Forked-tongue promises
Commitment to transparency is among the qualities of a corporation that investors and the public look at before making the crucial decision to either infuse some capital into it or buy its products. Power companies have the bigger responsibility for disclosures during the difficult period of rising prices, coupled with the global effort to save the earth from climate catastrophe as a result of greenhouse gases. In 2017, a movement among global big businesses for full disclosure of their projects that may impact the environment called Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, or TCFD, was launched. Since then, the country’s biggest corporations have signed up to the global transparency movement but not San Miguel Corp. Instead, SMC said in its annual report that it “developed a comprehensive, standardized data template to capture pertinent data and disclosures on our material ESG topics from our various subsidiaries,” without actually signing up for the global accord. Among companies engaged in power generation, SMC also lags in terms of its climate commitments. Think tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development said in 2019 that First Gen of the Lopez Group announced it will “lead the transition to a decarbonized energy system in line with the United Nations target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.” SMC, which now dominates energy production through fossil fuel, also has not made any commitments to align with the 1.5°C Paris temperature goal. CEED said that unlike some of the biggest conglomerates in the country, SMC has yet to indicate unqualified support for TCFD. The body was created to develop recommendations on the types of information that should be disclosed by corporations to support investors, lenders and insurance underwriters in appropriately assessing and pricing a specific set of risks related to climate change. The Aboitiz Group, through its holding company Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., was the first local supporter of TCFD. The global movement said on its online site that companies that express support for TCFD recommendations “join a cohort of leading companies that take action against climate change and are thoughtful to consider how climate change will impact their businesses.” “Easing transparency makes markets more efficient, and economies more stable and resilient,” Michael Bloomberg, TCFD chairperson said. According to CEED, the disclosure of climate risks in key private undertakings would guide SMC and its shareholders in making informed choices in “an increasingly carbon-constrained world.” It added that the value of climate-disclosure information and SMC’s plans for a low-carbon economy are becoming increasingly valuable for stakeholders. SMC, by the way, has major shareholders affiliated with the Catholic Church that have kept silent amid the reluctance of the Asian giant for full disclosure. Church groups, ironically, have been calling for action and accountability from financial institutions, energy and extractive companies, and government leaders to contribute to efforts to save the planet. In July 2021, SMC announced plans to move away from building new coal facilities, including those that use “clean technology,” and move towards clean energy. SMC, however, never discloses which power plant projects will be dropped except for three projects in Quezon and Cebu that have total capacities of 1,500 megawatts. CEED said data from the DoE from July 2020 showed plans for new coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 3,628 MW until a moratorium imposed by the Department of Energy disrupted these plans. SMC also stated that it is aggressively pursuing more sustainable sources of energy which include expensive liquefied natural gas. The duplicity is very apparent since the company’s environmental commitments clash with its actual program to dominate power generation through imported fossil fuel. The post Forked-tongue promises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada dock workers reject new salary offer
Dock workers on Canada's west coast have rejected the latest salary offer from an employers group, after earlier launching a 13-day strike with major economic consequences for the country. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) of Canada -- whose leaders had backed the tentative agreement -- called on employers to "come to the table and negotiate something that works for our members and the industry," according to a brief statement released late Friday. The employer's group, the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association, said it was disappointed by the rejection of an offer proposed by a federal mediator. In a statement, it called the proposal "a good deal that recognized the skills and efforts of B.C.’s waterfront workforce while providing certainty and stability for the future of Canada’s West Coast ports." The tentative accord had called for a 19.2 percent salary increase over the course of a four-year contract. "Regrettably," the employers' statement went on, "ILWU’s rejection once again leaves businesses, Canadians, and all those who depend on a stable, well-functioning supply chain hanging in the balance." It said that while the union had "not communicated their next steps, they retain the ability to provide 72-hour strike notice." A 13-day strike in early July affected crucial economic sectors, notably Canada's automotive industry. Workers rejected the first agreement in principle on 18 July. After announcing plans to again strike, they canceled that after authorities said the law required 72 hours advance notice for such action. Negotiations resumed under a federal mediator, resulting in the tentative pact that the workers rejected late Friday. The automation of ports, the cost of living, and the issue of subcontracting are the key points separating the two sides. Key Canadian exports (coal, wheat, canola, and other food products) and imports (clothing, petroleum products, automobiles, and parts) pass through the ports daily, providing important transit links to Asia and the United States. The Port of Vancouver alone -- the nation's largest -- handles some Can$305 billion (US$342 billion) worth of goods annually and contributes Can$11.9 billion to the nation's annual output. The post Canada dock workers reject new salary offer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Judiciary committed to economic growth
Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo issued an assurance of consistent balance on individual rights, freedoms and government interests to create economic growth for the country. He explained the commitment of the judiciary members as partners of the legislators and the executive officials in propelling the country’s economic growth. Gesmundo said the judiciary through its decisions is as responsible as the executive and legislative branches of government for the development of the country. “By striking a consistent balance between individual rights and freedoms and legitimate government interests, we create a stable environment for economic growth,” he said. Gesmundo made the remarks in his message to the new scholars and fellows, and winners of the writing contest of the Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity during the awarding ceremony in Makati City Friday night, 28 July. The Chief Justice also said: “When we nurture sustainable and inclusive growth, we widen the realization of rights and strengthen their protection.” “The Supreme Court and the entire judiciary remain steadfast in our commitment to perform this task as best we can, in accord with our constitutional mandate and our laws,” he stressed. The FLP, a foundation set up in 2011 by retired Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban, honored its 21 new law scholars, five winners of the Dissertation Writing Contest, and five fellows who will take up master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Management, Economics and Business Law Program. The post Judiciary committed to economic growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solving China, Russia
Dear Editor Seeing the problem for what it truly is means half solving it. Both Russia and China have stubborn false views/beliefs and false historical narratives, coupled with avarice, in coveting what is not theirs. That’s the bottom line. Both nations need to see this. And that is the solution to the crises they have created, the peaceful way. Russia has harbored resentment against independent Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and hallucinates that Ukraine is still part of “Mother Russia,” as opposed to the historic Act signed by Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Ukraine’s first president Leonid Kravchuk on 8 December 1991, recognizing Ukraine as an independent country. It was overwhelmingly approved by the people (90 percent) of Ukraine in a referendum even before the formal accord declaring their independence. China, for its part, in claiming almost all (90 percent) of the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea has only its own fabled “nine-dash line” to back up and defend its robbery or its continuing illegal occupation of the disputed sea. Studies and research by international experts and history professors disprove the “line.” Can we imagine if all nations created their own story and map artwork of the “nine-dash line” to invade neighboring territories? The situation in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China is no different from the ongoing senseless, savage Russia-Ukraine war which Russia started and continues to inflame. It is a war better called the “Russia War.” May sanity prevail and humanity in humans triumph. Stop the bloodshed. China’s bullying is not limited to its bullying of our fishermen. It is depictive of its impudence and defiance of international law, more so its disrespect and contempt for our ethos and dignity as a people and nation. Imperious. BBM would do well to take every “goodwill” gesture of China to the Philippines with a grain of salt, if not view it as an act of ill will. Any help, aid, or “trade cooperation” China has offered and may offer in the future is and would be meaningless, and could be construed as fraught with bad intentions — unless they repent. China used to be a good friend to the Philippines, but not anymore. Dear officials of the land, beware of the present Chinese officials playing (subtle) the “forbidden fruit” game. Don’t bite the bug or the bait. Succumb not. What they are doing in the West Philippine Sea is unprecedented and indefensible. Open your eyes. Be very careful in dealing with them until they behave and cease their aggressions and juvenile sweeping claims to the contested body of water. Go ahead, dear senators, with your proposal to bring the WPS row to the United Nations for another just, intelligent decision/resolution of the brewing time bomb (for the world) on account of the incessant robber of foreign territories. It is a wise move. There are only two “ifs” — two crucial “ifs” — for China and the world to ponder upon. One is, if China won’t still budge and recognize another international ruling, this time by the United Nations no less, then all nations, not only the Philippines, should brace themselves for the undesirable. The other “if” is: If the Chinese leaders can’t and will not really accept the 2016 ruling of the arbitral tribunal rejecting its “nine-dash line” myth, before the action/decision of the United Nations, the only remaining wise thing left for them to do is to accept reason and justness. By doing so, they may engage our country and the rest of the claimant countries involved in the WPS row in a dialogue (serious, transparent, and sincere) to reach a compromise “win-win solution” for all — for the sake of peace and the saving of lives, and the preservation of our planet. Play fair and humane. That is even wiser. “God will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.” — Psalm 9:8 (NLT) The post Solving China, Russia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A taste of Remy Martin
[caption id="attachment_156732" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH BY LARRY CRUZREMY Martin cognacs — VSOP, XO and 1738 Accord Royal.[/caption] Leave it to Remy Martin, the renowned French spirits house, to create a memorable dining experience highlighting the versatility of some of its finest cognacs — VSOP, 1738 Accord Royal and XO — not only as a classy, elegant drink for fancy occasions but also a perfect food enhancer to any meal. Remy Martin’s VSOP has the ideal balance of potent and delicate mouth feel, while the 1738 Accord Royal is noted for its distinctive blend of oaky smoothness and remarkable fruity flavor. The famous XO boasts a fully fragrant taste that lets you experience opulence at its fullest. Rémy Martin recently partnered with chef extraordinaire Cyrille Soenen at the posh Antonio’s PGA Cars to create a variety of delectable dishes paired with the brand’s exquisite cognacs. “By bringing together the craftsmanship of Rémy Martin and chef Soenen’s world-class culinary expertise, we aim to demonstrate how cognacs can elevate one’s overall dining experience,” said Myke Soon, country brand lead of Rémy Cointreau Philippines. The special menu was exclusively curated with each dish complementing the distinct notes and characteristics of Rémy Martin cognacs, creating a harmonious and unforgettable tasting experience. This collaboration, said Soon, is in line with the brand’s initiatives focusing on the extraordinary fusion of creativity, gastronomy and eco-consciousness. “It was a delightful experience to explore dishes infused with Rémy Martin’s cognacs,” said Soenen, partner and executive chef of Antonio’s PGA. “You can actually pair cognacs with any kind of food you have in mind. Here, as a creative chef, we can also infuse premium drinks to our food to further boost the flavor. We incorporate it either in the sauce or in marinated meats.” [caption id="attachment_156733" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHILEAN Sea Bass Confit[/caption] [caption id="attachment_156735" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH BY VANGIE BAGA REYESDARK Chocolate Clafoutis.[/caption] Food and wine pairing The bold, roundness and silky mouthfeel of Remy Martin VSOP was the perfect complement for red meat especially for Soenen’s appetizer — the Dry Aged US Beef Tenderloin with dijonnaise sauce (a combo of mayo-based aioli with Dijon mustard) fused with a hint of Remy Martin VSOP for a more pronounced taste. “The 15-day dry-aged beef tenderloin was prepared the carpaccio way,” explained Soenen. “I also mixed the dijonnaise sauce with the VSOP cognac to add some kick.” Clean, round and creamy, with an elegant dry finish, Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal was a versatile dinner companion for the freshest and delicate white fish like the Chilean Sea Bass Confit. The light fish blended delightfully with the mild and subtle taste and the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi (Italian dumpling), infused with French beurre blanc sauce with a hint of Remy Martin of 1738 Accord Rogal that amazingly added new dimensions in flavor. The undeniably smooth, full-bodied and heady finish of Remy Martin XO was also a delicious complement to meaty and earthy Lamb Shoulder Confit — presented like the popular Moroccan lamb tajin – served with a rich sous vide adlai risotto with dry fruit lemon confit mixed with the robust Remy Martin XO on the side. The tender, juicy taste of the lamb was good in itself but it got further heightened with Antonio’s homemade seasoning. The crunchy onions and parmesan cheese offered additional texture and lush to the overall taste profile. To cap off the meal was the Dark Chocolate Clafoutis (French batter pudding). The 64-percent Davao’s Auro dark chocolate and the fresh carabao’s milk paired with fresh cherries delicately soaked in cointreau and vanilla bean chantilly yielded to a long, satisfying finish. “We are honored to have collaborated with chef Soenen, whose mastery of gastronomy perfectly complemented Rémy Martin cognacs. His artistry combined with Remy Martin’s spirits created a symphony on the palate that embodied excellence,” Soon concluded. To learn more about Rémy Martin and its products, visit www.remymartin.com. The post A taste of Remy Martin appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Anti-mining group scores against DENR, mining firm
An anti-mining group long opposing the Altai Philippines Mining Corporation on Sibuyan Island in Romblon scored the Department of Environment and Natural Resources inaction on Sunday which resulted in the High Court issuance of writ of kalikasan last week. The Alyansa Tigil Mina hailed the Supreme Court Resolution issuing a writ against the APMC, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the DENR. "The writ of kalikasan is a protective measure that holds accountable the DENR, MGB, and Altai Philippines for damages to the environment from mining operations," the ATM said in their statement. A writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy that protects the right of Filipinos to a “balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” pursuant to Article II, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution. The group added that the SC decision is a step towards ensuring the right to a safe environment and healthful ecology of the residents of Sibuyan Island in San Fernando, Romblon. "We laud the residents of Sibuyan for their proactive and unwavering struggle against destructive mining on their island. Their petition to the Supreme Court that has now yielded positive gains, reinforces their firm resistance on the ground. We hope that in the coming days, their fight to protect the “Galapagos of Asia” would eventually result in the cancellation of Altai Mining’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA)," the ATM statement read. In January, APMC led mining exploration and operations on Sibuyan Island and planned to export 50,000 metric tons of nickel ore for testing overseas. Residents of the island protested the mining activities. They said they were illegal as APMC had not secured the necessary permits to conduct mining operations and to export the nickel ore. Two people were hurt in a human barricade that was set up to try to stop the operations. Meanwhile, the mining company claimed its operations were lawful. On 6 February, the APMC voluntarily suspended all mining exploration and testing operations on Sibuyan Island. But two days later, the DENR issued a cease-and-desist order against APMC, halting its activities in the area. "We express our continued and strong support to the anti-mining struggle of the Sibuyan people. We pledge to persist in raising issues with concerned government agencies and the general public on the negative impacts of mining. We further vow to exhaust all possible actions, including support to legal remedies and policy measures, to end destructive mining in communities," the ATM vowed. The post Anti-mining group scores against DENR, mining firm appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A ‘feminist diplomacy’ for France? Not quite yet
France has made "undeniable efforts" to roll out a feminist foreign policy with women holding top ministerial jobs but is still falling short in defending women's rights around the world, according to a new report. The concept aims to promote gender equality and women's rights -- particularly sexual and reproductive rights -- and France was an early adopter of "feminist diplomacy" in 2019, following similar moves by Canada and Sweden. It has resulted in a rise in the number of French women ambassadors and consuls general, who now make up nearly a third of such posts compared to just 14 percent a decade ago. But an evaluation of its progress published Monday by the High Council for Equality -- an independent consultative body -- found mixed results, with strides made at home outpacing "timid progress" abroad, council president Sylvie Pierre-Brossolette told AFP. That was "regrettable in an international context of regression of women's rights, including in democracies like the United States, Poland, and Hungary, which would... require French feminist diplomacy to be deployed as a matter of urgency," she said, referring in particular to the US Supreme Court's historic decision last year to erase abortion rights. How "feminist diplomacy" is defined and executed -- from whether it applies to trade policy or foreign aid delivery -- varies between countries that have adopted it. While Luxembourg, Spain, Mexico, Germany, and Chile have joined the ranks to embrace feminist diplomacy, according to the United Nations, pioneering Sweden, which launched the concept in 2014, abandoned the effort last year after a change in government. It's failed to become mainstream, Pierre-Brossolette said. Although France flaunts the term, "we don't give it enough importance", she added. In his second term President Emmanuel Macron appointed Catherine Colonna as minister of foreign affairs, the second woman to hold the post in French history. The top diplomat is also supported by two women who occupy two out of the three junior ministerial posts: Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, in charge of development issues, and Laurence Boone who is responsible for Europe. 'A human issue' Still, the concept "cruelly lacks an official definition, political support at the highest level of government, and the means to deploy it," Pierre-Brossolette said, noting Macron's recent speeches make no reference to the strategy. Looking at the foreign ministry as a whole, "it is still men who often hold the most prestigious posts", she said. Diplomatic sources told AFP the policy still has an impact. Colonna herself, on receiving the report, said its approach did "not always fully credit the progress we have made and the exemplary nature of our track record". But she added: "This will far from discourage us... The best response will be to act." France's initiatives overseas include aid to rape victims in Ukraine, sanctions on countries like Iran for violations of women's rights and aid focused on securing financing for women in Africa. In a separate push, French human rights artist Guila Clara Kessous launched in April the Sarah and Hajar Accords to promote women in diplomacy and women's rights in the Middle East. Signed by representatives from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Bahrain, it replicated the 2020 Abraham Accords aimed to normalize relations between the four countries. Men need to be convinced of the necessity to include more women in diplomacy so they take "pride in defending an issue that concerns them" too, Kessous told AFP, adding that women's rights are "a human issue". With concerns over the lack of women represented in African foreign affairs, Kessous said she wants to see a similar accord launched for the continent. In France, a new strategy to "accelerate" feminist diplomacy is also in the works. "France, the country of human rights, can be an example for the world," said Pierre-Brossolette, particularly as Sweden has fallen back from the lead. "We can try to take up the torch." The post A ‘feminist diplomacy’ for France? Not quite yet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden to host Swedish PM for talks on NATO, Ukraine
US President Joe Biden will host Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson next week to talk about transatlantic security cooperation and the war in Ukraine, the White House said Saturday. The two leaders "will review our growing security cooperation and reaffirm their view that Sweden should join NATO as soon as possible," the White House said in a statement about the Wednesday meeting. Sweden asked to join NATO in May 2022, three months after Russia invaded Ukraine, but its membership bid, which must be ratified by all 31 member states, has been blocked by Turkey and Hungary. Western officials had hoped to formally welcome Sweden into the bloc by the time a NATO summit is held in Lithuania on July 11-12. But earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced Sweden for allowing a protest during which a man burned pages from the Koran, further clouding the Nordic nation's chances of quickly joining the military alliance. "I am delighted that President Biden is inviting us to a meeting next week, before the NATO summit in Vilnius the following week," Kristersson said in a statement. "The focus of the visit will be on Sweden's NATO accession." The White House said Biden and Kristersson will also "discuss our shared commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia's brutal war of aggression." They will additionally talk about transatlantic coordination on China, climate change and emerging technologies. Western officials had hoped Erdogan would soften his position on Sweden's bid to join NATO after he secured a hard-fought reelection in May. Western allies and Stockholm have insisted that Sweden has met the terms of a deal agreed with Ankara last year. That accord includes a commitment to crack down on opposition Kurdish movements, such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party PKK, blacklisted by Ankara which considers them "terrorist" groups. Top diplomats from Turkey and Sweden will meet on Thursday, the day after Kristersson's White House visit, at NATO headquarters in Brussels for talks on Stockholm's bid to join the alliance. Turkey dropped objections to Sweden's Nordic neighbor Finland joining earlier in the year and Helsinki became a NATO member in April. Meanwhile, Hungary's parliament had been expected to vote on Sweden's bid by the end of its "extraordinary summer session" on July 7, but did not list it as an order of business for the session. md/ssy/nro/acb © Agence France-Presse The post Biden to host Swedish PM for talks on NATO, Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UN adopts historic high seas treaty
The world's first international treaty to protect the high seas was adopted Monday at the United Nations, creating a landmark environmental accord designed to protect remote ecosystems vital to humanity......»»
Postpone BARMM barangay, SK polls
A call for action if sounded once may not gain traction. It could be the offshoot of a single event. But it deserves a second look when it is played up at various times during significant occasions. It could perhaps be a forewarning of future adversity if not addressed properly and timely. We see this premonition in the Muslim Autonomous Region. Having said that, the situation in the Bangsamoro Region is sui generis. It is dissimilar to other regions in the country. The autonomy it is presently enjoying came at a very high price — the lives of martyred mujahideen and the tears of mothers and loved ones. Under these circumstances, it deserves no less than special attention from the national policymakers. Thus, when its leaders take a stand over a certain issue it should be taken seriously, or else government might regret ignoring it. The postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the region has been the subject of serious discussion by leaders of BARMM in various fora. It’s at the top of their agenda and discussion has been belabored continuously. In fact, they launched a wide media campaign to get the attention of the national policymakers and the Commission on Elections. Foremost among the reasons advanced is the serious security problem in the area which might jeopardize any electoral exercise and result in failure to exact the people’s true will. It might even lead to election-related armed confrontations. In the meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Maimbung, Sulu over the weekend, it was reported that the governors of BARMM had renewed their call for the postponement of the October election. In a position paper, they demanded the deferment “until after the former combatants of the MILF had fully given up their firearms under the peace accord decommissioning process.” What spawned the request is the peculiar situation in BARMM. While in other areas in the country, anyone who is not a member of the defense or security forces of government who displays a firearm faces arrest, we see MILF militia flaunting their arms before the public with impunity. They invoke the decommissioning agreement between the government and the MILF to justify their actions. The decommissioning process is part of the normalization mechanism agreed on by both the MILF and government peace panels. It was reported that around 30,000 to 40,000 MILF fighters need to be disarmed, but so far only about 19,000 combatants and some 2,000 firearms have been decommissioned. In the meantime, the MILF has revved up on full throttle their political party, the Bangsamoro Justice Party, which, according to their political lieutenants, will participate in the forthcoming election even if the barangay election is theoretically a nonpartisan activity. Reports have it they will either field their own candidates or support candidates who will lead the cadre of campaigners for the bigger and more important 2025 national and regional elections. They will test the ground to see how they will fare in the 2025 elections. As we have said in past columns, under the present circumstances, an election cannot be conducted on a level playing field if one party is allowed to publicly display their firearms while other partisans would face sanctions if they bore arms during the election period. With the barangay election only about four months away, there is no way to fully implement the decommissioning process. It’s a tedious procedure that needs ample space and time. To complicate the situation, last Wednesday the residents of Marawi City woke up to a heavy firefight between government troops and rebels during which a top ISIS local commander was killed. This incident followed a series of skirmishes involving the same group in the town of Marogong, Lanao del Sur. Sleeper terrorist cells are teeming, safely ensconced in the hinterlands. On the same day, a police car was ambushed by armed elements in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, killing two policemen. An air of uncertainty is sweeping Morolandia brought about by the series of skirmishes. Are these enough reasons to postpone the election in the BARMM? We say yes. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Postpone BARMM barangay, SK polls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MNLF seeks Gibo help on peace accord
The Moro National Liberation Front expressed hope Thursday that the appointment of Gilbert Teodoro as Defense Secretary will pave the way for the final implementation of the 1996 tripartite peace agreement brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. “The MNLF is expecting that ‘Gibo,’ as DND chief, will help in the implementation of the 1996 final peace agreement,” said Emmanuel Fontanilla in a text message to the Daily Tribune. He lamented that although former President Rodrigo Duterte has promised to resume the talks for the implementation of the peace agreement, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has relegated the issue to the Department of Social Welfare and Development former Secretary retired general Rodolfo Bautista. The MNLF has earlier announced that it is set to file a complaint before the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for breach of the international agreement against the Philippine government particularly the DSWD for non-compliance and distortion of the Tripoli and 1996 final peace agreements. “Secretary Gibo can intercede for the implementation of the peace accord instead of circumventing it,” Fontanilla said. He pointed out that the DSWD Memorandum No. 6 series of 2022 has practically distorted Tripoli and the 1996 final peace agreements between the MNLF and government by defining MNLF members as those who subsequently turned over their arms and were given P45,000 for their weapons. “The Tripoli and Final Peace agreements are international agreements and personalities like the secretary of the Philippine government cannot amend such agreements. This is basic in international law which the Philippine Constitution recognizes,” he said. The post MNLF seeks Gibo help on peace accord appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro not open to 1989 UP-DND accord revival
Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. on Thursday dismissed the possible revival of the 1989 University of the Philippines-Department of National Defense Accord, which was terminated by the government in 2021. “I'm not anymore. That has been a policy already done by my predecessor. I don't want to reverse the policy,” Teodoro said in a press briefing at Malacañang when asked if he would support the reinstatement of the accord. Despite not supporting it, Teodoro said he is still “mindful of the autonomy” of the university as he also graduated from the UP College of Law in 1989. “I urge everybody to be respectful of that without the need of a Memorandum of Agreement,” Teodoro said. “I also admonish and encourage all law enforcement officers to be mindful of the balance between freedom of expression and protecting the peace.” The DND under former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana scrapped the 1989 UP-DND Accord, which mainly prohibits the military and police from entering the UP campus without permission or notification from the UP administration “except in hot pursuit or in similar emergency cases and if it was requested by state university officials.” Lorenzana previously said the agreement was used by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army to turn UP into the breeding ground of "intransigent individuals and groups whose extremist beliefs have inveigled students to join their ranks to fight against the government." In 2022, a similar defense accord between the DND and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines was also terminated. The PUP only announced the pact abrogation a year later. “Actually, when I was Secretary of Defense, I did not also agree to a lot of zones of peace entered into by my own local government actually in the Province of Tarlac because, I mean, these are used as safe havens,” Teodoro, he was referring during his stint in DND under former Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration. “That being said, I admonished also and I encouraged all law enforcement officers to be really mindful of the balance between freedom of expression and protecting the peace,” he added. Citing “some ruckus” caused by the selection of the new chancellor of UP Diliman in April, Teodoro noted that the military and police“did not get involved.” He was pertaining to the decision of the UP Board of Regents to appoint law dean Edgardo Carlo Vistan II as the new UP Diliman chancellor which prompted former UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo’s supporters to demand an explanation and transparency behind the board’s selection process. Teodoro said he would comply should Congress would pass a law institutionalizing the Accord with the President’s approval. “If that will be a law and will be signed by the president, we will follow, but I won’t support it. Because it’s not just UP. There are other universities that are also public institutions,” he stressed. Teodoro said that it’s “not just UP” where alleged insurgency recruitment is happening, saying: “The focus is just on UP because it is actually the most prominent university. The post Teodoro not open to 1989 UP-DND accord revival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iran hikes nuke stockpile
Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium in recent months, continuing its nuclear escalation, a confidential report by the United Nations nuclear watchdog on Wednesday seen by Agence France-Presse said. The agency, however, noted progress in its cooperation with Iran in a separate report saying it has decided to close the file on nuclear material at an undeclared site, an issue which has long exacerbated relations between the two parties. The two confidential reports come days before the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency is due to meet to review progress in addressing the watchdog’s remaining concerns. The nuclear watchdog said in its quarterly report that Iran’s estimated stockpile of enriched uranium had reached more than 23 times the limit set out in the landmark 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers. As of 13 May, Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile was estimated at 4,744.5 kilograms. The limit in the 2015 deal was 202.8 kilograms. The report also said that Iran is continuing its enrichment of uranium to levels higher than the 3.67 percent limit in the deal. The stockpile of uranium enriched up to 20 percent is now believed to be 470.9 kilograms — up 36.2 kilograms since the last report in February — while the amount enriched up to 60 percent stands at 114.1 kg, an increase of 26.6 kg. The post Iran hikes nuke stockpile appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden cuts back Asia tour as hopes rise of debt deal
Joe Biden and opposition Republican leaders on Tuesday offered hope of a deal that could avoid a catastrophic US debt default, although the president was forced to shorten an upcoming Asia tour for further crisis talks. After the latest negotiations ended without a breakthrough, Republican House speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters there was still "a lot of work to do" to break the high-stakes standoff with Democrat Biden over the borrowing limit. But while stark differences remained, the White House said Biden was "optimistic that there is a path to a responsible, bipartisan budget agreement if both sides negotiate in good faith." And McCarthy likewise indicated he ultimately expected a deal, even if so far "nothing has been resolved." "America is the number one economy in the world. And when we get done with these negotiations, America's economy is going to be stronger," he said. The US president -- who flies to Japan on Wednesday for a G7 summit -- scrapped subsequent stops in Papua New Guinea and Australia, instead returning to Washington on Sunday. The Treasury has warned of grim consequences if the country runs out of cash to pay its bills, which would leave it unable to pay federal workers and trigger a likely surge in interest rates with knock-on effects for businesses, mortgages -- and global markets. The United States could begin defaulting on its debts "potentially as early as June 1," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Monday, while the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has forecast June 15. The White House said Biden had directed his staff "to continue to meet daily on outstanding issues," and that he would confer with Republican leaders on his return from the G7 meetings. Republicans have continued to insist Biden agree to significant spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the debt ceiling, ignoring Democratic calls for a "clean" increase of the borrowing limit with no strings attached. Democrats have accused Republicans of using extreme tactics to push their agenda ahead of the so-called "X-date" at which the United States starts defaulting on its debts. In a sign of growing nervousness over what would be the first-ever US debt default, more than 140 top US chief executives sent a letter to Biden and congressional leaders stressing the need for an agreement. "We strongly urge that an accord be reached quickly so that the country can avert this potentially devastating scenario," the letter signed by the CEOs from Pfizer and Morgan Stanley, among others, said. Republicans, who regained control of the House in the 2022 midterm elections, are using their newfound clout to demand cuts of $130 billion from federal agencies and programs in exchange for support for lifting the debt ceiling. This would limit spending in the 2024 fiscal year to 2022 levels. They also want to expedite domestic energy production projects, simplify the process for obtaining permits for pipelines and refineries and claw back unspent Covid relief funding. There are now only three days remaining when the House and Senate are both in session before June 1 -- the day the Treasury predicts the United States could run out of money. Some senators have acknowledged that they may have to cancel the Memorial Day recess beginning Thursday to get a deal finalized. As the X-date draws closer, Democrats in Congress have begun considering a range of alternatives, including using an arcane congressional procedure to bypass McCarthy. They've also contemplated asking Biden to invoke the 14th Amendment to raise the debt ceiling unilaterally, which some legal scholars believe would allow the Treasury to simply ignore the debt limit. But Biden has cautioned that such a move could be challenged in court and has continued to call publicly for Republicans to support a clean increase to the debt ceiling. The post Biden cuts back Asia tour as hopes rise of debt deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Acquittal flawed, recantation witness’ intimidation unproved (1)
The acquittal of disgraced former justice secretary and ex-senator Leila de Lima by a Muntinlupa City court, the second of three illegal drug cases filed against her, drew congratulatory messages from opposition allies who could not resist pontificating that justice has been rendered by the acquittal. One lady senator was quoted as saying in reference to the acquittal: “Though the course is long, justice is finally prevailing… The false narrative and web of lies that led to her imprisonment is finally being undone. “She added that she’s confident that De Lima will get full vindication and eventual liberty, in reference to the latter’s 3rd drug case. Being an incorrigible oppositionist and not being a lawyer, one can understand the absence of factual basis and depth of her allegation that falsehood was the basis of the incarceration of her former colleague. The accused underwent administrative and judicial processes in the determination of probable cause before she was clamped in jail. Another senator belonging to the minority paid tribute to the court rendering the favorable judgment “for being true to its mandate to dispense justice without fear or favor by strictly following the evidence.” This gentleman lawmaker, who is a lawyer, may not have read the decision in full, because if he did, the court’s gross failure to strictly observe the rules on evidence particularly in the evaluation of the recantation of a previous testimony made under oath and in court, would have not escaped his legal mind. Another former opposition senator who was a former secretary of justice expressed hope that the accused would be granted bail in her third drug case since the principal witness had already recanted, adding that the charges being fabricated, the officials of the previous administration responsible for filing them should be held accountable. Either this lawyer is biased in favor of a fellow party member and former fellow senator or there is a need for him to go back to law school to brush up with his rules on evidence. Another scoundrel of a lawmaker, rejected by the electorate for a return to his former position and who has a reputation for spreading lies against his political opponent expressed elation over the acquittal and tweeted on his Instagram that “redemption and vindication” for the accused is in the offing, putting an end to her incarceration. Another former anti-Duterte administration opposition joined in the chorus saying that the acquittal was a welcome development even if it had taken years for the court to render the verdict. He chimed in: We have from Day 1 called for the dismissal of the charges but, as the saying goes, better late than never. “He obviously has forgotten his procedural law and opted to be a misguided partisan for the detained lawmaker.” A member of Congress from Albay, echoing the same opposition line, stated: “It is long overdue, given there was no case in the first place as the witnesses were just forced to lie in court. “Apparently, he has not read the case as well, making allegations not supported by court records.” Having been trained in law, this writer went over the decision of the court to examine the testimonies as narrated by the latter in its recitation of facts as well as the arguments propounded by it in support of the exoneration. Let us put them under a microscope in a manner of speaking and see if the decision is in accord with the facts and the law. (To be continued) The post Acquittal flawed, recantation witness’ intimidation unproved (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘A grave attack on academic freedom,’ PUP decries termination of Prudente-Ramos accord
"For the longest time, the Accord served as our vanguard and sanctuary of our peace and wisdom in the University." The post ‘A grave attack on academic freedom,’ PUP decries termination of Prudente-Ramos accord appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
PUP: DND ended accord last year
The Department of National Defense under the previous administration also terminated a 1990 agreement with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines that prohibits the entry of military and police to its campuses without express permission from the PUP administration......»»
PUP-DND pact already revoked, says lawyer
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines recently revealed the termination of the more than three-decades-old pact between the university and the Department of National Defense — also known as the 1990 Prudente-Ramos Accord — in January last year. The agreement prohibited military or police entry and activities inside the various campuses of PUP without prior notification, “except in cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions of emergency.” It also prohibited authorities to “interfere with peaceful protest actions by PUP constituents within PUP premises.” In a letter addressed to the top leaders of the PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral, PUP chief legal counsel Atty. Joanna Marie Liao said that the accord had been terminated by then-Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on 19 January last year. At the time, Lorenzana publicly vowed to crackdown suspected communist movements inside campuses through accords between DND and schools which, he claimed, is being used as a “shield” by perceived “enemies of the state,” specifically the Communist Party of the Philippines. Prior to this, the DND abrogated their 1989 accord with the University of the Philippines in January 2021 with a similar purpose, despite strong contention from the academic community. Liao expressed disapproval over the termination of the accord, revealing that they have told DND in a 7 February 2022 letter that they were “saddened” by the revocation of the document. “Rather than resolving the issues, PUP believes that repudiating the agreement will only cause more confusion and unrest. While we recognize and value the role of our law enforcers in the preservation of peace and order in our society, we renounce any form of restriction to free expression, inquiry and discussion in the PUP academic community,” she said. The letter was made public by PUP SKM late Tuesday, with a caption calling for the PUP community to protect the campuses against perceived “state attacks.” Prior to the announcement, the PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral have sent a letter addressed to PUP president Manuel Muhi for an update on the status of the PUP-DND Accord amid the ongoing student handbook revisions in their campus, as well as the ongoing power outage that brought back online classes in the university. The post PUP-DND pact already revoked, says lawyer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Students alarmed at DND termination of accord on operations in PUP campuses
PUP’s student council’s letter to the university stated that “for the past few months and years,” it has been “vigilant” about any developments related to the PUP-DND Accord and has “always assured the students that (it) is still in effect.".....»»
DOJ, PNP ink P300 million accord
The national government has earmarked P300 million for programs to boost the professionalism and capabilities of police officers......»»