“For public naman…we ask for your cooperation for this fluvial procession, and participating vessels to follow guidelines, safety guidelines, so that we will have smooth and accident-free fluvial procession 2024,” ENS Rose Abigail Enario of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.participating vessels in this Sunday’s fluvial procession will be asked to pull out if they stay closer than 15 yards to “galleon” carrying image of the Sto. Niño.
This, as close to 200 vessels have already registered to join Sinulog fluvial procession this Sunday.
Lt. Bernabe Jay Zambale, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Naval Forces Central public affairs officer, said 183 vessels have already been given green light to join activity, would happen before Sinulog grand parade.
Number is slightly lower than last year’s 190, but Zambale said figure was expected to balloon, with registration deadline set at 5 in the afternoon.
To ensure seaworthiness and safety of people would be on board, registrants were asked to submit Maritime Industry Authority (Marina)-issued certificates such as passenger or cargo-ship safety certificate, recreational boat certificate, safe manning certificate, and valid ID of boat captain.
Motorbancas were also required to submit SSEN certificates.
Zambale said only Marina-registered vessels, yachts, boats, ships, and motorbancas are allowed to sail and join procession. Vessels would be given tarpaulins to indicate they have registered.
Sea vessel mv Martin 8 of Maayo Shipping will be galleon carrying miraculous image of Sto. Niño.
Zambale said ship will be sailing at standard speed of 7 to 9 knots, and participating vessels should maintain 15-yard distance from galleon.
Enario said sea marshals would be deployed to reprimand violating vessels, would be radioed and instructed to pull out from procession.
Zambale also said using pyrotechnics and drones during event is prohibited, as he asked everyone cooperate for safety and security of event.
For monitoring and implementing rules for peace and safety throughout procession, PCG is deploying over 3,000 of its personnel.
Additional personnel will be coming from its sub-task groups, like Philippine Navy, Regional Maritime Unit-7, Cebu Port Authority, and Marina-7.
Zambale said Philippine Navy would likewise deploy five vessels for event, as well as its Navy Seals’ Special Warfare Group (SWAG) as Quick Reaction Team.
He said Philippine Navy will be in-charge of security of Sto. Niño “galleon” and overall security of event.
PCG and Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño conducted dry run of fluvial procession in preparation for event.
MMDA hit int’l study calling MM ‘worst in traffic’ worldwide
By Nidz Godino
“System they use I think is like GPS attached to car, and they used this as basis to monitor traffic situations all over the world… from this, we could already see difference in data MMDA uses,”Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) cast its doubt on “2023 Traffic Index,” released by transportation data company TomTom Traffic, calling Metro Manila worst in metro traffic worldwide.
MMDA acting chairman Don Artes aired questions on company’s methdology, after it claimed it takes 25 minutes and 30 seconds to travel 10 kilometers with over 117 hours lost per year during rush hours.
“First of all, we don’t know methodology employed by TomTom to say Metro Manila is number one worst in their Traffic Index ranking, ” Artes said.
Metro area in Lima, Peru followed Metro Manila in TomTom’s list, with Bengaluru, India and Sapporo, Japan coming in at third and fourth.
Manila was ranked ninth worst traffic city center with an average travel time of 27 minutes and 20 seconds per 10 kilometers. This means over 105 hours are lost per year during rush hours at an average speed of 19 kilometers per hour.
On another hand, London tops list of worst city traffic with average travel time of 37 minutes and 20 seconds per 10 kilometers. During rush hours, said people from United Kingdom experience average speed of 14 kilometers per hour during rush hour.
Artes admitted Metro Manila does have enormous problem when it comes to extreme traffic, pointing to record-high sales of private vehicles as number one contributor of vehicle congestion.
“In our data last 2021, we have 3.2 million vehicles to 3.6 million vehicles daily that travel around whole Metro Manila for 24 hours,” Artes continued.
“Our road network in Metro Manila is only at 10,000 kilometers…so you can just imagine we fit around 3.6 million vehicles there.”
MMDA added Metro Manila’s roads is already structurally over capacity. For example, Artes says over 400,000 plus vehicles use EDSA every day even if it only has carrying capacity of 300,000 a day.
“30% of that are in Metro Manila, with another 10 to 15% in nearby provinces who also travel to National Capital Region,” MMDA official added.
“Another cause of traffic are leaks and road repairs…we cannot stop those because we need to repair water leakages.”
Artes also explained government’s flagship projects also contribute to heavy traffic — citing construction of Metro Manila Subway Project as one cause.
Commuters and transport advocates have long fought for less “car-centric” style of urban planning to fight heavy traffic, calling government to prioritize public transportation like trains or mass transit lines could ferry more people while taking up less space on the road.
“There should be no speed limitation…ror as long as these vehicles are used in public roads, they should be registered,” Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza told Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that there were 556 crash incidents of electric bikes (e-bikes) in Metro Manila in 2023.
According to LTFRB’s data sent to reporters, e-bike crashes in National Capital Region (NCR) resulted in 281 instances of property damage, 273 non-fatal injuries and two fatal injuries.
Crash incidents peaked in August 2023 with 64 cases, while lowest recorded totaled to 26 cases in November 2023.
Quezon City posted highest number of incidents among cities in NCR with 96 e-bike crash cases. Of these, 42 are recorded as property damage with 54 non-fatal injuries.
Following Quezon City in total number of crash incidents are these areas:
Marikina- 72
Taguig- 71
Manila- 52
Parañaque- 46
Makati- 39
Caloocan- 36
Pasig- 36
Las Piñas- 29
Pasay- 22
Muntinlupa- 15
Mandaluyong- 14
Valenzuela 11
Pateros- 7
San Juan- 7
Malabon- 2
Navotas- 1
In November 2023, LTO proposed mandatory registration of e-bikes, saying only registered e-bikes should be allowed to use public roads.
According to LTO Administrative Order 2021-035, electric vehicles that have maximum speed below 25 kilometers per hour are exempt from registration with LTO.
Only electric scooters and e-bicycles, regardless of vehicle capacity, registered will be allowed to use public roads under a proposal of LTO.
Mendoza said proposal for the mandatory registration of these electric vehicles (EVs) would be submitted to Department of Transportation.
Under LTO Administrative Order 2021-035, EVs with maximum speed of less than 25 kilometers are not required to register with LTO.
“We understand side of manufacturers and importers and public, but law is law,” he added.
Mendoza said registration of e-vehicles would help motorists with road safety, especially if vehicle is involved in accidents.
He said unregistered e-bikes can only be used within private roads or subdivisions.
Motorists driving unregistered vehicles or with expired vehicle registration face fine of P10,000.
Mendoza said minors should not be allowed to drive EVs.
Meanwhile, LTO said 12.9 million motorcycles in country remain unregistered.
At public hearing of Senate justice committee chaired by Sen. Francis Tolentino on proposed amendments to Republic Act 11235 or Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, LTO said two million cars and trucks are also unregistered.
Mendoza said many delinquent motorcycle owners either forget to renew their registration or fail to transfer ownership after purchasing vehicle.
Citing LTO data, Mendoza said only 13.9 million of 38 million four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles on the road were registered as of 2003.
Sen. J.V. Ejercito, author of the bill proposing amendments to RA 11235, said the fines for non-registration of motorcycles should be lowered.
He said penalty of imprisonment for violating RA 11235 is ”too harsh and discriminatory” to motorcycle owners.
KOMEDYA sa lansangan ang kapana-panabik na masasaksihan sa susunod na 11 araw sa pagsuheto ng gobyerno sa libo-libong kulorum na traditional jeepney. Kinakastigo pa rin sa korte itong Marco Polo Hotel-Ortigas at Goldilocks sa hindi tamang pagpapatupad sa benepisyo ni lolo. Itong Sogo Hotel, napakaraming promo pero, huwag nyong itangging ang promong yan ay sa inyong kapakanan, kaya dapat pa ring idagdag ang batas sa mga lolo. Sya nga pala Kiwal, hindi napapansin pero kasama dapat sa diskwento ang pamasahe sa tricycle, barya lang nga yan pero malaking bagay kay lolo ang barya, hindi na nga makapagpangipin dahil pati barya, simot. Ang wala pa sa batas senior ay ang petrolyo, singil sa tubig at koryente. Nasa 300 ruta kasambahay ang ilegal mula aprimero ng Pebrero, buwan ng pag-inig Kiwal. ito raw 313 ruta sa kalakhang Maynilsa ay hindi “consolidated” kaya batay sa modernisasyon ay magiging ilegal. Hindi nagbibiro si Tata Pilo na kulorum ang mga pasaway na hindi tumalima sa patakaran. 238 ruta daw ang mabubuting batang sumunod, 306 ruta ang may 60% sumunod. Karamihan naman daw ng kulorum ay nasa secondary route at halos walang problema sa mga pangunahing lansangan. Pero marami ring pasahero ang secondary route gaya ng Quezon Avenue-Magsaysay Bvd., Novaliches-Camarin, pritil-Rizal Avenue, kumusta kaya ang mga ito? 30k traditional jeepney raw ang kulorum sa buong bansa, gutom ang mga ito, ilan pa rito ang dalawa kinakasama. 76.6% raw naming tagumpay ang konsolidasyon. Sa mga pasahero, isasakay raw naman kayo nang libre ni Mayor Joy. kasambahay, pakiramdaman ninyo, baka may pabahay dyan sa lugar ninyo, pakinabangan ninyo. Hindi naman kailangang pumunta sa “University of Recto” para magpagawa ng resibong palalabasing pangingikil sa gambling lord. Bulok nang lakad yan, hindi naman siguro turo ng iyong superior officer yan, sino ginaya mo tata. Maninira ka ng pinagpala, “can’t put blessed man down”, dugay na sa Manila, tonto pa gihapon? Yang resIbong iyan hijo, magagamit laban sa iyo yan. Ayaw kong sabihing “handler is owner”, cheap mo naman barya lang yan. Tatawanan ka ni Maj. Reyes nyan, hellow po, happy new year. Muzta kaya rating ng Sta. Maria police, alin kayang rating pinaka-sadsad sa Bulacan? Paanong hindi pasang-awa e outstanding yata sa row 4 si tata, walang iniintindi kundi bulsa. Nasabon siguro ni Mayor kaya nagpuputok ang butsi. Nagpalamig lang at umaatungal na naman. Kung tatawagin na ako ng aking amang Dios, una-una lamang naman yan, may nagkakasabay pero hindi madalas. Itong kasisibak lang sa serbisyong si Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong, gun toting lang kaso nito, walang makukuhang benepisyo dahil hindi nagdahan-dahan nang pagkilos, basahin nyo na lang sa iskup, English kasi e. e ikaw tata, sindikato ng sugalan ang protection raket mo. Alam kaya ni PD yan o dalawin ko ang olivas, Gen. Hidalgo sir? Hindi ba kasisibak lang ng isang hepe sa Bataan, ganyan din lakad?
Nasa 80,000 hong pabahay ang nagawa ng gobyernong Marcos noong katatapos na taong 2023, 6 milyon sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino sa 2028. Executive clemency na lang ang ultimo remedio sa leeg ni Veloso at kapag nabigo si Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo sa paglalakad nito, tigbak ang Pinay. Nasabat Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal si Veloso sanYogyakarta noong Abril 2010 dala sa bagahe nito ang 2.6 kilong heroin nakatahi sa luggage nito. Magkita-kita tayo mga Marked Men for Christ facilitators sa petsa 26, phase 2 seminar at phase 1 sa Baguio City, Febrero 21-23, maghanda-handa na tayo. Kung nais nyong makarating sa korea sa Abril mayroong orientation sa jan 11 8am to 4pm sa GFWC , Plaridel, Bulacan,may food registration 150 pesos Sagot ng Korea accomodation and food, Bale 12 days po tayo don kung makasama tayo. Kapag nabigyan na tayo ng invitation ay visa at airfare balikan ,para poi to sa lahat ng church leaders ,pastor at wives, pators kids at young people leaders. Welcome to the Philippines Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Capica. Ididiskwento ng Meralco nang hanggang syento porsyento sa singil sa koryente ang mga benepisyaryo ng 4ps. Kwalipikadong aplikante ay kailangang hindi kumukunsumo ng 100 kw.hr. DSWD, huwag naman nyong pahirapan mga aplikante. Dalawang buwan na lang at Marked Men for Christ sa Baguio na. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problema ba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.
“These are attributed to escalating tension in Middle East, including attacks on ships in Red Sea and Iranian missile strikes on targets in Syria and Iraq added to geopolitical risk premium and OPEC forecast on strong growth in global oil demand over next two years,” Department of Energy (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau assistant director Rodela Romero said.another round of price hikes for gasoline and diesel may be implemented by local oil companies next week.
Romero said there is potential increase of less than P1 per liter in prices of both gasoline and diesel by next week, based on four-day trading in Mean of Platts Singapore.
Romero estimated upward adjustment for gasoline is from P0.65 to P0.85 per liter and from P0.45 to P0.65 per liter for diesel.
Kerosene, on other hand, could see no adjustment or rollback of P0.10 per liter.
Oil industry source, on the other hand, said indicative price movements for next week are increases of between P0.50 and P0.60 per liter for diesel and between P0.70 and P0.80 per liter for gasoline.
Final price adjustments will be announced by oil companies on Monday, will take effect next day.
Should expected increases push through, these would result to third straight week of price hikes for gasoline and diesel.
Last Tuesday, oil firms raised prices by P0.30 per liter for gasoline and heftier P0.90 per liter for both diesel and kerosene.
“Let an alias warrant of arrest be issued against them and this case is ordered archived insofar as they are concerned, subject to reinstatement of the same once Court acquires jurisdiction over their persons,” Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has found Sen. Jinggoy Estrada guilty of one count of direct bribery and two counts of indirect bribery over his alleged involvement in pork barrel scam placing him in position where he may eventually be booted out of office, pay fines and be imprisoned.
Court , however, acquitted Estrada and so-called pork barrel queen Janet Napoles of plunder over misuse of senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel fund.
Estrada, detained for three years for plunder and graft cases over multibillion-peso pork barrel fund scam, meted total of up to 16 years in prison for bribery conviction and was ordered to pay P3 million.
Conviction also involves accessory penalties of temporary absolute disqualification and perpetual special disqualification from right to vote.
Napoles, meanwhile, was found guilty of five and two counts of corruption of public officials under Revised Penal Code’s (RPC) provisions on direct bribery and indirect bribery, respectively, she was sentenced to total of up to 62 years in prison.
In finding them not guilty of plunder, anti-graft court said state prosecutors failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt Estrada and Napoles “personally gained or benefited or had used monies allegedly taken from alleged transactions … in amount of P50 million or more,” threshold for an illegally amassed fund to be covered by plunder law.
Court did not find evidence “sufficient to establish beyond reasonable doubt crime of plunder,” it explained they may still be convicted of lesser offense if prosecutors prove such respectively, noting direct bribery and indirect bribery are “necessarily included in plunder as some of elements of the latter constitute those of former,” based on 2003 Supreme Court decision.
In finding Estrada liable for direct bribery, court said all elements of crime were established in that Estrada is public officer, he received bribes to endorse Napoles’ non-government organizations to implement his PDAF projects and his act of endorsing NGOs itself.
For indirect bribery, court found Estrada received percentage of project’s cost through Napoles and that he received percentage of cost enough for liability for direct or indirect bribery.
Prosecution established Estrada received P1 million in bribe money, making him liable for direct bribery and that he received P1.5 million and P4.2 million from Napoles through Ruby Tuason, since turned whistle-blower, making the senator liable for indirect bribery.
Meanwhile, cases against their co-accused Pauline Labayen, Estrada’s former chief-of-staff, and former government official John Raymund de Asis have been archived as they remain at-large.
Estrada vowed to seek all legal remedies to appeal Sandiganbayan’s verdict convicting him of direct and indirect bribery, even though he was acquitted of plunder over pork barrel scam.
“In information sheet, only case of plunder…and I have already been acquitted… I have been exonerated of plunder,.. I will ask my lawyers to exhaust all legal remedies, all legal options available for me…but I still believe in our justice system,” Estrada told reporters after his sentence was read to him in court.
Estrada is also “confused” with ruling to acquit him of plunder but convict him of bribery.
“Now that I have been exonerated by court, I’m bit worried, not worried, but I’m confused why all of a sudden this bribery case came up,” Estrada said.
He is also worried one of the accessory penalties in his bribery conviction is suspension from public office and disqualification from right to suffrage.
One of the qualifications to run for public office is to be registered voter.
“But I feel happy and elated that I was exonerated of main charge of plunder…. most important to me… I thank the Lord and feel vindicated, that this was really politically motivated by past administration,” Estrada said.
“I did not steal any money,” Estrada stressed, adding he would hold his press conference on Monday next week after going through decision.
“Nothing is final… appealable…we will file necessary motion for reconsideration before Sandiganbayan… I will instruct all my lawyers, again, to exhaust all legal options, all legal remedies,” Estrada said in ambush interview outside e that his legal team will exhaust all legal remedies on those cases he was convicted for. I wish him well and will continue to pray for Senator Jinggoy Estrada and his family,” Ejercito said.
Ejercito also asked public to respect court’s decision that found his brother guilty of bribery.
“I urge everyone to respect wisdom and fairness of our justice system…our justice system, despite its imperfection, is there to maintain law and order, protect our rights and provide justice,” he said.
While Estrada was charged with non-bailable offense of plunder for misusing his PDAF from his term in Senate from 2004 to 2010, he was allowed to post bail in 2017 due to lack of evidence to justify charges against him or identify him in charge sheet as “main plunderer” in the case.
Napoles, some of whose cases are still being heard, is currently serving her sentence of up to 150 years at Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City after being convicted of graft and malversation.
Following Sandiganbayan’s decision to acquit Estrada from plunder, former senator Leila de Lima maintained there was strong case against him when complaint was filed in 2014 when she was still Justice secretary.
“I believe we had strong case against Sen. Jinggoy when DOJ-NBI Special Task Force filed plunder complaint against him with ombudsman,buttressed by statements of middle-woman Ruby Tuason, who said she dealt directly with the senator and Napoles insofar as his PDAF funds were concerned…even Benhur Luy stated he personally delivered Jinggoy’s kickbacks to his secretary, Pauline Labayen, who had since then gone missing.” said de Lima.
De Lima was “curious to find out what element or elements of crime of plunder Sandiganbayan deemed wanting and/or why evidence was deemed insufficient to support conviction for that crime.”
“All the same, I accept decision of Sandiganbayan limiting conviction to bribery and indirect bribery. ..if Sen. Jinggoy appeals this conviction, there is still chance SC will modify this judgment to either acquittal, on one hand, or plunder conviction, on the other, of course, I have yet to read decision to find out whether Sen. Jinggoy risks plunder conviction with SC if he still appeals SB decision convicting him only of bribery” ,de Lima added.
“I am sure that is what his lawyers are already studying at this very moment…because once they appeal to SC, SB judgment is opened wide for modifications, including conviction for plunder, without violating rule on double jeopardy.” Estrada will continue performing his functions as senator until and unless his conviction by the Sandiganbayan becomes final and executory, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
Zubiri said Senate takes due notice and respects decision of Sandiganbayan on cases filed against Estrada, sitting senator with mandate emanating from over 15 million voters.
“Senate also recognizes fact there are still remedies available to Sen. Jinggoy under existing laws and Rules of Court, he has right to exhaust all of these. ..he can still file Motion for Reconsideration with Sandiganbayan; he can still file appeal by certiorari with Supreme Court” Zubiri said in statement sent to Senate reporters.
“Until and unless decision becomes final and executory, Sen. Jinggoy is duty-bound to continue performing his functions as senator.”
Sandiganbayan acquitted Estrada of plunder but found him guilty of direct and indirect bribery.
Apart from imprisonment of up to 16 years, he was permanently barred from holding public office and ordered placed under “temporary absolute disqualification and perpetual special disqualification from right to vote” penalty that caused confusion.
His lawyer Alexis Abastillas Suarez told media temporary disqualification could be implemented only when ruling becomes final.
Ruling is expected to be appealed, first through motion for reconsideration before Sandiganbayan. If rejected, conviction can be elevated to Court of Appeals and all the way to Supreme Court.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Footnotes
James 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 16 and 19; and in 2:1, 5, 14; 3:10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19.
‘Rewind’ now highest-grossing Fil film in domestic box office sales
By Cynthia Montojo
“Hello, Love, Goodbye,” still highest-grossing Filipino film of all time with P880 million global ticket sales, while “Rewind” has P845 million total.
Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Rewind” became highest-grossing Filipino film in domestic box office sales with P815 million. Film surpassed 2019 film “Hello, Love, Goodbye” and 2018 film “The Hows of Us.” Both films earned P691 million and P690 million in domestic sales, respectively.
During film’s thanksgiving event, ABS-CBN reported Marian Rivera said box office success is just bonus for her and husband Dingdong Dantes.
“Noong binasa namin ‘to, isa lang gusto namin mangayari, bonus na lang figure, alam naming maraming pinagdaanan tao ng pandemic. Kaya sabi namin sana gawin kami instrumento ng Panginoon na na-touch puso nila na magbago at mas mahalin mga tao sa paligid nila, ‘yung message na ito lang makalat sa mga tao… ang pinaka importante sa amin ay ang message ng film na ito, na talagang tumatak sa puso nila, ” she said.
Dingdong, meanwhile, said they are grateful for success of movie.
“Iba ‘pag nakakausap mo mga tao at kwinento paano naging impact sa buhay nila. ‘yun priceless… Itong figure says ganito kadami nanuod…we are so grateful we were able to tell the story,” he said.
“Major revisions are not allowed, only minor amendments that are clear and certain are allowed in people’s initiative,” retired Supreme Court chief justice Artemio Panganiban said only minor amendments to 1987 Constitution “clear and certain” are allowed through people’s initiative.
He said revisions that would affect several provisions of Charter, such as changing government’s system from presidential to parliamentary and from centralized to federal, cannot go through people’s initiative.
Panganiban explained in other ways to amend Charter like constitutional convention and constituent assembly, representatives of people will have public hearing where debates will be held.
In this way, public would have idea on what they will be voting for in subsequent plebiscite.
“In people’s initiative, there is no people’s consultation, there is no debate… public are only presented with question and they only have to answer yes or no,” he said.
People’s initiative is possible way to amend or make changes to Constitution.
Under Republic Act 6735, amendments can be directly proposed by people if petition for initiative has at least 12 percent of total number of registered voters as signatories.
For each district, no fewer than 3 percent of registered voters should sign petition. Signatures would then be verified by Comelec.
“Our lawmakers cannot spearhead people’s initiative because in our Constitution, they were given way to amend Charter, through constituent assembly,” Panganiban said.
Allegations of bribery in proposed people’s initiative recently floated with public officials allegedly buying signatures and tricking people into signing documents supposedly show there is public clamor to amend Charter.
If proven to be true, Panganiban said signatures already submitted to Comelec will become void.
“We can’t fool people, pay them for votes or include fake voters,” he said.
Poll body is mandated to verify signatures in people’s initiative, which Panganiban said would take long time to conduct.
“Both sides presented their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.Philippines and China have agreed to improve maritime communication and to properly manage conflicts and differences through friendly talks on issues around South China Sea.
DFA Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro and China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong held frank and in-depth exchange of views on situation while co-chairing eighth meeting of China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on South China Sea in Shanghai, according to statements released by two parties.
Two sides reaffirmed South China Sea dispute is “not whole story of bilateral relations,” Chinese foreign ministry said in statement.
Two countries have had numerous confrontations recently in certain disputed waters in South China Sea, with both trading accusations of provoking conflict in economically strategic waterway, including charges China rammed ship last month carrying chief of Armed Forces of the Philippines. China said its operation was “professional, reasonable and legal.”
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost entire South China Sea, including parts of exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Philippines calls its side of vast sea lane West Philippine Sea.
Both officials believe “maintaining communication and dialogue is essential to maintaining maritime peace and stability,” Chinese foreign ministry said.
In Jan. 17 statement, DFA said both sides “agreed to calmly deal with incidents, if any, through diplomacy.”
Two sides also voiced commitment to prevent tensions over Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal from escalating.
Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels have had heated and dangerous run-ins in that area, as China becomes more assertive in pressing its maritime claims.
Relations have been strained for months, but both have reiterated commitment to dialogue. Both said would advance practical maritime cooperation, “so as to create favorable conditions for sound and stable development of China-Philippines relations,” according to Chinese foreign ministry.
Earlier China summoned Manila’s ambassador and warned country “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Mardcos Jr. congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory on Saturday.
Lai thanked Marcos for his message, saying he deeply values enduring friendship between Taiwan and Philippines. Nearly 200,000 Filipinos live and work in Taiwan.
Remarks made by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning did not sit well with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. accused official of insulting Marcos, stooping to what he called “low and gutter-level talk.”
China demanded Philippines earnestly abide by one-China principle.
At Chinese New Year party in Manila hosted by Chinese embassy, Ambassador Huang Xilian urged Manila “steer right course for its policy vis-a-vis China and work together to bring back bilateral relations back on track as soon as possible.”
In his remarks, Huang said “China-Philippines relations now stand at crossroads, facing choice of where to go from here.”
He stressed need for maintaining sound and steady development of relations between two countries. “So we need to make good choice,” Huang said.
Ambassador stressed Taiwan issue is China’s internal affairs and lies at core of its interests, it treats with “extremely high sensitivity.” He stressed one-China policy is political basis of Beijing’s diplomatic relations with Manila.
“We should strengthen instead of shaking such foundation,” Huang said.
China, he said, hopes “Philippines will stay committed to one-China policy pursued by previous administrations since establishment of diplomatic ties between two countries and respect China’s internal affairs and handle Taiwan question prudently so as to maintain healthy and stable China-Philippine relations.”
After getting chastised by Chinese foreign ministry for congratulating Taiwan’s president-elect on his election victory, FMJ received words of support from allies in House of Representatives.
“President Marcos, as elected leader of our sovereign nation, holds prerogative to extend congratulations and foster amicable relations with global leaders,” Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said, justifying Marcos’ message to Taiwan president-elect Lai Ching-te.
Pampanga third district representative explained Marcos’ gesture “aligns with our country’s diplomatic principles and commitment to fostering positive international relations.”
Gonzales also cited what he called profound people-to-people relations between Manila and Taipei, as highlighted by significant number of Filipinos contributing to Taiwan’s society and economy.
“Our connections go beyond diplomatic formalities… they are rooted in shared aspirations and hard work of our people,” he said.
Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, for his part, observed China’s harsh response to Marcos’ action was display of “arrogance” as well as its “vassal state treatment over us.”
“We are not your subjects and our country is not vassal state owes allegiance to China.,,do not treat us like one, not even in your wildest dreams and imagination, you act like you own Philippines, and you seem like wanting to use water cannon to shut us up…you have not slightest sovereignty over us and yet you want to prevent us from exercising our rights to express our sentiments, did we empower you in any way to draft an IRR on our 1987 Constitution that gives you right to amend our Bill of Rights?” Barbers, chairman of House committee on dangerous drugs, said.
“Make no mistake about it, we will fight to keep our freedom, independence and our rights as sovereign nation…whoever threatens our free existence, we shall fight against and resist to the last man,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Security Council (NSC) welcomes results of recent Pulse Asia survey showing 79 percent of respondents supporting Marcos administration’s effort to work with United States and other partners in defending country’s territorial waters.
“We appreciate trust and confidence our countrymen place in our strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts…w e thank public for their support underscoring significance of fostering international partnerships… affirmation not only reinforces correctness of our position but also highlights shared commitment to safeguarding our nation’s interests in global arena,” National Security adviser Eduardo Año said.
Año said NSC takes note of public’s suggestions on measures administration can undertake to assert country’s rights in West Philippine Sea, with substantial 67 percent of survey respondents emphasizing importance of strengthening external defense capabilities of Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Coast Guard.
He noted 56 percent of survey respondents advocate reinforcing alliances through joint patrols and military exercises with like-minded countries, echoing need for collaborative approach.
“Survey underscores urgency to address situation by establishing stronger military presence in West Philippine Sea, as suggested by 52 percent of respondents. .. call for improving inter-agency cooperation in maritime security is also echoed by another 52 percent,” he said.
Año said majority or 52 percent of respondents believe Marcos administration can fulfill its promise of protecting WPS against illegal and aggressive actions by other states particularly China.
“This confidence reflects public’s trust in administration’s commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and maritime interests,” he said.
Año said respondents, who were given option to choose three countries or organizations, also highlighted importance of collaboration with Australia and Japan, both garnering 43 percent and 42 percent support, respectively.
“This reinforces shared values and commitment to peace and stability in Indo-Pacific and commitment to rules-based international order,” he emphasized “
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