“harassment of Filipino scientists conducting research in these waters not only undermines Philippine sovereignty but also impedes crucial scientific efforts aimed at understanding and preserving marine ecosystems in the region,” Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (AGHAM) condemned harassment of Filipino marine scientists who were conducting research at sandbars near Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island.
Last week, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported China Coast Guard (CCG) used “intimidation tactics” during resource assessment conducted at Pag-asa Cays 1 and 2.
Scientists’ group stressed that such interference not only threatens ecological balance of area, but also hampers international collaboration on marine research.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, scientific team spent four hours at the two reefs and was able to complete its mission, despite presence of CCG vessels. Chinese military helicopter was also circling overhead.
AGHAM called on government to ensure protection of Filipinos in Philippine waters, noting that last week’s incident was not first time Chinese vessels harassed Filipino scientists.
“In 2022, similar incidents of harassment of researchers were recorded near Panganiban Reef and Ayungin Shoal…even Filipino fishermen have reported instances of CCG driving them away from Philippine waters,” Julve said.
“Latest incident shows blatant violations of international law and affronts to Philippine sovereignty are sadly becoming norm for our own citizens in West Philippine Sea,” she added.
China asserts sovereignty over almost entire South China Sea, despite international court ruling in 2016 deemed its stance to have no legal basis.
Earlier China Coast Guard blocked and used water against Filipino supply boat, latest flare-up in long-running territorial conflict between Manila and Beijing.
“UM4 supply boat sustained heavy damages at around 08:52 due to continued blasting of water cannons from CCG vessels,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in statement, without describing the nature of damage or whether there were any casualties.
Again, using water cannons and executing dangerous maneuvers, Chinese coast guard (CCG) made another attempt to block Filipino vessels from resupplying military outpost on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, causing “major damage” and triggering condemnation from United States (US), European Union and Japan.
Again, Beijing throw back to Philippines the incident, saying resupply mission was “provocative move infringes upon China’s sovereignty.”
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año immediately called for high-level security meeting tentatively set for Monday to discuss next actions to be taken and recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
AFP released video clips that showed white ship repeatedly blasting another vessel sailing alongside it with water cannon. One clip showed two white ships simultaneously firing water at the same vessel.
It also released another clip showing white ship marked “China Coast Guard” crossing bow of grey vessel it identified as Philippine supply boat Unaizah May 4.
It said videos were taken while Unaizah May 4 (UM4) was on its way to Ayungin Shoal. AFP said UM4 was able to complete rotation and resupply (RORE) mission with help of BRP Cabra of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
It was second time this month UM4 had been damaged during attempt to resupply outpost. In March 5 RORE mission, military general and four other passengers of UM4 were slightly injured in water cannon attack, also shattered boat’s windshield.
Periodic updates released by the military said UM4 left Naval Detachment Oyster Bay in Puerto Princesa City on Friday and encountered CCG vessel, crossed its bow, at 6:08 in the morning.
An hour later at 7:09 in the morning as e supply boat was approaching Ayungin Shoal, Chinese vessel performed AFP described as reverse blocking maneuver, causing near collision.
At around 7:59 in the morning., military said CCG ship started blasting its water cannon at UM4, “deliberately targeting and hitting supply boat.”
Some 30 minutes later at 8:38 in the morning, Filipino supply boat was again subjected to water cannon attack from two CCG ships.
BRP Cabra that was escorting UM4 was able to maneuver and reach supply boat to offer help. Before noon, the two vessels were able to reach Ayungin Shoal to unload supplies and provisions on Sierra Madre using inflatable boats.
“Personnel are being rotated in to ensure BRP Sierra Madre’s mission posture remains uncompromised… RORE operation is again manifestation of AFP’s resolve in rightfully and lawfully maintaining its presence at the shoal in continued protection of Philippine sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” AFP said.
Año, chairs National Task Force for West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), said government’s security cluster, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, would have to convene in light of China’s growing aggressiveness in asserting its illegal claim in West Philippine Sea.
“Systematic and consistent manner PRC continues to carry out these illegal and irresponsible actions belies its hollow claims to peace, dialogue and adherence to international law,” NTF-WPS said in statement.
It said China coast guard’s actions have proven to Filipinos and international community that China “recognizes no reasonable or legal restraint nor limitation upon its actions under international law.”
It added Chinese “reckless and dangerous actions” caused injuries to Filipinos on board UM4.
In its statement, NTF-WPS also said PCG vessels 4407 and 4409 were able to break through CCG’s blocking formation to provide relief and assistance to “disabled” UM4.
It said Chinese were spotted placing floating barrier at northwestern entrance to the lagoon of Ayungin Shoal.
“Philippines shall continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS and legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for legitimate, well-established and legally settled rights of others, Philippines will not be deterred by veiled threats or hostility from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal which forms part of our EEZ and continental shelf…we demand that China demonstrate in deeds and not in words that it is responsible and trustworthy member of international community” NTF-WPS said.
Reacting to the latest Chinese aggression, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson posted on X that her country firmly supports Philippines against China’s “repeated dangerous maneuvers & water cannons to disrupt Philippine Coast Guard’s lawful activities in Philippine EEZ.”
“PRC’s interference with Philippine freedom of navigation violates international law and threatens a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Carlson said.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya voiced his country’s “grave concern on repeated dangerous actions by CCG in SCS resulted in Filipino injuries.”
“Japan stands in solidarity with Philippines as confirmed at Japan-Philippines-US Vice Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in this week,” he said.
EU Ambassador Luc Véron is “concerned by recurring dangerous maneuvers, blocking and water-cannoning from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Maritime Militia against Philippine vessels engaged in resupply missions.”
“EU reiterates call for all parties to abide by legally binding 2016 Arbitration Award and international law to peacefully resolve disputes, guaranteeing safety for all in maritime waters,” he said.
In statement posted on website of state-run CGTN, CCG drove away Philippine vessels from Ayungin Shoal “in professional manner.”
“China Coast Guard announced on Saturday regulatory actions have been taken against Philippine vessels illegally entered waters adjacent to Ren’ai Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao,” statement read.
Gan Yu, spokesperson for China Coast Guard, in separate statement called resupply trip to Sierra Madre “irregular mission” carried out just 18 days after previous one in “attempt to transport construction materials to illegally ‘grounded’ warship.”
Gan accused Philippine resupply boat of “forcefully intruding” into the shoal “despite repeated warnings and routing control” by CCG, he said “implemented lawful regulation, interception and expulsion in reasonable and professional manner.”
“We warn Philippines that playing with fire is invitation of disgrace, and China Coast Guard is ready at all times to defend country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Gan added.
State-run Chinese newspaper Global Times tweeted CCG’s spokesperson’s blaming Philippines for “disrupting peace and stability of South China Sea.”
“As you know, our position: Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao, and their adjacent waters,” Chinese embassy, for its part, said.
‘It’s Showtime’ teases surprise for ‘madlang people’
By Cynthia Montojo
“It’s Showtime” will transfer to GMA-7 main channel and will replace “Tahanang Pinakamasaya.”
“It’s Showtime” teased surprise for “madlang people” to be announced soon.
In their social media pages, noontime show posted animated video GMA-7’s font was used.
Letters I, t, and s from “It’s Showtime” were also animated with heart, GMA-7’s symbol.
“Good news, Madlang People!” the show wrote.
“ABANGAN,” it added.
“It’s Showtime” moved to GTV last July after it declined TV5’s offer to move show to delayed telecast at 4:30 in the afternoon to give way to the new show to be hosted by “Eat Bulaga!” mainstays Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon.
Currently, GMA-7 airs Filipino movies in noontime slot vacated by TAPE Inc.’s “Tahanang Pinakamasaya.”
Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. officially announced recently that “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” is now off-air.
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AFP brass promo halted after battered wife’s complaint
By J.Lo
“He was bypassed, so he has to come back…but he still has chance…he still has three more years,” Commission on Appointments (CA) Chairman and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said an aspiring Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) brigadier general accused of domestic abuse by his wife was bypassed by CA.
Ranulfo Sevilla, deputy commander of AFP-Special Operations Command, is back to being colonel after he failed to get CA confirmation due to opposition of his wife Tessa Luz Aura Reyes-Sevilla.
Sevilla was not among 129 AFP officers whose ad interim appointments were confirmed by CA earlier.
It was Sevilla’s first time to be bypassed, according to Zubiri.
A nominee can only be bypassed three times during confirmation process. Bypassed nominee is one whose appointment was not acted upon by CA before adjournment of Congress.
Congress is set to go on recess from March 23 to April 28. It will resume session on April 29 to May 24, before it adjourns on May 25.
Sevilla was bypassed to allow him to put into writing his commitment during CA hearings to give child support to their two children, one of whom has special needs.
He was accused of beating up his wife and neglecting his children, contributing measly P2,000 for his two kids with Reyes-Sevilla.
During hearing, Sevilla promised to give half of his take-home pay to support their children.
He was initially reluctant to give beyond P30,000 as child support. But he later gave in and said he would give P50,000 of his take-home pay, even though all he would be left with is food for himself.
When informed that there was amount that committee set during previous CA executive session, Sevilla said he was not aware of it.
“I hope you also consider my willingness to comply…just miscommunication as to how much money I should give monthly,” he added.
This compelled CA national defense committee chairman and Camiguin Lone District Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo to call out Sevilla for lying before committee and feigning ignorance.
Romualdo said Sevilla’s being bypassed led to his being denied CA confirmation.
Sevilla, has another chance to seek CA confirmation as long as he does not get bypassed again.
CA member and Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel urged nominees to be faithful to their wives and keep good record both in their work and at home.
“May this be a warning to you…you will be assigned to different stations and you will be tempted when you meet beautiful, sexy women…so don’t be playboys… I urge you to be loyal and faithful to your wives,” Pimentel said.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who blocked Sevilla’s confirmation, said “no wife or child should have to beg for basic child support.”
“This is also teaching moment for all our institutions: character is just as important as competence,” Hontiveros said.
Sevilla’s wife lauded CA for bypassing her husband undeserving of promotion, saying that incident should serve as wake-up call for armed forces to discipline their ranks, especially those with extramarital affairs.
“May this be a lesson for our gentlemen in the AFP to love their families, their partners and children,” Reyes-Sevilla said.
Gemini Baladad, another victim of domestic abuse by retired general, accompanied Reyes-Sevilla to call on military to call out their errant officers.
“I am here to spread awareness that this is really happening and something must be done… unsung heroes here are wives of soldiers,” Baladad said.
Baladad, who suffered three miscarriages due to abuse, added that “something must be corrected so that we can have safer place.”
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Comelec cannot conduct Cha-cha plebiscite in 2024 – poll chief
By J.Lo
“In event that Congress will say plebiscite and 2025 elections should be separate, we cannot conduct plebiscite in 2024, definitely,” Commission on Elections Comelec Chairman George Garcia said Comelec cannot conduct plebiscite for amendment of 1987 Constitution this year.
Comelec would abide by whatever Congress prescribes, Garcia told Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation chaired by Sen. Imee Marcos at hearing.
Marcos asked Garcia about the apparently flip-flopping pronouncement on simultaneously conducting the plebiscite for Charter change (Cha-cha) and midterm elections, which is slated for May 12, 2025.
Garcia said when he was quoted about holding a plebiscite, it was his “personal opinion.”
He added that as far as he is concerned, he “honestly believes” that plebiscite and midterm elections “should be done separately,” Garcia said.
“However, I likewise corrected myself and said that it’s up to Congress…we will definitely follow what Congress will say,” he said.
He added if Congress would say Comelec would have to conduct plebiscite and midterm elections simultaneously, poll body is committed to do it.
In holding plebiscite and midterm elections simultaneously, Comelec chief said country could save P13 billion.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III “filed Senate Bill 2595, An Act Providing for a System of People’s Initiative and Referendum, since spirit of law providing plebiscite to ratify amendment to Constitution must be called for that purpose.”
“With all due respect, my apology, it’s not commission flip-flopped; it’s the chair, (who) says, my initial impression was really plebiscite should be done separately from midterm elections because people should be made aware of what is being changed…however it’s up to Congress…if Congress says simultaneous, then Comelec will implement,” Garcia said.
Under proposed measure, Pimentel asserted right of the people to directly amend Constitution could not be exercised unless Congress provides for its implementation through pertinent law.
“Constitution speaks of power of people to propose amendments to Constitution directly through system of initiative, upon petition of at least 12 percent of total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three percent of total number of registered voters therein… provision, however, is not self-executory,” he said.
He added that Congress passed Republic Act (RA) 6735, or as Initiative and Referendum Act on Aug. 4, 1989, but Supreme Court (SC) ruled law shall only pertain to initiative and referendum on national and local laws, ordinances and resolutions.
Pimentel noted that the SC found that RA 6735 is inadequate to cover the system of initiative on amendments to the Constitution and fails to provide sufficient standards for subordinate legislation on the part of the Comelec.
“As a measure to not only fill in the gaps found in RA 6735, but to also update the system of the people’s initiative and referendum to reflect present-day political conditions, it is proper that this bill be introduced as new measure, rather than amendment to existing law,” he said.
He added that proposed measure introduces penal provisions against commission of prohibited acts connected to conduct of initiative and referendum.
“Making reference to punishable acts of Omnibus Election Code and other election laws, this measure ensures sanctity of direct democracy just as our election laws ensure sanctity of ballot,” he said.
Overarching message officials and members of House of Representatives as they cautioned their counterparts in Senate as regards economic Charter change, whose passage is moving much slower in Upper Chamber compared to that in House.
“I really hope and I have faith in Senate , they are independent institution… but I really hope that this is not dribble-dribble politics… at the very least, Filipino voters deserve to know how our senators stand,” Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo told reporters at briefing.
Dimaporo, chairs House committee on Muslim affairs, laid out timeline by which Senate’s Resolution of Both Houses 6, along with House’s RBH 7, should be adopted at soonest time possible, lest these be overtaken by expected turn of events this year.
“We hope it’s not busy-busy kami, we need to know where Sen. Bato dela Rosa stands when it comes to issue of opening up, how RBH 6 will negatively affect our nationalist ideals,” he said.
The senior administration lawmaker was referring to President Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, where hearings about proposed 2025 national budget and the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) by October for next year’s midterm elections will commence shortly after.
“Come October, we’ll be filing for our COCs, so we really only have until SONA to get all of these done as legislators…after SONA, circus is in town again and we will be campaigning… urgency is there…we only have one month of work to do,” Dimaporo said.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin also expressed her apprehensions, hoping senators will still find time to deliberate and approve RBH 6.
Garin said people’s initiative might be better option if Senate fails to approve economic Cha-cha.
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P76.1B COVID-19 allowance for health workers released
By J.Lo
“We are ready to release funds as soon as concerned private and LGU hospitals will comply with law that requires liquidation,” Department of Health (DOH) has released total of P76.1 billion for payment of health emergency allowance (HEA) for frontline health workers during height of COVID-19 pandemic.
These funds cover 8,549,207 claims from July 1, 2021 to July 20, 2023.
General Appropriations Act allocated P19.9 billion for HEA under programmed appropriations for fiscal year 2024. DOH has distributed nearly all of these funds, releasing 19.7 billion to eligible health facilities.
DOH still needs around P27 billion to pay for arrears filed by health facilities.
Payment of HEA is provided for under Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act.
Under the law, health workers are entitled to receive HEA for every month of service while country is under state of public health emergency.
Amount varies based on risk level of their employment: P3,000 for low-risk areas, P6,000 for medium-risk areas, and P9,000 for high-risk areas.
Law requires DOH to have memorandums of agreement (MOAs) and to wait for full liquidation of previously released HEA funds before disbursing additional funds.
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Protected areas of Apo has resorts – Tulfo
By Nidz Godino
“These are outside buffer zone, if we base it on what we saw on Google Earth and compare it with the map of Mount Apo,” Sen. Raffy Tulfo said Aside from controversies surrounding construction of resort at Chocolate Hills in Bohol, several business establishments have reportedly sprouted in protected area of Mt. Apo in Davao.
Tulfo raised issue concerning Mt. Apo during privilege speech delivered few days after existence of Captain’s Peak Resort at the Chocolate Hills went viral on social media.
He said Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed existence of commercial establishments, reportedly given two years to operate, around Mt. Apo.
As this developed, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has started investigating circumstances surrounding construction of Captain’s Peak Resort.
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said six-man team of Bohol Task Force was deployed in Sagbayan town to determine liability of local government officials over the matter.
Tulfo received information about construction of several resorts at Mt. Apo National Reserve, including Twin Mountain View Resort, Monte Frio Resort and Villa Recurso.
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He expressed concern about environment, especially since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.last year ordered preservation of Mt. Apo while government is working to include site in list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Heritage Sites.
“This statement of President Marcos was made sometime in October 2023 and because of this, some people in PAMB or Protected Area Management Board of Mount Apo seemed to have panicked,” he said.
“In November 2023, they called for meeting to act against illegal structures at multiple use zones of Mt. Apo and look into decline in forest cover…how come these illegal structures were allowed to operate?” Tulfo asked.
Abalos said Bohol task force would also look into other structures built around Chocolate Hills.
“I have spoken to the team members and told them to list structures… I told them to check surrounding areas and identify if more violations were committed so we can take collective actions,” he said.
Abalos said team would examine pertinent documents that allowed construction of resort despite apparent violations of law.
“How was this allowed…was this allowed or not…most of all, who should be held liable for this?” he asked.
Tulfo enumerated other problems surrounding Mt. Apo, such as land conversion for settlement, water pollution, introduction of foreign exotic species, presence of large communities, increasing population, destructive and inappropriate livelihood and poverty.
“What is the real use of the PAMB…why it seems to be mere display in country’s protected areas?” Tulfo said.
Bohol task force will also look into possible liability and accountability of local government officials and recommend filing of cases against those involved.
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welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay
Ch rocket debris likely off IS, Catanduanes coasts- PhilSA
By Nidz Godino
“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through drop zone,” Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said possible remnants from launch of Chinese rocket may have fallen into waters off Ilocos Sur and Catanduanes.
In an advisory, PhilSA said rocket debris was projected to have fallen within identified drop zones located around 78 nautical miles from Vigan in Ilocos Sur, as well as 194 nautical miles and 332 nautical miles from Panay Island in Catanduanes.
It also said debris could float around area and eventually end up on nearby coasts.
“Additionally, possibility of uncontrolled re-entry to atmosphere of rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” PhilSA said.
Agency advised public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted and to refrain from retrieving or coming in close contact with materials as these may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
China launched new communications relay satellite, Queqiao-2, on Wednesday to support its lunar exploration ambitions. Long March 8 rocket carrying satellite lifted off from launch site in Wenchang, Hainan.
China said United States had “no right” to interfere in South China Sea, after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington stood by its commitments to defend Philippines against armed attack in disputed waterway.
” United States is not party to South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in maritime issues between China and the Philippines,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told regular press conference in Beijing.
Blinken is in the Philippine capital Manila , his second visit since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.took office in 2022 as part of brief Asia tour to reinforce US support for regional allies against China.
“Military cooperation between US and Philippines must not harm China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in South China Sea, and still less be used to provide platform for Philippines’ illegal claims,” Lin said in a response to question on Blinken’s earlier comments.
“China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and uphold peace and stability in South China Sea,” he added.
Beijing claims almost entire South China Sea , crucial route for global trade brushing aside competing claims from several Southeast Asian nations, including Philippines, and international ruling that has declared its stance baseless.
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