Marcos camp claims 2 & lsquo;wins& rsquo;
The camp of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday claimed victory over the positions manifested by both the Office of the Solicitor General and the Commission on Elections in their respective comments, which asserted the “sole” jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, acting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, on the pending electoral protest filed by him against Vice President Leni Robredo in 2016......»»
Leadership row resurges over Maguindanao Norte
The conundrum continues. As one sage claims: put five lawyers in a room to interpret a legal riddle and you will have five differing answers. Legal hermeneutics is cerebral calisthenics lawyers are trained for. We see this in the on-and-off legal and political maneuverings for the governorship of the newly created Maguindanao del Norte province. Some wise observers compare it to the Game of Thrones, especially the first major story, “The Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros,” which describes the “web of political conflicts among the noble families... to claim the throne.” We thought the exercise by the President of his inherent power of appointment, as this column suggested in previous articles, to fill the lacuna of leadership had written finis to the controversy. We thought wrong. The province is plunged again into a political crisis. As a caveat, the following is an off-the-cuff commentary substantially based on reports published in tri- and social media. We haven’t read the text of the decision. We had to observe caution because the case is still pending and therefore covered by the sub judice rule which prohibits public discussion of the merits of a pending case under pain of contempt of court. The recent imbroglio springs from a report of an alleged decision by a Division of the Supreme Court litigating an issue (a Mandamus not a Quo Warranto petition) regarding the appointment by then Acting Vice Governor Aimee Sinsuat of the Provincial Treasurer of the newly created province of Maguindanao del Norte. The decision includes a statement that the appointment made by Sinsuat was “valid.” Then-elected Vice Governor Aimee Sinsuat of the mother province of Maguindanao assumed the office of Acting Governor by virtue of the transitory provision of the law which called for a plebiscite for the splitting of Maguindanao into del Sur and Norte. The assumption by Sinsuat was questioned, inter alia, for the alleged inapplicability of the law because the plebiscite was conducted after the 2023 national and local elections (the law was premised on the plebiscite being conducted before the elections). The BARMM Ministry of Local Government debunked the claim of Vice Governor Sinsuat to the office. The BARMMN leadership then recommended Senior Minister Abdul Raof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua for Acting Governor to prevent paralysis of the government service. This was approved by the President who issued an appointment designating Macacua as Acting Governor and Bai Sinsuat as Acting Vice Governor, with the latter accepting it without a whimper of protest. This calmed the stormy political waters, grumbling, and maneuvering for the province’s Governorship until a Division of the Supreme Court came out with a decision upholding the appointment made by then Acting Governor Sinsuat. This has resurrected hope in the camp of Sinsuat that their interpretation of the law was correct, ergo, she should be the Acting Governor and not Macacua. This has ruffled political feathers and created confusion among Maguindanaons. Who is the legal Acting Governor of the province? Speculations on the effect of the decision flew thick and fast prompting Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim Murad to appeal to the public not to spread rumors that tend to create political instability. There are valid questions that beg answers. Was the Supreme Court aware of the appointment by the President of Macacua as Acting Governor and Sinsuat as Vice Governor? If yes, will this not lead to a constitutional crisis with the judiciary questioning the exercise of a presidential prerogative absent abuse or irregularity in the process? Was the acceptance by Sinsuat of her appointment by the President as Vice Governor without reservation made her estopped from questioning the legitimacy of the appointment of Macacua? Does the dispositive part of the decision about the legality of the appointment made by then Acting Governor Sinsuat constitute the fallo of the case or was it a mere obiter dictum? Meantime, the decision has not yet acquired finality. The BARMM will definitely file a Motion for Reconsideration. There’s still a long way to go. This column echoes the appeal of the Interim Chief Minister for the public to refrain from making any unnecessary comments that will add fuel to the controversy. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Leadership row resurges over Maguindanao Norte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden salutes ‘new era’ of united Japan, S. Korea in face of China
US President Joe Biden on Friday hailed a "new era" of unity with the leaders of South Korea and Japan as the allies unveiled new three-way security cooperation at a first-of-a-kind summit that has already rattled China. Going tieless in the Camp David presidential retreat, Biden praised the "political courage" of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in turning the page on historical animosity. "Our countries are stronger -- and the world will be safer -- as we stand together. I know that's a belief that we all three share," he told them as he opened the talks in the mountains west of Washington. Biden said the three would pursue "this new era of cooperation and renew our resolve to serve as a force of good across the Indo-Pacific and, quite frankly, around the world." The two treaty-bound US allies largely see eye to eye on the world -- and together are the base for some 84,500 US troops -- but such a summit would have been unthinkable until recently due to the legacy of Japan's harsh 1910-1945 occupation of the Korean peninsula. But Yoon, taking political risks at home, has turned the page by resolving a dispute over wartime forced labor, and now calling Japan a partner at a time of high tensions with both China and North Korea. "Today will be remembered as a historic day, where we established a firm institutional basis and commitments to the trilateral partnership," Yoon said. The three leaders will agree to a multi-year plan of regular exercises in all domains, going beyond one-off drills in response to North Korea, and will announce a "commitment to consult" during crises, said Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor. The leaders will also agree to share real-time data on North Korea and to hold summits every year, officials said. Camp David marks the first time the three countries' leaders have met for a standalone summit, not on the sidelines of a larger event, and is the first diplomatic event since 2015 at the resort, which is synonymous with Middle East peacemaking. You can never become Westerner Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, said the summit would have an "affirmative vision" on how the countries can deliver together and was "not taking aim at a country." But Rahm Emanuel, the blunt-speaking US ambassador to Japan, took another tone when he previewed the summit, saying that the three powers "created something that is exactly what China was hoping would never happen." For Emanuel, the former congressman turned ambassador, China should understand one thing: "We are the rising power; they are declining." China has flexed its muscle both at home and in Asia under President Xi Jinping, exerting disputed maritime claims and carrying out major exercises near Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the two economically developed Northeast Asian democracies instead to work with Beijing to "revitalize East Asia." "No matter how blond you dye your hair or how sharp you shape your nose, you can never become a European or American, you can never become a Westerner," he said in a video shared on official media. "We must know where our roots lie," he said. But China's pressure tactics have led to a sharp deterioration in its favorability in Japan and South Korea, which have traditionally been more discreet than the United States in their comments. Tensions have also risen with North Korea, which has launched a volley of missiles in recent months and is feared to respond with new action in response to the summit. As the Camp David summit opened, North Korea said it had scrambled jets in response to what it called a US spy plane's incursion. Global allies But the summit hopes to move beyond a focus on North Korea or even just Asia. Tokyo and Seoul have offered a major boost to Ukraine as major non-Western powers join pressure against Russia's invasion. The summit aims to institutionalize three-way cooperation to make it difficult for any reversal by a future leader -- a South Korean president who again seizes on hostility with Japan or, potentially, a return of Donald Trump, who has disparaged US troop commitments overseas as wasteful. To the surprise of many observers, Yoon's embrace of Japan has drawn relatively muted protests at home. Both Japanese and South Koreans feel that there are "a number of fundamentally aligned values and interests that should bring them together," said Mira Rapp-Hooper, senior director for East Asia and Oceania on the National Security Council. Yoon, a conservative, has quickly become a close US ally, with Biden welcoming him for a rare state visit in which the South Korean leader regaled the audience by singing "American Pie." But Yoon is constitutionally prohibited from serving more than a single term, which ends in 2027. The post Biden salutes ‘new era’ of united Japan, S. Korea in face of China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sabrina M braces for legal battle amid threats of Claudine Barretto’s camp over romance with Rico Yan
Sabrina M appeared to be in fighting form amid threats of Claudine Barretto’s camp to hale her into court over claims that she dated the late Rico Yan for two years. The former sexy actress posted on Facebook a picture taken with members of the Knowledge Advocate of Volunteer Lawyers for Free Legal Assistance, led by Attys. […] The post Sabrina M braces for legal battle amid threats of Claudine Barretto’s camp over romance with Rico Yan appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Teves hand in retraction ‘possible,’ says Clavano
A Department of Justice official did not discount the possibility the camp of Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. had something to do with suspects in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo recanting their statements. “It’s very possible. We’re looking at many angles here, that’s why we need to be very careful with our witnesses,” DoJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said. Clavano cited the alleged attempt of a former DoJ undersecretary to talk to the witnesses at the National Bureau of Investigation. Levito Baligod, the counsel of the Degamo family, disclosed that the former official tried to bribe detained suspects to clam up. Clavano said they are eyeing the transfer of the suspects to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. He said there is no current official of the DoJ involved in the alleged manipulation of suspects in the slaying of Degamo and nine others on 4 March. The DoJ official also denied the allegation of Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo that “someone at the agency” may be manipulating the suspects into recanting their extra-judicial confessions in connection with the killing of her husband. In an interview with reporters via Zoom, Clavano assured that the police officers and agents of the NBI assigned in the case build-up are among “the best of the best.” “I think the statement of Mayor Degamo was out of emotion and we hope that the credibility of the DoJ is preserved in this case and for the country,” Clavano said. On Monday, Osmundo Rivero, one of the suspects in the Degamo slay case, recanted his affidavits tagging Teves Jr. and his former bodyguard Marvin Miranda as the masterminds. Rivero claimed that police investigators tortured and coerced him into admitting his participation in the crime. Through his counsel, Danny Villanueva, Rivero also filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus before the Regional Trial Court of Manila seeking to compel Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and NBI director Medardo de Lemos to present his wife Queenie Rivero, his two-year-old son Jophiel and 15-year-old stepson Christian. Rivero said he received information that his wife and two sons were taken from their house by a team of soldiers from the Philippine Army together with members of the Municipal Police Station of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur. He claimed his family was taken to the Office of the Provincial Police in Camp Aberlon, Pagadian City before they were turned over to the NBI. But the DoJ said Rivero’s family has been placed under the Witness Protection Program after he initially agreed to cooperate with authorities. Villanueva, on the other hand, said three more suspects identified as Rommel Pattaguan, Rogelio Antipolo Jr., and Dahniel Lora have recanted their previous statements linking Teves to the gruesome crime. Clavano denied the torture claims made by the suspects. “As far as our intelligence goes, no such thing happened. We are very careful in handling these suspects because we believe they are also victims in this case,” he said. The post Teves hand in retraction ‘possible,’ says Clavano appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl-U.S. deal stands on its own — envoy
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Wednesday reiterated that the defense and security pact between Manila and Washington does not concern any country, including China. In a television interview, Carlson said the US commitment to the Philippines “stands on its own,” citing the Mutual Defense Treaty which was signed in 1951. “Our commitment to the Philippines stands on its own. Our relationship stands on its own. It’s not about any third country. It’s not about any single challenge,” Carlson told ANC. She added: “It’s not about China. It’s certainly not about China alone. It’s about what we do together and it dates back decades. Carlson issued the remarks after Beijing repeatedly criticized the increasing presence of American troops in the country amid the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific Region. Last month, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin particularly lambasted the locations of four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreements sites between Manila and Washington in the country. The locations are in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, both in Cagayan province; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. ‘EDCA sites, not US sites’ In the same interview, Carlson clarified that EDCA sites are not an extension of American military sites in the Philippines. “These are not US bases, let’s get that straight first and foremost. These are Philippine military bases, where we provide funding and insert capital to make improvements that are to the benefit of the Philippine military,” she said. She added: “(It) would also be helpful to the US military in the event of any threat against either one of the two members of this mutual defense treaty alliance.” Asked whether the additional EDCA sites could be used for offensive operations, the American ambassador said, “it can be used for whatever the Philippine government invites the United States to do.” “These are not our sites. We do not have any rights to these sites. It’s not as if somehow somebody snaps a finger and all of a sudden everything is open to the United States,” she said. “Everything that we do in the Philippines is at the invitation of the Philippine government and particularly, in this case, the two militaries working together,” she added. Carlson continued: “I understand people are concerned about that but we would not be here without the request of, and collaboration, and close contact — every aspect of this is coordinated between our two militaries with the approval of the Cabinet and with the highest levels of the Philippine government. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the additional EDCA sites would not be used for offensive actions. ‘EDCA sites for natural threats’ Carlson also defended the locations of three of the additional EDCA sites located in the northern part of the Philippines, near Taiwan. The establishment of EDCA sites in the northern part of the Philippines is about preserving the security and the safety of all Filipinos and their treaty allies in the United States working together. “It’s not about specifically targeting any single threat, it’s about making sure that you have a comprehensive response capability and to be able to interoperate with your partners and allies,” she said. The locations of the additional EDCA sites were heavily criticized by no less than the president’s eldest sister, Senator Imee Marcos. In a Senate hearing, Imee, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee questioned the locations of the four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the country. “So, we have given up all claims on the east sector and West sector in the Philippine Seas, is that correct? We are now obsessed with the Taiwan Strait?” she asked. Two of the four new EDCA sites will be established in Cagayan province, one in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo. The two remaining EDCA sites will be in Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. Of the four additional EDCA sites, three are situated in the northern part of the country, with the naval base at Cagayan’s Santa Ana being about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Taiwan. Taiwan, an ally of the United States, is considered by China as part of its territory that will reportedly be retaken one day — by force, if necessary. The post Phl-U.S. deal stands on its own — envoy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP seeks more EDCA sites
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Sunday the establishment of additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites with the United States will provide the country with “360-degree protection” in the future. AFP spokesperson, Col. Medel Aguilar, said the expansion of EDCA sites will further help defend the country’s maritime territory so Filipinos can utilize its abundant resources within its exclusive economic zone. “If we are talking about the further expansion of the EDCA, I think this is possible [if] what we want is to protect because we are an archipelagic country and we have so many islands, we have a long shoreline,” Aguilar said, partly in Filipino, Sunday. “If we are to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity including the protection of maritime resources that should be enjoyed by our people, we need a 360-degree protection capability for the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he added. The Palace and the Department of National Defense earlier announced the establishment of four additional EDCA sites at the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan. These are on top of five existing EDCA sites in the country, including the Bautista Air Base in Palawan; Basa Air Base in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City; and the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu. Defense only The DND and AFP said putting up more EDCA facilities primarily aims to boost the country’s defense capabilities and further protect the national interest of the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured that the additional EDCA sites will not be utilized for offensive attacks amid the increasingly aggressive activities of China in the West Philippine Sea. On Saturday, Mr. Marcos said the Philippines and China have agreed to open more channels of communication to ensure that engagements between Chinese and Philippine forces do not escalate. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met this week in Manila with the President, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, and other government officials. Qin’s visit was seen as China’s way of countering the growing influence of the United States in the Philippines, with the two nations holding their biggest Balikatan military exercises this year. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chairperson Senator Imee Marcos has questioned the selection of the new EDCA sites as they “seem to be random and no longer purposeful” for the modernization of the AFP. Selection process She also raised concerns that government seems to have given up the country’s territorial claims on the western and eastern Philippine seaboard. In response, Aguilar said the new EDCA locations have gone through a stringent and strategic selection process based on the country’s necessities and the need to improve the defense capabilities of the AFP. “In the selection, primarily we relied on the recommendation based on the AFP modernization roadmap,” he said, noting that the western and eastern seaboards of the country were also considered in locating the new EDCA sites. The DND earlier said EDCA will serve as a collaborative agreement between the Philippines and the US, enabling rotational activities to promote better disaster responses and humanitarian efforts. The post AFP seeks more EDCA sites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fugitive Teves claims ‘persecution’
Suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves claimed that the military and police raided one of his properties in Bayawan City without a search warrant. “This is real persecution already. This is too much. It’s not right anymore. It’s wrong. The trampling on human rights is too much. Shouldn’t you have freedom and peace in your home and community? Now it’s gone,” he said in Filipino in a press briefing conducted remotely yesterday. Teves is a suspect in the 4 March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. One of Teves’ lawyers, Ferdinand Topacio, said his client is being subjected to “harassment” as government forces also raided a poultry farm that Teves owns in Bayawan even during the celebration of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan on Friday. Approximately 15 short and high-powered firearms, explosives, and ammunition were found during the initial raid on Teves’ property and two other homes allegedly owned by his relatives on 10 March. Teves’ camp decried as illegal the raid on his properties by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on 25 March. The authorities have linked his younger brother, former governor Pryde Henry Teves, to the killing of Degamo. The embattled lawmaker talked with the media through his Facebook page, where he said he hoped the raiders did not plant evidence. Teves also sought the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to stop government agents from raiding his properties without a search warrant. The President, however, had refused to be drawn into Teves’ problems, saying the legislator should just return home to face the charges. Suspension from House His plea to Marcos came days after he revealed in an interview that he had also sought the help of a colleague in returning home after he had insisted on remaining abroad because he did not feel safe. Last 22 March, the President urged the embattled lawmaker to return to the country, assuring him of tight security upon arrival. Teves is also facing charges over loose firearms and a series of killings in the province in 2019. He has been out of the country since 28 February and his failure to return home to perform his congressional duties and face the allegations leveled against him prompted his two-month suspension by the House ethics panel. PDP, Beijing party solidify ties The meeting was aimed at strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between China and the Philippines. Members of the major political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP Laban yesterday met with their counterparts in the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China or IDCPC at the Sheraton Hotel in Pasay City. Former president and PDP Laban chairman Rodrigo Duterte joined the meeting via Zoom, along with vice chairman Alfonso Cusi, Senator Robinhood Padilla, Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Secretary General Melvin Matibag, and the party’s Council of Elders and national executive committee. The meeting was aimed at strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between China and the Philippines. The party leaders and the IDCPC delegation, led by the Director-General of the Asian Bureau Peng Xiubin, discussed methods for strengthening their relationship. Given his high approval rating of over 80 percent even upon his retirement, the conference was significant because former President Duterte’s influence within the party could affect its future direction. In addition, the meeting highlighted the growing relationship between the Philippines and China, as both countries have made efforts in recent years to strengthen trade and investment ties. China has made significant contributions to infrastructure and exchange programs in the cultural and educational realms. The Philippines’ strategic location and swiftly expanding economy in Southeast Asia make it a key player in the region. Therefore, establishing strong alliances with other nations, particularly China, is crucial for its future growth and development. The meeting signified a turning point in Philippine politics. It emphasizes the importance of international relations and political parties working together to influence the country’s future, as well as in the strengthening of “people-to-people” ties. The post Fugitive Teves claims ‘persecution’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Imee questions DFA, DND officials on ‘obsession’ with Taiwan Strait
Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday grilled officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense for their “obsession” with the Taiwan Strait. In an inquiry, Marcos, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee questioned the locations of the four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the country. “So, we have given up all claims on the east sector and West sector in the Philippine Seas, is that correct? We are now obsessed with the Taiwan Strait?” she asked. Two of the four new EDCA sites will be established in Cagayan province, one in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo. The two remaining EDCA sites will be in Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. Of the four additional EDCA sites, three are situated in the northern part of the country, with the naval base at Cagayan's Santa Ana being about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Taiwan. Taiwan, an ally of the United States, is considered by China as part of its territory to be retaken one day -- by force, if necessary. Responding to Marcos’ question, Defense Officer-in-Charge Carlito Galvez Jr. rejected the senator’s assumption, stressing that the West Philippine Sea remains a government priority. “No, Madam. We are still that concentrated on the West Philippine Sea because…” Galvez said. Unsatisfied, Marcos interjected Galvez from answering the question: “These are very contradictory statements, Usec. Galvez but I will await your submission and perhaps we can now move to other topics as you suggested earlier.” Prior to this, Marcos stressed that EDCA’s primary objective is to support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “With regards to the purpose of EDCA and modernization, it appears to us, to reiterate, that in fact modernization no longer appears to be the primary of EDCA but disaster preparedness, maritime security, and counterterrorism,” Marcos said. “Why does it look like we are relying on foreigners to defend us while our armed forces remain rotten, old, under-armed, and completely abject in the face of external threats?” she added. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s eldest sister also questioned the motive behind two EDCA sites in the province of Cagayan. In response, Galvez noted that Cagayan province was chosen for being a “disaster risk or vulnerability.” “If disaster and maritime security are the reasons, then why don’t we have a base on the eastern side of the Philippines?” she asked. Galvez responded that it is already included in the four additional EDCA sites. Unsatisfied, Marcos questioned which of the five existing EDCA sites and four additional EDCA sites are facing the Pacific Ocean. The Defense chief noted that while there are no existing EDCA sites on the eastern side of the country, the national government is planning to erect a military base in Camarines Sur. This, however, was not a priority, according to Marcos. “This is not part of the nine [EDCA sites]. It is almost ten yet we do not have one in Region 5 or 8.” Galvez clarified that it is for “future consideration.” EDCA in BARMM Marcos also questioned the lack of EDCA sites in the southern part of the country, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “You said EDCA is for disaster, maritime, and counterterrorism. If it’s for counterterrorism – you are a veteran – you would know that the BARMM needs it the most,” she said. “I'm very interested about this because the choice seems to be random and no longer purposeful with regard to the modernization of the AFP which at the end of the day is what we are all here for,” she continued. Responding to the lawmaker’s question, Galvez said that they are only following the instruction of the president. “The instruction of the president is for us to prepare for external defense and with that we are trying to really allocate some resources and our modernization program on the northern side,” he said. “If you look at you know the configuration of the armed forces strategy, our vulnerability is in the north,” he added. Rejecting Galvez’s claim, Imee averred that she doesn’t feel vulnerable, citing that her family is hailed from the northern part of the Philippines. “In the north? I’m from the north sir, I don't feel very vulnerable. Our fishermen in Cagayan and the Ilocos seas are not being harassed but anyone,” she stressed Galvez stood by his claim that the northern part of the country is the “weakest” in terms of maritime security. Terms of Reference The committee hearing also revealed that there is no still written agreement between the Philippines and the United States regarding the four new EDCA sites. This was unveiled after Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo admitted that the two countries have yet to complete the terms of reference for the additional EDCA sites. “Once the exchange of notes is made then it would be reflected in the annex but until those exchanges of notes have not yet been completed it will not be reflected in the existing annex,” Manalo told the panel. While the Philippines and the United States are still discussing the terms of reference, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III reminded the DFA that it should not allow any changes in the terms of EDCA. “We have to remember that when we are discussing now with our counterparts, the end product is an annex to EDCA. So, do not even attempt to change the terms of EDCA. We're not changing the terms of EDCA, it should be clear,” Pimentel said. “We're making that commitment no matter how extensive the discussions are on the four sites there will be no attempt or desire or intention to change any word in EDCA -- the agreement,” he added. The post Imee questions DFA, DND officials on ‘obsession’ with Taiwan Strait appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China tells Phl: Oppose Taiwan’s independence
If the Philippines “genuinely cares” about 150,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan, it should “unequivocally oppose” Taiwan’s independence, China said Friday. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian stressed this in his keynote speech at the 8th Manila Forum, which was co-presented by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Manila and the Association for Philippines-China Understanding. “The Philippines is advised to unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ rather than stoking the fire by offering the US access to the military bases near the Taiwan Strait if you care genuinely about the 150,000 OFWs,” Huang said. While China commends the Philippines for adhering to the one-China principle, he explained that Taiwan's issue is “entirely China’s internal affair, as is the Mindanao issue to the Philippines.” “You will never allow any third party to meddle with resolving rebel issues in Mindanao. Likewise, it should not be hard to understand why the announcement of the four additional EDCA sites has caused widespread and grave concern among Chinese people,” he said. Last week, Malacañang identified the locations of the four additional EDCA sites, to where American forces will have access. The Presidential Communications Offices said the new locations will be in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, both in Cagayan province; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. Of the four additional EDCA sites, three are situated in the northern part of the country, with the naval base at Cagayan's Santa Ana being about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Taiwan. Huang said the new EDCA sites were “obviously” chosen by the United States to “interfere in the situation across the Taiwan Strait to serve its geopolitical goals, and advance its anti-China agenda at the expense of peace and development of the Philippines and the region at large.” Earlier this week, Beijing conducted live-fire drills for three days near Taiwan, in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent trip to the United States. China considers Taiwan, an ally of the US, as part of its territory, to be retaken one day -- by force, if necessary. Huang said that China is the “last country that wishes to see conflict over the Strait because people on both sides are Chinese.” “This is to guard against external interference and all separatist activities,” he said. China also warned the Philippines against the plan to increase American military deployment in the country. “To know if increased US military deployment in another country truly helps to protect the host country’s sovereignty and security, one just need to take a look at the long list of mess left behind by the scourge of American military around the world, the turmoils, divisions and devastation,” he said. “Answers will not be difficult to find. To have strategic independence or to be at the mercy of others? French President Macron proffered the answer: Being an ally does not mean being a vassal,” he added. ‘Phl, China friendship’ Huang noted that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and China were “defined by peaceful coexistence for over a thousand years and will continue to be so in the future.” “Friendship is always the mainstream of our bilateral relations,” he said. “We each have our respective claims and positions regarding the South China Sea. Differences thereof should be resolved by parties directly involved through dialogues and with mutual respect,” he added. Huang said that Beijing is committed to strengthening dialogue mechanisms with the Philippines. Under the 2016 ruling of a Hague-based arbitral tribunal, the Philippines has sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, which invalidates China’s nine-dash line claim. Beijing, however, has continued to disregard the UNCLOS decision, installing man-made military infrastructure on several reefs and features within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. Huang said that “provocative actions or bringing in external forces will not help but further complicate the situation and cause more problems, putting regional peace and security at risk.” “We should learn from history and avoid repeating mistakes,” he added. The post China tells Phl: Oppose Taiwan’s independence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tugade camp: CAAP chief recommended air traffic system
The camp of former Department of Transportation secretary Arturo Tugade dismissed claims that the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management System of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippineswas faulty, stating that it was the failure of backup power supply that caused the massive air travel disruption on New Year’s Day......»»
Marcos camp claims 2 & lsquo;wins& rsquo;
The camp of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday claimed victory over the positions manifested by both the Office of the Solicitor General and the Commission on Elections in their respective comments, which asserted the “sole” jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, acting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, on the pending electoral protest filed by him against Vice President Leni Robredo in 2016......»»
As COVID-19 ravages the Philippines, a bible thumper insults our intelligence
RJ Nieto We have been made too aware of the speakership catfight in the House of Representatives. On one side is Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano who, last year, agreed to a term sharing deal that entails his voluntary resignation this month. On the other side, the PDP-Laban Lord Allan Velasco, head of the House’s biggest political party. If Cayetano just complied with the term-sharing agreement that he himself insisted on having, then the nation could have moved on and returned its focus on the COVID-19 pandemic that has been ravaging the erstwhile flourishing Philippine economy. But that was not the case: after getting a taste of his lucrative position for 15 months, Cayetano didn’t want to let go. In mid-September, Cayetano said he should remain as the speaker as he claims to enjoy majority support. Days later, his camp even went a step further when Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte accused Velasco of planning to delay the passage of the crucial 2021 National Budget. President Rodrigo Duterte, acting as head of the Kilusang Pagbabago Coalition, mediated the rift when he called for a meeting with Cayetano and Velasco. There are various versions of what happened during the meeting, but what’s clear is that both sides agreed to a vote on the speakership on October 14th. At this point, minus the speakership drama, pretty much everything else in the House, especially the 2021 budget deliberations, was going quite smoothly . At this point, the Cayetano-Velasco catfight was still a purely political skirmish. But things took a turn for the worse during the October 7 House session. While the budget debates were still ongoing, Cayetano abruptly declared the end of debates. He then moved to suspend House sessions until mid-November, effectively cancelling the October 14th vote for speaker. Cayetano’s move squarely violated Section 16(5), Article VI, of the Constitution, which forbids the House from adjourning for more than three days without the Senate’s nod. The term he used — “suspension” — is just semantic acrobatics for adjournment. Cayetano’s move effectively delayed the transmission to the Senate of the budget’s House version from October 14 to mid-November at the earliest. For the sake of holding onto power, he escalated the purely political skirmish into a full-blown national crisis. If Cayetano and his allies did not want a speakership change because his replacement will just delay the budget, then why did he delay the budget himself? The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a New Normal, and we need a national budget that takes this New Normal into account. However, the speaker’s latest political stunt risks the reenactment of the previous national budget, a budget that was written before COVID-19 ravaged us. How can the nation address the rampaging pandemic without a national budget that recognizes COVID-19 as a national disaster? We need more IT infrastructure funding as more Filipinos engage in e-commerce and as schools shift to online learning. We need more healthcare funding as Filipinos continue to get infected with this virus. We need more fiscal support for ailing businesses as thousands have gone bankrupt after the economy ground to a halt. But all of these may not happen because of what Cayetano did. He can bicker with anyone as much as he wants, but he should not sacrifice the welfare of this nation for the sake of his ambitions. Cayetano loves to quote the Bible every chance he gets, but it appears that the Bible he reads excludes all the verses that mention greed. I know for a fact that politicians want power. Running for office, after all, is inherently a quest to gain power. But power is sought not for power’s sake. Power is just a means to towards an end, and that end should be public welfare. Too bad for us earthlings, Cayetano may not share the same view of power. And even if he does, his notion of power is a warped, twisted version that serves his aspirations more than those of the Filipino people. And despite what he’s done, he has the gall to insult our intelligence by claiming that he has the nation’s best interests in mind. If there’s anything we can learn from Cayetano, that would be new and more creative ways to cringe. Alan Peter Cayetano’s latest stunt suggests that while Alan Peter Cayetano may still love this country, Alan Peter Cayetano happens to love Alan Peter Cayetano more. For comments and reactions, please email TP@ThinkingPinoy.net or visit Facebook.com/TheThinkingPinoy.....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
Philippines’s Marcos pledges action in response to China’s ‘dangerous attacks’
President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines has issued a strong statement in response to recent confrontations in the South China Sea, stating that the country.....»»
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 beats India for back-to-back wins in women’s Asia ice hockey tiff
The Philippine women’s ice hockey team picked up where they left off after their opening win in the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup with a 7-0 shutout of India at the Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday......»»
Marcos: Philippines won’t be ‘cowed into silence, submission’ by China
“We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield,” Marcos said. .....»»
Marcos tells Filipinos to serve others during Holy Week
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s message to Filipinos during Holy Week encourages tham to "serve others.".....»»
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......»»
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......»»