Many Chinese maritime proposals against national interests — DFA
“While a few proposals were deemed somewhat workable, many of the remaining Chinese proposals were determined, after a careful study, scrutiny and deliberation within the Philippine government, to be contrary to our national interests,” the department said in a statement. .....»»
Standardize maritime industry system, Marina told
Citing what he described as “obsolete” rules in the maritime industry, President Marcos has instructed the Maritime Industry Authority to standardize existing systems to make them at par with global standards as the government is completing an updated development plan for the sector......»»
Complaints filed against 3 Chinese nationals for using firecrackers
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 February)—Complaints have been filed against three Chinese nationals on Tuesday before the Office of the City Prosecutor for violating the 21-year-old ordinance of Davao City banning the use of firecrackers during the celebration of Chinese New Year at the Royal Pines Subdivision here at 12:06 a.m. on Saturday, a local […].....»»
Consider alliances with Netherlands, Norway, DFA urged
The Department of Foreign Affairs should consider alliances with non-defense allies like Norway, the Netherlands and other countries for maritime exploration, research and development amid conflict with China over the West Philippines Sea (WPS), Sen. Francis Tolentino said yesterday......»»
DFA backs Magna Carta for Seafarers
The Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed support for the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, as the maritime industry grapples with security risks sparked by missile attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels on shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea......»»
3 Chinese face raps for using fireworks display on Chinese New Year in Davao City
THREE Chinese nationals in Davao City will face legal cases for violating City Ordinance 060-02, also known as the Firecracker Ban, after their minute-long fireworks display during the Chinese New Year celebration on Friday night, February 9, 2024......»»
6 Catholic bishops demand protection for Filipino fishers from Chinese aggression
Six Catholic bishops in dioceses with fisher communities have issued a rare appeal for the government to bring the full might of the law against Chinese vessels harassing Filipino fisherfolk, backing international action to stem China’s “forcible occupation” of Philippine maritime zones......»»
China urges Philippines to stop maritime infringement, provocation
BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China lodged serious representations to the Philippine side on its intruding vessels into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao, and once again urges the Philippines to stop maritime infringement and provocation, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday. Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the collision between Chinese and Philippine bo.....»»
In the lives of many, Chad Booc lives on
On the second death anniversary of volunteer teacher for the Lumad, Chad Booc, his closest friends recalled his words and the life he lived. His selflessness continues to inspire many others to serve the marginalized and oppressed. The post In the lives of many, Chad Booc lives on appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
PH media slam Chinese foreign ministry’s claims of manipulating WPS reports
Philippine media groups criticized the Chinese foreign ministry for suggesting that recent reports on Chinese harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea involved video manipulation and sensationalism to portray the Philippines as a victim. The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expressed offense.....»»
Philippines conducts marine patrols to check presence of Chinese research ships
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines on Monday deployed a coastguard vessel to carry out a two-week patrol mission in waters north and east of the country to intensify its maritime presence and check on Chinese research vessels that were spotted in Benham Rise. Benham Rise, which sits off the Philippines’ east coast, is a vast.....»»
Presence of Chinese warships in WPS worrisome – Marcos
The presence of Chinese navy vessels in the West Philippine Sea is “worrisome,” but the Philippines will not be deterred in defending its maritime territory and protecting its fishermen, President Marcos said yesterday......»»
Chinese militia blocks Philippine vessel anew
A Chinese maritime militia ship engaged a Philippine vessel in a “dangerous maneuver” in an attempt to prevent it from delivering supplies and other provisions to fishermen in Panatag Shoal off the coast of Zambales......»»
PCG reports ongoing dangerous maneuvers from Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea
The Philippine Coast Guard is sounding the alarm as Chinese vessels continue in engaging in dangerous maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea, despite the presence of PCG and Philippine maritime assets......»»
VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
Satellite tech vital in maritime security, disaster mitigation
Officials of the Philippine Navy, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources agreed that space-based technology, such as satellites, have been vital in strengthening maritime security and disaster mitigation in the country......»»
Marcos OKs 10-year roadmap to improve maritime industry
The 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028, outlined in Executive Order 55, which Marcos signed on February 8, aims to create a “strong and reliable” Philippine Merchant Fleet that will meet the country’s sea transport requirements and goals for national development......»»
Expanding scope of national security: From maritime to digital domains
As it continues to rise as a middle power in the Indo-Pacific region, the Philippines is faced with asymmetric challenges in the maritime and digital domains......»»
Edsa People Power Anniv: Marcos asked to focus on fight vs corruption
MANILA, Philippines — The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) has opposed proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution and urged the current administration to instead focus more on people’s needs and eradicating corruption. NCCP’s pronouncements came on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution on Sunday under the.....»»
Filipinos nabbed over corpses in Tokyo face ‘murder’ probe
'We will see in the next few weeks what will be the final charges to be filed against them. The embassy is...ready to continue providing assistance,' DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega says.....»»
Provocative action by Chinese coastguard condemned by Manila
MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the Philippines National Security Council, said the country's government condemns the latest "provocative action" by China's coastguard against Filipino fishermen. Malaya referred to a Philippine coastguard report released at the weekend about an incident on January 12, which alleged that Chinese coastguard personnel ordered some Filipino fis.....»»