of which is the respect and obedience by its holder to traffic laws and regulations, and to the authorities charged with its enforcement. It is also presumed that the necessary knowledge and skills are possessed by its holder considering the respondent driver has undergone and passed the required competencies,” said Mendoza. “The Land Transportation Office issues a driver's license to a person who possesses not only the skills to drive but also a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to obey traffic laws, rules and regulations. A person with a driver's license is likewise expected to give due consideration to the other motorists and pedestrians and avoid committing acts that endanger lives, properties, and public safety,” he added. Gonzales received the Show Cause Order on 28 August or a day after the video of his confrontation with the bicycle rider, went viral on social media. In the SCO issued by Verzosa, Gonzales was asked to appear in a hearing and explain in a notarized affidavit why he should not be held liable for violations that also include violation of the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 (Disregarding Traffic Sign), violation of Section 54 of RA 4136 (Obstruction of Traffic), and violation of Section 48 of RA 4136 (Reckless Driving). Gonzales, however, did not show up and was instead represented by his son. He also did not submit a notarized affidavit. This prompted the LTO-NCR to submit the case for Resolution. In violation of Disregarding Traffic Signs, the LTO Resolution stated that Gonzales’ move to encroach into a bicycle lane and block the driver as shown in the video made him liable for a fine of P1,000. For Obstruction of Traffic, Gonzales was fined 1,000 after it was established that his actions resulted in the restriction of movement of vehicles in the area where the incident occurred. For Reckless Driving, he was fined P2,000 as “there is substantial evidence that the respondent-driver is administratively liable for reckless driving” when he suddenly cut across the lane of the incoming cyclist. Mendoza also explained that they did not permanently revoke Gonzales’ license because permanent revocation is the punishment for incidents that cause death. “Magsilbing aral sana ito sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na walang mabuting naidudulot ang init ng ulo sa daan. Kaya pinapayuhan natin ang lahat ng motorista na kontrolin ang galit dahil ikaw din ang talo dito,” said Mendoza. The post Road rage driver’s license revoked for 2 years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHR providing evidence vs Digong ‘mere pr’
The Commission on Human Rights maintained a commitment to work with the International Criminal Court in probing the country’s war on drugs during the Duterte administration. In the deliberations for the department’s budget for 2024 before the House Committee on Appropriations, CHR chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc assured lawmakers the agency would be furnishing the ICC evidence it gathered in its past investigation. “As you may recall, the CHR has investigated extra-judicial killings in relation to the drug war before. And out of that investigation, the CHR has generated a report on EJK in relation to the drug war,” Palpal-latoc said. The confirmation came following a question by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman about the extent of cooperation the human rights watchdog intends to grant to the ICC. Lagman, however, hit the CHR chief, saying his statement was more of a “soundbote” and a “press release.” “You are fully aware that the official position of the national government is not to cooperate with the ICC and that bold statement is, in fact, a challenge to that position,” Lagman said. Palpal-latoc, on the other hand, countered that the CHR is “not a party” to the ICC investigation. Government data showed about 7,000 people died in line with the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign under then-President Rodrigo Duterte. However, local and international human rights organizations estimate the death toll at 20,000 to 30,000. The post CHR providing evidence vs Digong ‘mere pr’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate mulls on special law for road rage incidents
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Tuesday wrapped its investigation into the viral road rage in Quezon City involving a cyclist and a former police officer, seeking a special law that would immediately address similar events in the future. In a chance interview, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the panel chairperson, recognized the appearance of Wilfredo Gonzales, the driver who was seen pulling out a gun during an altercation after the cyclist, Allan Bandiola’s bicycle hit his car along the road in Quezon City on 8 August. Dela Rosa initially thought Gonzales would not attend the hearing because the latter initially presented a medical certificate with a doctor’s advice for a rest. The senator earlier warned that he would issue a subpoena should Gonzales won’t appear in the hearing. “At least, he came. Luckily he appeared today so no need to issue for subpoena,” Dela Rosa. During the hearing, Gonzales admitted that he assaulted and cocked a gun at cyclist Allan Bandiola during a road altercation in Quezon City. Their confrontation went viral after a concerned citizen took the video and uploaded it on social media. Gonzales said he regrets his action. He then apologized to Bandiola and to everybody. “I apologize for that part, for hitting him, for pulling out and pointing a gun. I apologize to everyone, not just to him (Allan Bandiola), but to all of you. It’s my fault, I was just shocked,” Gonzales said in Filipino. Gonzales narrated that Bandiola acted as if he would attack him prompting him to pull his gun out. He said he was defending himself because he was in recovery from an operation. “Galing ako sa spine operation. So sa isip ko ay ‘yung, element na i-shock ko manlang siya [para hindi niya] ako masugod. Kasi kung madadakma niya ako baka mapatay niya ako, mahina ako. Bagong opera po ako (I came from a spine operation. So, I thought there should be an element that I should shock him so he can’t hurt me. Because if he catches me, he might kill me since I’m weak. I am still recovering from an operation),” he explained. In his defense, Bandiola said it was just his normal reaction because Gonzales hit his head. “Normal reaction ko lang po ‘yun kasi binatukan niya ako kaya bumaba ako ng bike (That was just my normal reaction because he hit me. That’s why I got off my bike,” he said. Bandiola said he had settled the issue with Gonzales at the police station. “Wala pong pumilit sa akin. Nakipag areglo po ako dahil ayaw ko ng gulo (No one forced me. I’ve compromised to settle things because I don’t want any trouble),” he said. But, lawyer Raymond Fortun, also a bike enthusiast, told the committee that Bandiola was forced into an agreement admitting that the incident was his fault. He was also told to pay P500 for the damage to Gonzales’ vehicle. Dela Rosa said the Philippine National Police can file a case against Gonzales which can be graver charges than the alarming scandal, such as grave threat and frustrated homicide. “Initially, we know that Bandiola won’t really want to file a case but then again it was cited during the hearing, particularly by Atty. Fortun and even the senate president discussed that the PNP can file a case even without a private complainant by the use of CCTVs and other witnesses,” he said. Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri suggested a special law on road rage shall be legislated to protect the public from erring motorists. “We can come up with a special law on road rage so that even if the victim is scared to file a case, it becomes the people of the Republic of the Philippines vs. so and so…Because of this, it will become the burden of the government to file the case against these individuals,” Zubiri said in a mix of English and Filipino. Senators Robinhood Padilla and Jinggoy Estrada noted that the culture of violence, particularly on public roads, is not accepted. Padilla rejected Gonzales' explanation that he pulled out his firearm because he felt threatened by Bandiola. The gun owners, he added, should always be responsible as to when should they purposively take out their firearms. The post Senate mulls on special law for road rage incidents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Guatemala declares dengue health emergency
Guatemala on Thursday declared a national health emergency in the face of a dengue outbreak that has killed 22 and infected thousands so far this year. Health Minister Francisco Coma announced the measure that would remain in effect for three months and would entail widespread fumigation to eradicate mosquitos that carry the disease. According to health ministry data, more than 12,200 cases of dengue have been reported so far this year, more than double the number in the corresponding period of 2022. There have been 22 deaths. Civil protection official Walter Monroy said that with the approach of the rainy season, there will be more standing water for mosquitos to breed in. "The importance of this intervention and this interagency coordination is to prevent current cases from increasing," he said of the state of emergency. Guatemala recorded its highest-ever number of yearly cases in 2019, with more than 50,000. Dengue is a disease endemic to tropical areas that causes high fevers, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and, in the most serious cases, bleeding that can lead to death. The World Health Organization said in April that dengue and other diseases caused by mosquito-borne viruses are spreading faster and further due to climate change. The post Guatemala declares dengue health emergency appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos declares Palawan insurgency-free
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday declared Palawan province as insurgency-free, citing the successful implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict or ELCAC. “I cannot think of a better way to open the celebration, the commemoration of the National Peace Consciousness Month than to also at the same time be able to announce and to declare Palawan Island as insurgency-free,” Marcos said during the opening ceremony of the National Peace Consciousness Month in Puerto Princesa City. Marcos recognized the collaborative and inclusive efforts of the regional and provincial task force ELCAC, Provincial Peace and Order Council, its partner agencies, and the people of the province for the achievement of this milestone. “The milestone that we celebrate today epitomizes the commitment that you have put to end the decades-long insurgency in the area through the provision of national reintegration programs for former rebels and promotion of the island’s peace and security,” he said. Marcos also highlighted the importance of the whole-of-nation approach in achieving peace, saying that it is not just the military and the police that need to be involved, but also all government agencies and the local community. “When we achieve that, fulfilling the promise, we will find it easier to move towards peace,” he said. The president also assured the people of Palawan that the government will continue to work towards achieving peace in the entire country. “Insurgency-free is within reach,” he said. “MIMAROPA is on its way to becoming insurgency-free, and soon we can say that the remaining areas are being worked on.” In a media interview, Marcos said Palawan is now a “very large part” of his plans to transform the economy now that the province is insurgency-free. Marcos said that the local government officials of Palawan have many plans that they have wanted to implement for a long time but were unable to do so because of the insurgency. “But now that we are able to declare Palawan insurgency-free, they can finally implement those plans,” Marcos said. Marcos also said that he is committed to sustaining the peace in Palawan, as it is a major tourist destination. “We know that Palawan is very tourist-sensitive,” Marcos said. “We know that they will mention what happened in Jolo, and people will be hesitant to visit here because they will say that the Philippines is in turmoil. Let’s go somewhere else instead.” The post Marcos declares Palawan insurgency-free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QCPD chief resignation accepted
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, in consultation with Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., and Interior secretary Benhur Abalos, on Wednesday, has accepted the resignation of Quezon City Police District chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III in connection with the road rage incident involving ex-cop Wilfredo Gonzales. The dismissed police officer figured in a confrontation with a bicycle rider in Quezon City last 8 August and faced a press conference later to the chagrin of critics who claimed special treatment for the embattled Gonzales. Torre, who presided over the conference and was slammed for “defending” Gonzales, resigned from his post to give way to the investigation into the road rage incident. Belmonte said she respects Torre’s decision resignation and expressed her gratitude for the time, effort, and dedication “that he devoted to his assignment throughout his tenure.” “I understand that missteps are a part of everyone’s journey, and it is the manner in which we address them that truly defines us. His willingness to take ownership of the situation is commendable,” Belmonte said in a statement. The Supreme Court on Wednesday confirmed that the gun-toting Gonzales was a coterminous employee under the Office of Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario. Justice Rosario’s office said the ex-cop was immediately fired on 27 August, or immediately after the video of the incident became viral on social media. Justice Rosario does not condone any form of violence or abusive behavior, a media advisory from the office of Justice Rosario, and signed by Judicial Staff Head Wilhelmina Aileen Mayuga, stated. Acorda said that he already talked to Torre who he said wanted to step down just to calm the clamor for his resignation . He lauded Torre for his delicadeza. “Torre explained to me his side and to some extent, there is merit in what he said. But of course, I respect his decision,” he stressed. Torre earlier dismissed allegations that the QCPD extended special treatment to Gonzales during his supposed settlement with the cyclist, saying his personnel “acted professionally.” “I submit my resignation to the Chief PNP, to the SILG and to my NCRPO Regional Director. I need to shield my organization especially QCPD from further brickbats and backlash because well there were several things I did na hindi maganda sa (which is not good ),” Torre told reporters in a phone interview. Senate resolution Meanwhile, a resolution has been introduced in the Senate to investigate the viral road rage video. In Senate Resolution No. 763, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Pia Cayetano stressed that the “incident involves public order and safety, which is an important concern for everyone.” “This is a serious case involving public order and safety, which cannot simply be settled amicably and swept under the rug,” the resolution read. With Pedring Labrador The post QCPD chief resignation accepted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC to strengthen bike lanes after ex-cop road-rage incident
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday said the city government will further strengthen the safety of bike lanes and deploy more bike patrols to protect cyclists and maintain safer roads. This was after a cyclist was assaulted by an ex-policeman in an incident that was recorded by a netizen, becoming viral on social media. The ex-cop, who pulled a gun on the cyclist, was driving his vehicle on the bike lane. Belmonte stressed that City Ordinance SP-2988 S-2020 or the Ordinance promoting Safe Cycling and Active Transport penalizes motorists obstructing cycling lanes or walking paths. Section 8.2.2 of City Ordinance SP-2636 S-2017 or QC Road Safety Code states that “no driver shall permit his/her vehicle to block any portion of the bicycle lane. At no time shall any vehicle use, straddle, or obstruct the designated bike lane.” "We would like to reassure the cycling community and all our citizens for that matter that the city is willing to exhaust all means to demonstrate to them that we will act in their interest and in the pursuit of justice," the mayor said. Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo (Dist. IV) said another P500 million in fresh funding in 2024 will be of great help to the mayor in this regard. The funds, according to Rillo, will be used for upgrading bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways under the national government’s Active Transport Program in metropolitan areas. “To further stimulate human-powered mobility, such as cycling and walking, there is an additional budget of P500 million for the development of active transport infrastructure and facilities in 2024,” Rillo, a member of the House committee on appropriations, said. “We are all for active transport, which lessens harmful motor vehicle emissions, promotes cleaner air and improves individual and community health,” Rillo, also vice chairperson of the House committee on Metro Manila development, said. The solon explained that the P500 million for the ATP in 2024 is lodged in the budget of the Department of Transportation. The amount is on top of the P705 million earmarked for the ATP this year and the P2 billion funding for the program in 2022. Rillo expressed confidence that the additional government spending for the ATP would protect a greater number of Filipinos who use bicycles as an alternative mode of mobility. As of June this year, the ATP has so far built 564 kilometers of bicycle lanes throughout Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. The DOTr earlier said it expects the country’s bicycle lane network to reach 2,400 kilometers by 2028. “In other countries where governments are spending more to develop bicycle lanes, they’ve actually seen a five-fold increase in the number of people using bicycles,” Rillo said. The ATP bankrolls the construction of protected, hazard-free bicycle lanes, procurement of bike racks, improvement of end-of-trip cycling infrastructure and the upgrading of pop-up bike lanes into permanent bike lanes. The program also funds the development of pedestrian pathways and crossings designed to accommodate persons with disability, senior citizens, pregnant women, parents with children in strollers and tourists with luggage. Rillo said it will also finance the creation of urban shade trees for the benefit of cyclists, commuters and pedestrians. The post QC to strengthen bike lanes after ex-cop road-rage incident appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Road rage driver a dismissed QC cop
The driver of the vehicle, who identified himself as Wilfredo "Willie" Gonzales, THE DAILY TRIBUNE found, is a 63-year old former Quezon City policeman assigned at the QCPD Station 9 in Anonas. Gonzales was ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman along with ten others including his station commander in 2000 for releasing two Chinese nationals in exchange for P650,000. The two Chinese nationals, Jimmy Tan and Albert Koo were found to be carrying some 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride when they were arrested. "Medyo may hangin yan," a retired batch mate of Gonzales told this reporter. Mayor Belmonte urges the cyclist to file complaint For her part, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte urges the bicycle rider whom Gonzales had assaulted, to come into the open and file the necessary case against the road rager. "I believe this culture of impunity is not acceptable in QC and I have a duty and responsibility to maintain peace and order in our city and send a strong message that acts such as that committed by Willy Gonzalez shall not be tolerated and that he must be held accountable," Belmonte said. "However, I’d like to stress that without the cooperation of the complainant, there is only so much that can be done. Therefore we are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzalez, whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable. He is not only an irresponsible gun owner with anger management issues, but a danger to our people," she added. Gonzalez not the registered owner of vehicle The driver of the red sedan who figured in a road rage incident with a bicycle rider in Quezon City is not the registered owner of the vehicle, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II disclosed on Monday, 28 August. Citing a report submitted to his office by LTO-National Capital Region Director Roque Verzosa III, Mendoza said that the registered owner of the KIA Rio with license plate ULQ 802 is still the subject of the Show Cause Order wherein the car owner was directed to appear before the LTO investigators on August 31. The same report was already submitted to the office of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. “Since the driver involved already surrendered to the police, our records revealed that the person who appeared in a press briefing at Camp Karingal is not the registered owner of the vehicle,” said Mendoza. “Kaya tuloy ang Show Cause Order upang mabigyan tayo ng paliwanag ng registered owner kung bakit iba ang nagmamaneho ng sasakyan niya. Gusto nating malinawan kung naibenta na ba niya ito, ipinahiram lang o kung ano pang circumstances kung bakit iba ang nagmamaneho nang mangyari ang viral na insidenteng ito,” he added. Mendoza explained that there are two violations that appeared to have been committed in relation to the Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code as a result of the incident between the driver of the KIA Rio and the bicycle rider on August 8—the first is Section 27 (Improper Person to Operate a Vehicle) and Section 48 (Reckless Driving). He said the registered owner of the vehicle was directed to submit a notarized affidavit explaining why sanctions should not be imposed in connection with the incident. Failure to do so on the given time, date, and place in the Show Cause Order, Mendoza said, will be taken by the LTO as a waiver for the agency to decide on the matter based on the available pieces of evidence. “Pending the resolution of this case, I have already approved the recommendation to place this KIA Rio with license plate ULQ 802 to be placed under alarm effective immediately,” said Mendoza. The post Road rage driver a dismissed QC cop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Baldie’ and big-talker
As the celluloid world has long since crossed over to the realm of real life, we, the people, have not been left wanting amusement by big-talking politicians who cultivate images reeking with swagger. Who would forget former Hollywood actor and then-United States President Ronald Reagan’s melodramatic, “Mr. (Mikhail) Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” line during a speech in Berlin in 1987 at the climax of the Cold War? Very few millennials or those belonging to generations after may know that Reagan’s call to the Soviet Union’s supreme leader led, in part, to the toppling of the Berlin Wall, separating communist East Berlin from democratic West Berlin. John le Carré even referenced the Berlin Wall in his novel “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold,” which begins and ends in Berlin, where the wall served as a physical and symbolic presence throughout the story. In the opening scene, the protagonist, Alec Leamas, watched as his last agent was shot dead by Soviet-affiliated East German sentries at the wall, tipping him over the precipice, and convincing him to defect. Way earlier in 1956, Soviet strongman Nikita Khrushchev was visiting Poland when he made that infamous line, “We will bury you,” referring to the US-led West, which then used it to further feed its nuclear holocaust, “end of days” paranoia. Khrushchev would later clarify that he never meant he’d rain nukes on Western nations, but that communism would eventually triumph over capitalism, and that the US would be “buried” by the forces of history. How wrong Khrushchev would be with the demise of Soviet empire. Like Khrushchev, our own debonair senator who dropped his screen name Robin, and assumed his real name Robinhood Padilla, may have not meant literally that he would beat up a resource person in a Senate investigation on the alleged violence committed by an employer to a woman, his house helper. According to journalists, Padilla left the hearing in a huff and mouthed an apology off-camera that he let emotions get the better of him. Fine, if the lesson had been learned not to blur the line between reel and real life. But there’s just this propensity by supposed public servants to use big words when faced with challenges that may not be as big as tearing down the Berlin Wall. Again, amusing, but forgivable, if it gets the desired results. We are referring to that post by Quezon City Police District chief Nicolas Torre III in response to a viral video of a man who hit a cyclist after he swerved his car into the path of the bicycle. The hot-tempered motorist even drew and cocked his pistol. Posted Torre in the video blog: “Damn, yari kang kalbo ka. Sumurrender ka na sa pinakamalapit na QC police station para hindi na tayo mapagod pa pareho. Pakidala at surrender na rin ng baril mo para hindi na kami mag-search warrant pa sa bahay mo. Baka kabahan pa ang SWAT ko at makalabitan ka pa ng M16.” Torre’s post is disturbing on several points, foremost of which is that it was a threat to shoot the man on account of his Special Weapons and Tactics team maybe being too “nervous” to have itchy trigger fingers. Doesn’t speak well of the QCPD SWAT team, really, considering that incident in Navotas City when cops, elite SWAT members according to Senator Risa Hontiveros, fired “warning” shots that killed 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar. The general could have also chosen to be more circumspect in his language since that kind of cop-speak does not build public confidence and even adds to the perception that cops shoot first and ask questions later. At any rate, that gun-poking incident involving Willie Gonzales, adds to the reasons why neuropsychiatric tests given by the Philippine National Police to cops and gun license applicants may be considered a failure. Appearing in a press conference called by the suddenly jovial Torre, Gonzales said all’s well that ends well as he and the cyclist had already patched up their tiff. There’s no criminal complaint against Gonzales, said Torre, only an administrative one, with the Philippine National Police’s Firearms and Explosives Office to review Gonzales’ fitness to be allowed to own and carry firearms. In a matter of hours, the tough-talking general had become, to some observers, patronizing of the man he threatened with his post. What an about face? Which brings us to that recent exposure of some rogue cops doctoring neuropsychiatric test results may have to do with us being saddled with neurotic cops and loony armed civilians who can pay thousands of pesos to get them certified to own or carry firearms. Shall we heave a sigh of relief that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections gun ban is about to commence? Nah. Criminals and those drunk with power are, in fact, most happy during such times when they’re the only ones packing heat. The post ‘Baldie’ and big-talker appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO to probe viral road rage incident
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, ordered on Sunday, 27 August, a thorough investigation into a viral video of a motorist who physically assaulted and even pulled out a handgun on a bicycle rider near the Welcome Rotonda at the boundary of Manila and Quezon City. Mendoza said a show cause order (SCO) has already been issued through LTO-National Capital Region Director Roque Verzosa III against the owner of the red sedan involved in an apparent road rage incident. “We assure the public of our swift action on this matter. In as much as we want to immediately impose sanctions based on the viral video, we have to observe and respect due process and this includes a fair conduct of investigation,” Mendoza said. Mendoza also expressed gratitude to the motorist who uploaded and shared the video, which he said, became the basis of the swift action of the LTO. He said the LTO will cooperate with the PNP in connection with this incident. In line with the instruction of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to make all roads safe, Mendoza urged the netizens to tag the LTO’s official Facebook page with photos, videos, and other information relating to violations of traffic and road safety rules, especially abusive motorists. “Let us help together to make all our roads safe by running after abusive motorists. Nagkakaroon ng lakas ng loob ang mga abusado sa kalsada kapag walang nagrereklamo, hindi sila nahuhuli at hindi sila napaparusahan," Mendoza said. The post LTO to probe viral road rage incident appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM and TESDA to elevate education and employment collaborations
SM Supermalls affirmed its commitment to providing learning and upskilling opportunities to Filipinos during the 29th founding anniversary celebration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority held at the SM Megamall Event Center last 22 August. TESDA has planned a series of events that emphasize the value of Technical Vocational Education and Training in boosting the socio-economic standing of Filipinos, including an orientation on labor education for graduating students and employment coaching; skills demonstrations on cooking, basic life support, and first aid for vehicular accidents, and smart farming; and a symposium on Gender and Development. The celebration is also in accordance with Republic Act No. 7796 which declares every 25th of August as "National Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) Day," which highlights job linking, TVET enrollment, and product displays and trade fairs from different regions across the country. [caption id="attachment_175743" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Kalinga coffee, taro chips, dragon fruit wine, and other products from the Cordillera Administrative Region are sold at the TESDA trade fair.[/caption] “TESDA remains at the forefront of modern and innovative technical vocational education and training. Let us serve with a heart, and continue to provide quality programs and projects that will uplift the lives of our kababayans. As symbolized in our new slogan, tunay ngang ‘Sa TESDA, Lingap ay Maaasahan’,” shared TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu in his anniversary message. [caption id="attachment_175744" align="aligncenter" width="525"] TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu[/caption] SM and TESDA’s holistic approach to education and employment has transformed lives and strengthened local communities in the Philippines. Among its collaborative work includes the expansion of the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Program which helped empower farmers, and the SM Asensong Pinoy Program which opened livelihood opportunities by giving enterprise-based National Certificate II certification training. “At SM, we recognize the profound impact of TESDA on our country. Your unwavering dedication has equipped individuals with the tools they need to excel in various fields, and this has helped bring forth a positive influence to different communities across the country,” said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan in his message of support. [caption id="attachment_175745" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_175746" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda[/caption] [caption id="attachment_175747" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (L-R): Sultan Kudarat 1st District Congresswoman Princess Rihan Sakaluran, Pasig City Councilor Angelu De Leon, Mandaluyong City Councilor Charisse Abalos-Vargas, and Maguindanao Governor Mariam Mangudadatu[/caption] The post SM and TESDA to elevate education and employment collaborations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kalayaan declares Chinese envoy persona non grata
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The municipal council of Kalayaan unanimously approved Wednesday a measure declaring Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian persona non grata, signifying their strong opposition to his presence in their area at any time. Councilor Maurice Philip Alexis Albayda’s resolution will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Senate, and the Chinese Embassy in Manila to convey the sentiments of the island town. Albayda said this will serve to inform high government officials of their feelings and to make Xilian aware of their strong concerns regarding his country’s oppressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, where their hometown Kalayaan is located. The resolution was prompted by the 5 August incident during which China Coast Guard ships attempted to ram and used a water cannon on two supply boats being escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard. Albayda said the aggressive behavior by China not only put the lives of the supply boats’ crew and passengers at risk but also of the crew aboard the escorting PCG’s BRP Cabra who included three Kalayaan residents. “Did you know that we had fellow Kalayaan residents on board the BRP Cabra? Yes, they were there,” he said. “Without a doubt, the actions of our neighboring country are truly infuriating.” The Kalayaan residents were en route to Lawak Island at the time to build a shelter for coastal enforcers, he said. “I want to propose that we declare Ambassador Huang Xilian persona non grata in the town of Kalayaan, the only town in the West Philippine Sea,” Albayda said in his privilege speech shortly before the resolution was passed. Albayda also said he was calling on the DFA to downgrade the Philippines’ diplomatic relationship with China given what it is doing in ignoring the safety of the people in the WPS. Kalayaan Vice Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan supported Albayda’s move declaring Xilian persona non grata. “I’ve personally experienced China’s harassment, like being driven away, but the situation with the two supply boats was much more intense,” Alindogan said, emphasizing that Kalayaan should also communicate to China their strong disapproval of its actions. He said he has volunteered to join the reservists and encouraged the military to conduct training on Pag-asa Island, to allow residents to display their patriotism. Former Kalayaan Mayor Joel Bito-onon, who is now a municipal councilor, also voted to approve the declaration against Xilian, but cautioned that it might jeopardize diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines given what happened in the past when two government officials were denied entry to Hong Kong. “Since way back, I’ve thought that due to China’s deceptive behavior, very deceitful. They say one thing, do another. I’ve seen countless instances on YouTube of them overturning ships, like what they did to Vietnam. I’ve wondered when that will happen in the Philippines. And now, this incident with our supply boats, it’s the worst that I have seen so far,” Bito-onon said. “But I’m thinking, maybe we should add a bit more wisdom, because you might end up like me, being told not to go to any city in China,” he added. Meanwhile, Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday said he will propose the allocation of at least P100 million in the 2024 national budget to fund the construction of permanent structures at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea “to strengthen the country’s presence in the contested maritime territory.” “I will propose the allocation of a minimum of P100 million to fund the construction of a pier and lodging structures for our soldiers assigned in the area, and for our fishermen who might seek temporary refuge in times of bad weather,” Escudero told the Senate reporters. The senator said the structures could serve as permanent lodging for military personnel stationed at the old BRP Sierra Madre, a warship intentionally grounded in the shoal in 1999 as a Philippine military outpost. It can also serve as temporary shelter for foreign fishermen “who will be caught in bad weather” in the waters. Lade JEAn Kabagani @tribunephl_Lade The post Kalayaan declares Chinese envoy persona non grata appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl sends note verbale to China
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government has sent a note verbale to China after a Chinese coast guard vessel used a water cannon on a Philippine boat that was on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with the media following a command conference in Bulacan, Marcos said the note verbale included pictures and video of the incident. “Our secretary of foreign affairs summoned Ambassador Huang (Xilian) today and gave him a note verbale, including pictures and video of what happened, and we are awaiting their reply,” Marcos told reporters. The incident happened Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard was escorting chartered boats carrying food, water, fuel and other supplies for Filipino military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. [caption id="attachment_168205" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela (left), spokesperson for the National Security Council Jonathan Malaya (center) and spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Colonel Medel Aguilar take part in a press conference in response to recent aggression by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila on 7 August. | Ezra Acayan / POOL/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE[/caption] Howls of protests The US State Department on Sunday condemned the Chinese action, saying it was carried out by its coast guard and “maritime militia,” and it directly threatened regional peace and stability. Britain, Australia, Canada and the European Union also criticized Beijing’s action. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. The Philippine military and Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of breaking international law in blocking and firing a water cannon at the resupply mission, which prevented one of the charter boats from reaching the shoal. Another charter boat successfully delivered its cargo. China said it had taken the “necessary controls” against Philippines boats that had “illegally” entered its waters. Marcos said, “We continue to assert our sovereignty and territorial rights in the face of all of these challenges, consistent with international law and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) especially.” He said the Philippines would also continue to communicate with the Chinese government to try and resolve the issue. “Of course, China’s position is that they say, ‘we own this, that’s why we are defending it.’ On our side, we say, ‘no, this is ours, that’s why we are also defending it.’ That’s why there’s a gray area being discussed now,” Marcos said. The incident at Ayungin Shoal is the latest in a series of Chinese provocations in the West Philippine Sea. In recent months, Chinese coast guard vessels have harassed Philippine fishing boats and blocked resupply missions to its military outposts in the area. 444 diplomatic protests The Philippines has repeatedly called on China to respect its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. China, however, has refused to recognize the Philippines’ claims to the area. For context, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday the Philippines has so far filed 444 diplomatic protests against China regarding its activities in the West Philippine Sea since 2020. Of this number, this year alone Manila has so far filed 34 diplomatic protests against Beijing. In the same media interview, Marcos said the recent West Philippine Sea incidents are unrelated to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent visit to China. Marcos was asked about what Duterte reported to him regarding his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and why the incidents have recurred. “I don’t think it’s related. I don’t think this is related to his visit,” Marcos said. He said he and Duterte discussed the latter’s conversation with Xi, but that some things that were discussed need to remain confidential. “That is between President Digong and myself,” Marcos said. He said the incidents in the South China Sea involved “operational aspects” of the Philippines’ military, navy, and coast guard, which is why it is “difficult to discuss them in too much detail.” “These are things that are being handled by our military, our navy, our coast guard,” he said. Duterte and Xi met in Beijing on 17 July, shortly after the Philippines marked the seventh anniversary of the arbitral decision that affirmed the nation’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, countering China’s extensive territorial assertions. Chinese media reported that Xi expressed hope that Duterte would maintain a significant position in fostering an amicable collaboration between the Philippines and China. Another report said that Xi urged Duterte to “play an important role in the friendly cooperation between the two countries.” Marcos acknowledged the former president’s visit to China and expressed openness to establishing fresh channels of communication amid ongoing concerns in the South China Sea. The post Phl sends note verbale to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»