House leaders on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of US President Barack Obama that the United States would provide two more ships as a form of compassion to boost the maritime security capabilities of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard. Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez reiterated his expression of gratitude to foreign leaders attending the […]
PH, Japan foreign affairs ministers discuss issues of mutual concern
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario met Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan on November 16 at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in Manila. According to DFA, Secretary Del Rosario and Foreign Minister Kishida discussed significant progress made in strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan since […]
Rizal Monument lights up with colors of France
Philippines’ Rizal Monument in Luneta lights up in the French national colors in a display of support for France and in unity with the rest of the world following recent events in Paris, the Department of Tourism said. The Rizal Monument stands as a visual icon of the Philippines proud heritage and is as a […]
Japanese PM Abe arrives in Manila for APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting
Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Shinzo Abe arrived in Manila Wednesday morning for the high-level Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The Japanese PM’s plane arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 past 11 a.m. Aside from attending the APEC meeting, Abe will hold bilateral meetings with US President Obama and President […]
PH, Australia strengthen defense, security, law enforcement, counter-terrorism cooperation
President Aquino and Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull held a bilateral meeting today. “Since 1946, the Philippines and Australia have cooperated in all aspects of our relations, including that of humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” President Aquino said in the joint press conference with the Australian Prime Minister. Philippines and Australia agreed for a […]
Razak, Xi hold meeting in Manila: ‘Malaysia, China ties now at highest level in history’
Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak and President of China Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting in Manila November 17. Both leaders are in Philippines for APEC Leaders’ Meeting. “We agreed that relations between Malaysia and China is now at the highest level in history,” the Malaysian prime minister said in his website NajibRazak.com, written […]
Further study of Benham Rise possible with upcoming US research ship
While the additional US high-endurance cutter will definitely boost the Philippine Navy’s capability to conduct long-range maritime patrols, the donation of the research ship will help the country in the conduct of further study of the Benham Rise. This was stressed by PN spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo Wednesday in a message to the PNA. “The […]
PH expresses deep appreciation for US military support
“I am honored to welcome my good friend President Barack Obama and his delegation to the Philippines,” President Aquino said during a joint press conference with Obama at Sofitel Philippine Plaza today. Aquino and Obama conducted a bilateral meeting prior to the start of APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. “We reaffirmed our treaty alliance, the strategic […]
US providing PH with interdiction vessels, fleet upgrades, aircraft procurement
The United States is “committing $119 million in FY 2015 to develop Southeast Asian maritime capabilities and will seek to provide $140 million in assistance during FY 2016 subject to appropriation, totaling more than $250 million over two years,” the White House said November 17. This funding will go to Southeast Asian countries including the […]
LOOK: US vessels to be transferred to PH Navy
United States President Obama yesterday announced before Philippine Navy officers that two vessels will be transferred to PN service. “I can announce that we intend to transfer two additional ships to the Philippine Navy, a research vessel to help map its territorial waters, and another U.S. Coast Guard cutter to bolster the Navy’s ability to […]
Obama: PH, our ally, can count on the United States
“The United States has been committed to the security of this region for more than 70 years. We have a treaty obligation, an ironclad commitment to the defense of our ally, the Philippines. You can count on the United States,” United States President Barack Obama said after touring Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio del Pilar. Obama […]
DOJ junks criminal complaints vs. INC for lack of evidence
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the two criminal complaints filed against the officialdom of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for lack of sufficient basis and evidence. In two separate resolutions, the DOJ panel of prosecutors has recommended the dismissal of the complaints filed by Isaias Samson and Lito Fruto against the Sanggunian of […]
PH, Mexico ink three agreements on economic, tourism, anti-narcotics cooperation
Philippines and Mexico today signed agreements that will boost economic, tourism cooperation and enhance fight against illegal drugs. President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto is currently in the Philippines for his state visit and APEC Leaders’ Meeting. “Today, President Peña Nieto and I welcomed the signing of agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation, on Tourism […]
China ‘dissatisfied’ after Japan Prime Minister raised WPS issue at G20 Summit sidelines
The Chinese government has expressed dissatisfaction with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida after hearing report that the two officials brought the issue of West Philippine Sea (WPS) at sidelines of G20 Summit and APEC Ministerial Meeting. The Japanese Prime Minister reportedly expressed concern on China’s activities in WPS with […]
PH, Papua New Guinea eye strong people-to-people ties
Philippines President Benigno Aquino III and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter Charles Paire O’Neill on Tuesday reaffirmed commitment to strengthen people-to-people ties. During the their bilateral meeting at Malacañang Palace, O’Neill cited the presence in the island nation of more than 30,000 Filipinos, a good number are already Papua New Guinea permanent residents. Presidential […]
PH, Vietnam establish strategic partnership boosting defense, maritime cooperation
The Philippines and Vietnam today established a strategic partnership that will enhance economic, agricultural, defense, and maritime engagements. Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh signed the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Philippines and Vietnam, during the bilateral […]
US transferring research vessel, cutter to PH Navy
After touring the Filipino frigate, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar Tuesday, American President Barack Obama reiterated the US commitment to the region’s security. This took place at Manila South Harbor where the Filipino warship was moored. The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is the first ever ship transferred to the Philippines during Obama’s term. It was commissioned […]
Japan confirms deal with PH on transfer of military equipment, technology
Japan on Tuesday confirmed that Manila and Tokyo are finalizing a deal allowing the transfer of military equipment to the Philippines. Speaking to journalists in Manila, Japan’s Deputy Press Secretary Koichi Mizushima, however, did not say if it will be signed during the bilateral meeting of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister […]
Disqualification case vs Grace Poe junked by SET
Voting 5-4, the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) on Tuesday dismissed the petition seeking the disqualification of Senator Grace Poe as Senator of the Republic. Those who voted to dismiss the petition against Poe were Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino, Cynthia Villar and Pia Cayetano. Those who voted to grant the petition […]
Sufficient naval assets to cover WPS amid assignment of 2 Navy warships to APEC
Despite the assignment of the country’s two most modern warships for security and hosting duties during the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting, the Philippine Navy (PN) has more than sufficient vessels and assets to patrol the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This was disclosed by PN spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in a message to the […]