supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
‘Gutierrez not qualified to sit on GSIS board’
By J.Lo
“I respectfully submit to you findings of GSIS in relation to whistleblowing complaint, claimed Trustee Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez failed to possess mandatory qualifications required by GSIS Charter under Republic Act 8291 when she was appointed to GSIS Board,” Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso told Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in letter dated April 11 results of inquiry conducted by GSIS showed that former ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez is not qualified to be member of its board of trustees for not being member of state-run insurer at the time of her appointment in April 2023.
Veloso has furnished Bersamin with findings of GSIS “in relation to whistleblowing complaint” filed against Gutierrez, currently member of board representing legal profession.
GSIS conducted inquiry following anonymous email sent by whistleblower claiming Gutierrez “failed to possess mandatory qualifications required by GSIS Charter when she was appointed to GSIS Board.”
According to Section 42 of Republic Act 8291 or GSIS Charter, trustees must be members of GSIS at the time of their appointment.
Veloso provided Bersamin with timeline from when GSIS received anonymous email up to conclusion of state pension office’s study of the matter.
Last March 28, Veloso said state-run pension fund manager received email requesting for validation of qualifications of Gutierrez when she was appointed to GSIS board.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles and Governance Commission for Government-owned and controlled corporations were also furnished copy of complaint.
Gutierrez, served as ombudsman during term of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was appointed as member of GSIS board representing legal profession on April 28, 2023.
She was impeached in 2011 by House of Representatives, but resigned as ombudsman before Senate could subject her to impeachment trial during presidency of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
‘No classes in April, May more produce more for education’
By Creselda Canda-Lopez
“For SY 2025-2026, we can start classes by June 23, 2025 and end classes by March 31, 2026 and we will have 188 school days…then for SY 2026-2027, we can start classes by June 8, 2026 which completes our reversion to pre-pandemic calendar,” Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) chairman Vladimer Quetua said having no classes in April and May would be more productive for education as it expressed concern about impact of onsite class suspensions on effective teaching and learning.
In statement, ACT said proposal to end classes by April in the coming school year 2024-2025 would give schools 175 class days, slight deviation from current 179.
ACT added DepEd would consider proposals for immediate shift to pre-pandemic school calendar, would reduce adverse impacts on learning outcomes and well-being of learners and teachers in holding classes amid intense heat during hottest months of the year.
“We stand by our proposal for return of school break to April and May as such would be more productive for education…with nearly 6,000 schools nationwide that have shifted to alternative delivery modes (ADMs) within first two weeks of April, data raises alarm on impact of escalating heat across the country, affecting student focus, impeding effective teaching and learning, and posing significant health risks to teachers and learners,” Quetua added.
ACT also urged DepEd to revisit its current calendar shift plan which would have classes fully transitioned to old calendar three school years from now and conduct fresh round of consultations with teachers and other stakeholders now that classroom situations have changed.
ACT reiterated need for Marcos administration to take decisive action in resolving backlogs, addressing classroom shortages and ensuring climate-resilient school infrastructure.
Last week, DepEd said that it would seek clarifications from President Marcos regarding his pronouncements that his administration is open to immediately reverting to old school calendar to avoid harsh classroom conditions amid extreme heat during country’s dry season.
For the first two weeks of April, onsite classes in thousands of public schools nationwide have been suspended due to extreme heat conditions experienced by students and teachers in classrooms.
DepEd had since instructed schools to implement ADMs should harsh heat render classroom instruction unbearable.
While DepEd did not address proposals of teachers’ groups to revert to old calendar immediately, it maintained that immediately reducing “ timeline any further would have significant impacts not only on learning outcomes, but also on well-being of learners and teachers due to lack of sufficient breaks.”
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
Ph, US eye more jt patrols in SCS
By Nidz Godino
“We also exchanged views on number of regional security issues of mutual concern… I took the opportunity to update President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida on the latest developments in South China Sea, including recent incident at Ayungin Shoal,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr arrived in the country before dawn yesterday from first-ever trilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington, where he secured stronger security commitments and expanded economic cooperation from Philippines’ long-time allies.
Plane carrying Marcos and his delegation landed at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 3:03 in the morning according to Presidential Communications Office.
In his arrival message posted on YouTube, the President reported agreements entered into by the government with two nations during his three-day visit to Washington, including Luzon Economic Corridor under G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.
Luzon Economic Corridor is first project of its kind in Indo-Pacific and will connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas to accelerate coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects, including ports, rail, clean energy, semiconductors, supply chains and other forms of connectivity in the country.
Marcos said US and Japan also supported Philippines’ implementation of Open Radio Access Network or O-RAN, workforce development for semiconductor industry, capacity-building in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and country’s membership in Minerals Security Partnership Forum.
On regional and security issues, the President reaffirmed during trilateral meeting their commitment to peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, anchored on their shared values of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and gender equality.
“We explored ways of enhancing our cooperation in number of areas of mutual concern, including in enhancing economic resilience and security, promoting inclusive growth and development, addressing climate change, and maritime cooperation,” the Chief Executive continued.
Marcos and Biden also reaffirmed their commitment to the long-standing Philippines-US alliance during their bilateral meeting. Philippines and US have 72-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty that binds them to come to each other’s defense if either is attacked by external aggressor.
Trilateral summit happened in light of Beijing’s repeated harassment of Filipino vessels inside Philippines waters. A Philippine official, however, had stressed trilateral summit was not directed at any country.
“I emphasized trilateral cooperation between US, Japan, and Philippines is natural progression of strong relations between close allies,” Marcos stressed.
Meanwhile, the President is looking forward to the country’s hosting of Indo-Pacific Business Forum next month.
“Indo-Pacific Business Forum scheduled for May 21 this year in Manila promises to be significant platform for fostering infrastructure development, and reinforcing economic ties in the region,” he said.
Over 500 senior executives and government officials are expected to attend the conference, which will serve as catalyst for driving investment and growth in emerging economies, according to Marcos.
Government is also expecting over $100 billion in investments from trilateral meeting over the next five years.
Speaker Martin Romualdez congratulated Marcos for job well done, and for achieving “monumental diplomatic victory” for the country in his historic trilateral meeting with US and Japan leaders.
“On behalf of the entire House of Representatives, I extend my warmest congratulations to the President for his remarkable achievement in securing monumental diplomatic victory through recent historic trilateral meeting with US and Japan,” Romualdez said in statement.
“Collaboration and dialogue fostered during this meeting pave way for enhanced cooperation in addressing regional challenges, particularly in promoting maritime security, safeguarding our territorial integrity and improving lives of Filipino people,” the House leader added.
The first cousin of Marcos said “trilateral meeting signifies strong and united commitment of three nations to upholding principles of international law and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in the region which are vital in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity.”
United States and Philippines discussed increasing frequency of combined maritime activities and joint patrols to support Philippines’ lawful exercise of its rights in South China Sea, US Department of Defense said.
Readout of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III’s meeting with President Marcos discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral planning and operational cooperation.
Marcos and Austin also agreed to accelerate number of bilateral initiatives to enhance information-sharing, interoperability and capability enhancements for Armed Forces of the Philippines.
They applauded April 7 maritime cooperative activity within Philippine exclusive economic zone with Australia, Japan, Philippines and US, example of ways two countries are working more closely with like-minded nations to strengthen shared principles, including rule of law, freedom of the seas, and respect for territorial sovereignty.
Austin reaffirmed US support of Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and he reiterated US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries’ armed forces, public vessels and aircraft including those of its Coast Guard anywhere in the Pacific, including South China Sea.
“Leaders’ meeting , their second at the Pentagon in less than a year reaffirmed United States and Philippines’ enduring commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity, and stability to Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” statement read.
Austin hosted Marcos at the Pentagon on April 12.
The secretary and Marcos underscored historic strength of US-Philippines alliance, which both countries are expanding and modernizing in support of shared vision for free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Both expressed support for growing alliance initiatives to expand interoperability.
The US defense chief highlighted that President Joseph Biden’s budget request for fiscal year 2025 seeks $128 million to execute 36 projects at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites would be more than double the amount that Department of Defense has invested in EDCA infrastructure since inception of the agreement.
Austin expressed his support for Philippine military modernization, highlighting department’s strong commitment to AFP through this year’s budget and bilateral efforts to finalize multi-year Security Sector Assistance Roadmap.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and National Security Advisor Eduardo Año also participated in the meeting between Austin and Marcos.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Austin and Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and their Philippine counterparts met following Biden’s bilateral meeting with Marcos and first Japan-Philippines-US Trilateral Leaders’ Summit on April 11. They reaffirmed both countries’ shared vision of free and open Indo-Pacific, and discussed ways to deepen coordination against shared challenges in South China Sea.
‘Verbal, unrecorded, informal deal with Ch unconstitutional’
By Nidz Godino
“Let’s discourage that as a matter of government policy or state policy…let’s discourage leaders, even if you’re architect of foreign policy, from entering into verbal, unrecorded and informal agreements,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III told media agreements made by Philippine leaders that are verbal, unrecorded and informal are unconstitutional.
“If you intend to enter into such an agreement, it’s void because it’s contrary to public policy… I think that’s unconstitutional, that’s against Constitution,” he added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.can meet with former president Rodrigo Duterte to discuss issues in West Philippine Sea (WPS), Pimentel noted.
Mechanism of possible meeting between incumbent president, former presidents and ranking officers of legislative branch and Cabinet secretaries is provided under setup of National Security Council (NSC), principal advisory body coordinating and integrating plans and policies affecting national security, he said.
Pimentel recalled that Duterte, at press conference, indicated his intention to entertain Marcos and said “You ,Marcos can call me.”
At an April 11 press conference, Duterte admitted that in his reported “gentleman’s agreement” with China, he agreed not to have repairs done to BRP Sierra Madre, marooned in Ayungin Shoal in West Philippine Sea.
Duterte had with Chinese President Xi Jinping was “handshake” sealing their agreement to maintain status quo in West Philippine Sea, or “as is, where is.”
He stressed he did not concede anything to China.
Meanwhile, Pimentel described as “step one” Senate Resolution 82 filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, pushes for Senate inquiry into Duterte’s supposed agreement with Xi.
“We are in step one…who is the source of information..former presidential spokesman Harry Roque… let’s invite him first,” Pimentel said.
“I think legislative branch can investigate Duterte and Xi’s agreement to find out what happened or officially happened…but just now based on Duterte’s explanation, I think I know it was exchange, it seems that this is only personal level agreement,” he added.
Duterte does not need to be invited to Senate probe if he would only reiterate his statement at press conference, Pimentel noted.
“That’s the problem with verbal, unrecorded and informal agreement, will only be about recollection and memory…more on he said, she said,” he said.
Asked if secret agreement is binding, Pimentel said, “After the term of that president, it is no longer binding in the country.”
“I hope our executive branch doesn’t make it too much of problem…just say once and for all it didn’t work…it didn’t go through the treaty or executive agreement process…verbal agreements are not the norm these days when there are lot of computers…the executive branch can say that we will not continue this since past president respected it for six years,” he said.
As for former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio’s plan to file anti-graft charges against Duterte, Pimentel said, “they should just do their arguments, there are elements of anti-graft law.”
“To persons who want to file case against him, gather evidence aside from person’s word ,statements… don’t just quote him…you can’t force person to testify against himself,” he noted.
Duterte’s agreement with Xi to maintain status quo in West Philippine Sea is “constitutionally void,” House Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said.
“So-called ‘agreement,’ if any, is constitutionally void since it is tantamount to surrender of our country’s sovereign rights over our EEZ ,exclusive economic zone,” Gonzales, one of the resident legal luminaries in the lower chamber, stressed.
“Such agreement will be equivalent to new national policy, which must be shrined in treaty to be submitted to Senate for ratification before it can take effect,” he added.
Gonzales is chair of House special committee on West Philippine Sea.
“Like the President, I am truly horrified by idea that our country’s territory, sovereignty and sovereign rights may have been compromised by deal guised as an ‘agreement’ to maintain peace and status quo in WPS,” he said.
Advocacy run to raise awareness of importance of West Philippine Sea is scheduled on July 7 in Manila, Aug. 4 in Cebu and Sept. 8 in Cagayan de Oro.
“Takbo para sa West Philippine Sea” would be sponsored by Coach Rio “as part of his commitment to corporate social responsibility” and is in partnership with Philippine Coast Guard, NSC and Philippine Information Agency, PCG-WPS spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela posted on X.
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
CCG shadows PH research ship headed for Bajo de Masinloc
By J.Lo
“China Coast Guard 5303 is 35nm from Philippines’ coast, blocking path for Philippines’ BRP H Ventura & its escort BRP Gabriella Silang to get to their assigned hydrographic research area north of Scarborough Shoal…they have barely moved this past 8 hours,” Ray Powell, a former US Air Force official and ex-Defense Attaché wrote on X Chinese Coast Guard closely monitored and shadowed Philippine research vessel BRP H Ventura and Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Gabriela Silang early Sunday morning as they sailed towards Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough or Panatag Shoal.
Powell noted Philippine vessels paused for approximately eight hours about 35 nautical miles from Luzon’s coastline a point near China’s contentious nine-dash line.
Reason for Philippine ships’ long pause is unclear, but they later resumed their journey towards Bajo de Masinloc at 10 in the morning with Chinese Coast Guard vessels closely following them.
“All 3 ships now underway en route to Philippines’ survey area north of Scarborough Shoal. China Coast Guard 5303 is shadowing mission,” Powell said.
American maritime expert observed notable increase in Chinese vessels near shoal in the last 48 hours.
He suggested surge might be linked to Philippines’ upcoming hydrographic survey announcement, involves mapping underwater terrain features.
“Something to watch for once Philippines’ BRP-H Ventura begins its hydrographic survey north of Scarborough Shoal… China has previously engaged in dangerous cable-cutting maneuvers when it wants to stop such surveys within its claimed waters,” Powell said.
BRP H Ventura was set to conduct hydrographic survey north of Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, accompanied by BRP Gabriela Silang.
Hydrographic survey aims to map underwater features crucial for maritime navigation and resource management.
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
Ph trains pet dogs for search and rescue
By J.Lo
“My end goal with Hazel is just to be as prepared as possible if ‘big one’ comes,” Nathalia Chua, 17, told media, referring to major earthquake seismologists predict could strike city one day, holding her leash, Philippine pooch Hazel sniffs through rubble in simulated search for survivors of major earthquake in capital Manila.
Hazel is taking part in program training pet dogs and their owners in search and rescue so they can be deployed in the aftermath of disaster.
Every Sunday, around 46 mongrels and purebreds of all sizes are put through their paces by volunteer trainers at facility in suburban Manila where they learn to find people, scale ladders, and bound over wooden structures.
Philippine disaster agencies already have search and rescue dogs deployed when disasters strike the archipelago nation.
But there are concerns there might not be enough of them if major earthquake were to hit sprawling metropolis of Manila.
Hazel, skinny street mutt before she was adopted by her owner Nathalia Chua, lacks pedigree of some of her classmates.
But she shows plenty of enthusiasm as she follows instructions to search rubble, overturned water drums and small wooden huts.
Three-year-old barks and wags her tail when she finds person hiding in drum, drawing cheers from trainers and back rubs from Chua.
Manila is vulnerable to quakes due to its location on West Valley Fault and its proximity to Manila Trench off main island of Luzon.
Seismologists believe movement of either one could trigger major earthquake in the city of more than 13 million people that could kill tens of thousands.
MMDA K-9 Corps volunteer group has trained around 700 pet dogs since it began programme in 2016.
It aims to train at least 3,400 pet dogs in search and rescue across the city.
“We all know that for the ‘big one’… we really need to be prepared,” said trainer Katrina Florece, 25, at the training facility owned by government’s Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Hazel was malnourished and fearful when Chua found her in 2021 during family holiday on western island of Palawan.
Search and rescue training has helped her become calmer and more confident.
“She loves it,” Chua said. “I think even if the dog doesn’t end up enjoying search and rescue, joining this is great opportunity to learn and bond with your dog.”
Dogs have to complete at least 12 training sessions before they can be deployed in real-life disaster response operations.
American chef Jon Hrinyak, 40, regularly brings his German Shepherd Oly to training in hope that they might be able to save someone’s life one day.
“You hope that when something happens… we can be there to assist someone, single life that we can help is worth it, ” Hrinyak said.
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
Summit deals won’t affect Ch investments
By Nidz Godino
“China will continue whatever investments it chooses to make… separate from any proposed or potential Chinese investments in the Philippines…how do I see it…how will it affect…I don’t see that it will affect, one way or the other,” Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez expected influx of investments from US and Japan that stemmed from historic trilateral summit won’t affect China’s investments in the Philippines, President Marcos said.
Last Friday’s summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden and attended by Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, was widely perceived as response to China’s aggression in South China Sea, although its discussions covered not just defense but also economic cooperation.
Romualdez recently said Manila may reap at least $100 billion in investments from Washington and Tokyo in five to 10 years as result of event.
Asked during press briefing how outpouring of investments from US and Japan would affect China’s economic influence in the Philippines, Marcos replied, “I don’t see how the two are connected.”
Sectors expected to benefit from investments include semiconductor industry, energy and manufacturing. Marcos expressed optimism that estimated $100 billion worth of investments from US and Japan would materialize.
“They have already committed to these investments and the fact that they actually have, we have together identified areas and sectors investment will go to…it shows this is not promise, or it is not just an idea…it is something that we intend to do because it has been put into agreement, so, I am very confident that this will all materialize and all of us in the Philippines will feel this,” the President said.
According to Marcos, trilateral agreement is not something that is only about convenience or borne out of new situation but “continuing evolution” of Philippines’ relationship with US and Japan.
“And this is evidenced by the fact that large part of agreement is on economic proposals, and economic assistance and partnership between three countries…security and defense, of course, is there…but that is not the main point of trilateral agreement,” he said.
During summit, three countries committed to cooperate on Luzon Economic Corridor, which will boost connectivity among Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas in the Philippines; develop critical and emerging technologies and ensure clean energy supply chains.
Marcos said trilateral agreement is “extremely important” and is going to change dynamic in the region for better. He added that trilateral agreement would be “big benefit” to Philippines, he said is still struggling to completely come out of pandemic
“I’m sure you know by now I’m great believer in coalitions and alliances…so, that is major step for Philippines, for US and for Japan. I think in the years to come we’ll begin to see wisdom of it…we’ll start to see actually not even years within the year we will start to begin to see wisdom of having that trilateral agreement and why it is good thing to enter into,” the Chief Executive said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez expects surge in investment inflows in the Philippines as result of country’s hosting of 6th Indo-Pacific Business Forum next month.
According to Romualdez, event is expected to generate more jobs and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos.
“I am confident that 6th Indo-Pacific Business Forum will serve as springboard for increased investment inflows into the Philippines,” he said.
This developed as Marcos extended his invitation to top US business leaders to participate in the event in Manila on May 21, during his keynote address at the Philippine-US Business Forum in Washington, on sidelines of Philippines-US-Japan trilateral meeting.
“By bringing together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues and explore collaboration opportunities, we aim to propel country’s economic growth and development to new heights, creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people,” he added.
Business, forum in Manila is expected to bring together some 500 business leaders, project developers, government officials and financing sources to discuss topics such as infrastructure, supply chain resilience, critical minerals, clean energy, digital economy, emerging technologies and inclusive trade.
Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos said Luzon Economic Corridor was welcome development, although she expressed hope Mindanao would also be developed.
Investment partnership will involve construction of infrastructure projects like rail, modernization of ports and investments on clean energy, semiconductor supply chains and agribusiness.
“This is good development… first time I am hearing of Luzon corridor…but many are asking why not talk about development of Mindanao,” Marcos said .
Cooperation agreement among Philippines, United States and Japan will change dynamic in South China Sea and region, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said while seeking to assure China it was not target.
“I think trilateral agreement is extremely important,” Marcos told press conference in Washington, day after meeting US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the nations’ first trilateral summit.
“It is going to change dynamic, dynamic we see in the region, in ASEAN ,Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in Asia, around South China Sea,” the chief executive added.
Three leaders expressed “serious concerns” about China’s “dangerous and aggressive behavior” in South China Sea, conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce with various maritime disputes among China and other countries.
Still, Marcos said summit was “not against any country” but had focused on deepening economic and security relations between Manila, Washington and Tokyo.
China claims almost entire South China Sea, despite 2016 ruling by Permanent Court of Arbitration found Beijing’s sweeping claims had no legal basis.
Philippine and Chinese ships have had series of run-ins in the past month included use of water cannons by the latter and heated verbal exchanges.
Beijing summoned Manila’s ambassador to the country and Japanese embassy official to oppose what its foreign ministry described as “negative comments” against China.
Deepening China-Philippines row coincides with increase in security engagements with US under Marcos, including expansion of US access to Philippine bases, as well as with Japan, expected to sign reciprocal troop pact with Manila.
Biden has asked Congress for additional $128 million for infrastructure projects at the Philippine bases.
Marcos also expressed confidence that around $100 billion in possible investment deals over next five to 10 years from summit will come to fruition.
While in Washington, Marcos also met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who assured him of continued US support.
“This whole cooperation is critical to our collective security and continued prosperity across the region,” Austin said, reiterating Biden’s strong defense commitment.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said Marcos scored strategic victory for the country after securing solid commitment of US and Japan in upholding our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Romualdez cited Joint Vision Statement Biden, Kishida and Marcos released, following their historic trilateral meeting in Washington DC expressing opposition against aggressive conduct of China’s Coast Guard and fishing militia vessels in West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Three leaders also stressed according to final and legally binding July 12, 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, Ayungin Shoal lies within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and called on China to abide by the ruling.
“President Marcos Jr.’s steadfast leadership and diplomatic initiatives significantly advanced our country’s national interests, especially in upholding our sovereignty and safeguarding our territorial integrity, particularly in West Philippine Sea, commitment of United States and Japan to support Philippines in defending its sovereignty and promoting regional peace is testament to strength of bilateral and multilateral partnerships in addressing complex security challenges,” said Romualdez.
In his opening statement at historic trilateral meeting, Biden reiterated that “any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or Armed Forces in South China Sea would invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty.”
Romualdez expressed hopes historic trilateral meeting would serve to de-escalate simmering tensions in West Philippine Sea for mutual benefit of all stakeholders.
He stressed that Marcos enjoys full support of House of Representatives for his efforts to protect our nation’s interests in West Philippine Sea and in promoting peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region.
Expected influx of investments from US and Japan stemmed from historic trilateral summit won’t affect China’s investments in the Philippines, President Marcos said.
Last Friday’s summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden and attended by Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, was widely perceived as response to China’s aggression in South China Sea, although its discussions covered not just defense but also economic cooperation.
Romualdez recently said Manila may reap at least $100 billion in investments from Washington and Tokyo in five to 10 years as result of event.
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
VACC slams SC ruling on GCTA for heinous offenders
By J.Lo
“Pumayag na nga kami kahit walang death penalty, masyadong unfair sa victims ng heinous crimes,” crime watchdog Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) condemned recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling which allowed prisoners convicted of heinous crimes to avail Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).
VACC President Arsenio Evangelista said High Court’s ruling is “bitter-sweet” decision, especially for victims of heinous crimes and called it “pro-criminal and not pro-victims.”
“This milestone decision is sad decision for all of us victims,” he said.
Evangelista said SC’s decision was unfair to all victims of heinous crimes, asserting that justice for victims is only served when perpetrator is convicted.
Crime watchdog head also fears prisoners convicted of heinous crimes may be “not ready for outside world” even if they have served their sentences.
“The moment na nakalabas sila doon sa commitment centers, they can somehow regroup,…those well organized groups can regroup and threaten us,” he said.
High Court’s ruling said Department of Justice (DOJ) overstepped its authority in subordinate legislation by excluding individuals convicted of heinous crimes from advancement of benefits of new GCTA law.
Under this law, qualified inmates can avail of GCTA as reward for good behavior, allowing reduction of their prison sentence.
Citing Article 97 of Revised Penal Code, SC said any convicted prisoner is entitled to GCTA as long as prisoner is in any “penal institution, rehabilitation or detention center or any other local jail.”
In 2019, implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law expanded its scope by not allowing recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and individuals convicted of heinous crimes to earn GCTA credits.
However, SC stated GCTA law does not specify this exclusion.
In the same year, SC ruled GCTA law can be retroactively applied, following doctrine in criminal law that states, “penal laws, when favorable and advantageous to the accused, should be applied retroactively.”
GCTA law previously rocked headlines in 2019 after supposed pending release of late former Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez who was convicted of rape with homicide in 1995.
However, former Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra clarified former mayor was not qualified for release.
“We firmly oppose engaging in closed cliques that exclude others in the region,” China foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning Mao told regular press conference Beijing criticized US, Japan and Philippines and defended its actions in South China Sea (SCS) as “lawful” after US President Joe Biden hosted trilateral meeting in Washington.
Biden pledged to defend Philippines from any attack in SCS at White House summit, amid repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed waterway that have raised fears of wider conflict.
Joint statement issued by leaders of trio of nations voiced “serious concern” over Beijing’s actions in SCS, slamming its behavior as “dangerous and aggressive.”
Beijing claims almost entirety of SCS, brushing aside competing claims from several Southeast Asian nations, including Philippines.
Earlier China hit out at joint summit in Washington, with Mao saying Beijing “firmly opposes relevant countries manipulating bloc politics, and firmly opposes any behavior that provokes or lays plans for opposition and hurts other countries’ strategic security and interests.”
“Japan and Philippines can, of course, develop normal relations with other countries, but they should not invite factional opposition into the region, much less engage in trilateral cooperation at the cost of hurting another country’s interests.
“If these are not wanton smears and attacks on China, what are they?” she said.
“China’s actions in East China Sea and South China Sea are appropriate and lawful, and beyond reproach,” Mao added.
China has set conditions in exchange for continuing dialogue with Philippines to ease tensions in West Philippine Sea, demanding Manila to tow away warship BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal as soon as possible, saying Beijing’s position is “clear-cut.”
In statement, Chinese embassy in Manila enumerated China’s demands on Philippines in handling current situation at Ayungin Shoal, which China calls Ren’ai Jiao.
By keeping its warship grounded at Ayungin Shoal for decades running, the embassy accused Philippines of violating China’s sovereignty and Declaration on Conduct of Parties in South China Sea (DOC).
“We demand that Philippines tow away warship as soon as possible and restore Ren’ai Jiao’s state of hosting zero personnel and facilities, before warship is towed away, if Philippines needs to send living necessities, out of humanitarianism, China is willing to allow it if Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted… China will monitor whole process” unnamed embassy spokesperson said.
China warned Philippines about sending large amounts of construction materials to warship and attempts to build fixed facilities and permanent outpost.
“China will not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with law and regulations to uphold China’s sovereignty and sanctity of DOC,” spokesperson said.
China, spokesperson said, is always committed to managing SCS disputes with Philippines through dialogue and consultation and has made “relentless” efforts in this regard.
If Philippines truly wants to ease tensions at Ayungin Shoal through dialogue and communication, spokesperson said key is for it to “honor commitments and understandings and stop provocations,” noting that China’s position on how to deal with current situation at Ayungin Shoal is clear-cut.
The “gentleman’s agreement” on the South China Sea dispute forged by Duterte administration and China was “secret deal” deliberately hidden from public, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said as he raised number of questions about motive and compromises surrounding the move.
Marcos added previous administration did not inform him or his officials about existence of deal, supposedly required Philippines and China to maintain status quo in strategic sealane to ease tensions.
“Even during transition from Duterte administration to my administration, they did not inform us that we have this ‘gentleman’s agreement’, that we should listen to it because it was promised to our friends in China,” the President told reporters.
He said he has three questions on supposed agreement, namely, whether such deal exists, what its contents were and why it was kept under wraps.
Of the three questions, only the first one has been answered, according to Marcos, noting that Chinese embassy in the Philippines revealed that Beijing and Manila had reached such an agreement.
In a recent statement, the embassy said deal had effectively helped maintain overall peace and stability in Ayungin Shoal, which China calls Ren’ai Jiao.
The embassy added Philippines followed deal in the beginning of Marcos’ presidency, but ceased to do so beginning in February last year.
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
Hse stop using ‘8’ car plates
By Nidz Godino
“These plates hold no official sanction from House and are not to be considered legitimate,” House of Representatives has called out anew its members who are using protocol plates bearing number “8,” saying these plates are not considered legitimate and authorized.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco has reiterated plates are not authorized, as 19th Congress under leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez has not issued use of plates.
In memorandum dated Nov. 16, 2023, Velasco ordered “immediate recall of all expired Protocol Plates No. 8 issued during the past Congresses.”
He added chamber has existing agreement with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, wherein drivers found using plates with number “8” will be apprehended and such plates will be confiscated.
Velasco stressed unauthorized and illegal use of special plates is a matter that should not be tolerated, as it “poses threat to public safety and undermines integrity of vehicle registration system.”
“We urge all individuals to comply with law and refrain from engaging in such activities… we expect all members to uphold highest standards of integrity and adherence to law,” he said.
Velasco added House remains committed to ensuring “accountability and transparency” within the chamber.
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