United State Department of Defense confirmed that a B-52 strategic bomber conducted flight mission over China’s fake islands in West Philippine Sea recently. Though the flight was confirmed by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook, the time and date of said mission was not detailed. “My understanding is there was one B-52 flight, I’m not even […]
China responds on Indonesia’s plan to bring maritime dispute to international court
The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry today responded to statement made by the Indonesian side that it will bring China’s nine-dash line claim to international court if a solution will not be reached through bilateral negotiations. “We would like a peaceful solution by promoting dialogue. The nine-dash line is a problem we are facing, but not […]
Talks between China, PH top leaders possible next week
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have an opportunity to talk with each other during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting next week but no formal bilateral talks have been set yet. Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., in a briefing Thursday, explained that it has been the practice […]
PAGASA Modernization Act signed into law
Republic Act No. 10692 known as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Modernization Act of 2015 which aims to revitalize the country’s weather bureau was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III. This will effectively provide funds for the enhancement PAGASA’s capability in providing services to protect the people and […]
31 Filipinos from Syria repatriated
Thirty-one Filipino from Syria who availed the government’s Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) arrived Wednesday, November 11, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. “The 31 repatriates previously worked and resided in Latakia, Tartous, Aleppo and Damascus before deciding to avail of the MRP and sought shelter at the Philippine Embassy in Damascus’ halfway Quarters,” DFA said. […]
2 ASG terrorists killed in clash with 35th Infantry Battalion
Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were reported killed during an encounter with 35th Infantry Battalion troopers in Patikul town, Sulu Thursday morning. This was disclosed by Joint Task Group-Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado. He added the information was forwarded to them by their intelligence operatives. The ASG bandits were killed during a 7:30 […]
How to avoid substandard Christmas lights with fake ICC stickers
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is warning Filipino consumers against substandard Christmas lights with fake Import Commodity Clearance stickers. DTI said substandard quality of these lights may make them unsafe to use. Uncertified Christmas lights may cause fire accidents, which may lead damage to lives and properties, DTIA warned. “Christmas lights with fake […]
BRP Ramon Alcaraz to help secure APEC meet
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), one of the country’s most modern warships, will help secure delegates in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting on Nov. 17 to 20. The former Hamilton-class cutter will help the Coast Guard implement its no-sail policy in Manila Bay which is behind the Philippine International Convention Center in […]
Security command center activated for APEC Leaders’ Meeting
The Philippine National Police opened to media on Wednesday, November 11 the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting next week at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). It is equipped with a Video Wall System and radio communication to provide timely and efficient response to the security needs […]
West PH Sea issue may come up at sidelines of APEC Leaders’ summit
The West Philippine Sea issue will not be brought up at the formal meetings of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ summit next week. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the primary reason is the pending case before an arbitral tribunal and the government prefers not to discuss the case publicly. “Secondly, APEC is not […]
PH tells China: Arbitration a peaceful, enduring solution to sea row
The Philippines on Wednesday said it is determined to see through the conclusion of its arbitration case that seeks to invalidate China’s huge sea claim amid Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s accusation that Manila’s legal challenge has strained ties between the two countries. Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose maintained that arbitration, “a universally-recognized dispute settlement […]
Erap: Manila to showcase the best of PH’s capital during APEC meet
As world attention will be focused on Metro Manila during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting in the country from November 18 to 19, Mayor Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada expressed confidence and assurance that the city of Manila will rise up to the challenge of showcasing the best of the country’s Capital […]
Chinese President assured with Filipino hospitality
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was assured that China President Xi Jinping will be welcomed with Filipinos’ warm hospitality. This was assured by President Aquino during Wang Yi’s courtesy call yesterday, Tuesday at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace. “The President mentioned that he welcomed the decision of President Xi Jinping to attend the […]
Enrile: Why protest EDCA if survival of the country is at stake
“My God, we are facing a problem that’s beyond the capability of the country to handle militarily, even politically,” Senator Juan Ponce Enrile said after the Senate adopted Senator Miriam Santiago’s Senate Resolution No. 1414 declaring Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) invalid without concurrence from Senate. Enrile, Senators Franklin Drilon and Bam Aquino abstained, while […]
Senator Bongbong: We should take every opportunity to talk to the Chinese
Vice presidential candidate Senator Bongbong Marcos is urging the government to take advantage of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting taking place next week to mend Philippines-China diplomatic relations that has been strained in recent years over West Philippine Sea maritime dispute. “I think we should take every opportunity to talk to the Chinese, be […]
Japan, Netherlands jointly express concern over actions raising tensions in West PH Sea
The Netherlands and Japan have jointly expressed concern over unilateral action that may change the status quo and create tensions in West Philippine Sea and East China Sea. Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte “share the importance of the rule of law for the international community including the freedom of […]
PH retains UN Commission on International Trade Law membership
The Philippines retained its membership at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). “The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) re-elected the Philippines to the UN Commission on International Trade Law on November 09,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said. UNGA held elections to elect 23 members to the UNCITRAL to serve from June […]
Chinese Minister in Manila: China values relationship with Philippines
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Manila for a one-day Working Visit upon the invitation of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario today. The two officials discussed the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders Meeting next week in Manila. “Foreign Minister Wang expressed China’s support for the Philippines in hosting APEC this year and said […]
Senate declares EDCA an invalid treaty: Only one voted ‘no’
The Senate of the Philippines voted today demanding that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) should be submitted by the Office of the President to Senate for concurrence. Senate Resolution No. 1414, authored by Senator Miriam Santiago, was adopted with 15 affirmative votes, 1 negative, and three abstentions. Miriam Defensor Santiago, Juan Edgardo Angara, Nancy […]
Tribunal schedules hearing on merits of PH arbitration case against China
The Arbitral Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands has scheduled the hearing on merits of case filed by Philippines against China regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute on November 24 to 30. “The Oral Hearing on the merits of the Philippines-China arbitration case under Annex VII of the United Nations […]