amendoza

Aquino, Chinese ambassador exchange messages of peace

 News
Jun 102014
 
Aquino, Chinese ambassador exchange messages of peace

By Kristine Angeli SabilloINQUIRER.net 8:26 pm | Tuesday, June 10th, 2014 President Benigno Aquino III AFP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III and the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines exchanged messages of peace during the celebration of the 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on Tuesday. “Peace and stability are necessary components…for everybody’s progress,” Aquino said before thanking Zhao Jianhua for his “poignant” and “kind” words. “We are both committed to improving the lot and circumstances of our people,” he said. Zhao said he was optimistic that things would turn out better amid the territorial disputes between the Philippines and his country. “The Chinese government has always attached great importance to its relationship with the Philippines,” he said. “I believe we have the wisdom, the patience and the courage to settle the dispute through negotiations and consultations,” the ambassador added. Both Aquino and Zhao were invited by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) for their joint celebration of the 116th Philippine Independence Day and the 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day. At the start of the program, FFCCCII President Alfonso Sis said the Filipino-Chinese community is “confident” that the friendship between the two countries “will not be disturbed by the current territorial dispute issue.” He said they are hoping for an “amicable resolution,” taking into consideration the “advantages of sustained economic cooperation and trade ties” of the Philippines and China. RELATED STORIES Justice Carpio debunks China’s historical claim Friendly PH-Vietnam football game irks China  Follow Us Other Stories: PH Read More …

PH not giving up on China—Coloma

 General
Jun 102014
 
PH not giving up on China—Coloma

In this May 16, 2014 file photo, Vietnamese expatriates and Filipinos display placards as they join together in a rally in front of the Chinese Consulate at the financial district of Makati city to protest the recent moves by China to construct an oil rig near the Vietnamese-claimed Paracels off the contested Spratlys group of islands and shoals in the South China Sea. Policymakers in most Asian countries support a robust US role in the region even though many expect China to become the most dominant power, a survey said Thursday, June 5. AP MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang is not giving up on China. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Tuesday said the Philippine government believes it will be able to patch things up with China amid territorial spats. He insisted that the Philippine navy’s friendly sports fest with Vietnamese troops in South China Sea, to which China negatively reacted to, was a demonstration of the two nations’ friendship. “This is simply a demonstration that even if these countries may have competing claims, they are able to demonstrate that the pursuit of peaceful settlement of these disputes will not stand in the way of their friendship and the people-to-people friendship that continues to flourish in spite of the differences,” Coloma said. Both the Philippines and Vietnam have been opposing moves by China to aggressively claim disputed areas in South China Sea. But the government has repeatedly explained that the territorial row does “not constitute the totality of Philippine-China relations.” “We still want Read More …

DFA spokesman on China’s reclamation in West PH Sea: “It’s our business”

 News
Jun 092014
 
DFA spokesman on China’s reclamation in West PH Sea: “It’s our business”

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 5:05 pm | Monday, June 9th, 2014 DFA spokesman Charles Jose: Peaceful way. AFP MANILA, Philippines—Anything that involves the West Philippine Sea is our business. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said this in response to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hong Lei’s statement that China’s reclamation activities in the Spratly Group of Islands “has nothing to do with the Philippines.” “Anything that impinges upon our sovereignty over territories that we claim is our business. Anything that affects our ability to exercise our sovereign rights and jurisdiction over maritime territories that we claim is our business,” Jose said in a press conference Monday. “Anything that upsets the peace and stability in the region is our business. Anything that raises tensions in the region is our business,” he said. President Benigno Aquino III previously said that new Chinese ships were seen around several reefs in the West Philippine Sea, specifically Cuarteron Reef and Gavin Reef, raising concerns that China will conduct further reclamation activities. The DFA had released a series of aerial photographs of Mabini Reef showing its progression from a submerged maritime feature into an artificial island that is likely being prepared for the construction of concrete structures. China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over the entire South China Sea, including parts of the Philippines 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Filipino fishermen have been repeatedly forced away by Chinese ships from maritime features in the Spratly Islands as well as in Scarborough Shoal located off Read More …

Almonte: Best policy to solve sea dispute is ‘people to people’ strategy

 News
Jun 072014
 
Almonte: Best policy to solve sea dispute is ‘people to people’ strategy

Former National Security Adviser Jose Almonte (inset) talks about the best solution to the Philippine territorial disputes with China. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—For former National Security Adviser Jose Almonte, a retired Army general, the best strategy for handling the Philippines’ territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea is the “people-to-people approach.” After all, he said, citizen initiatives are “more authentic” and “more enduring,” unlike those of politicians who are “constrained” by personal interests. Also considered the father of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), Almonte, however, did not name any politician in his meeting with several Ateneo de Manila University graduates—called the Ateneo 198—in Greenhills in San Juan City on Thursday. “This nation is still too important to be left to the politicians,” Almonte said, two days before Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is running for the presidency in 2016, was reported to be conducting “back-channel” efforts with top Chinese Embassy officials to lay the groundwork for patching the frayed relations between the Philippines and China. Under the people-to-people strategy, Almonte proposed that the Philippines’ “intellectuals” “connect” with the many intellectuals in China who oppose the Chinese leadership’s policies in the South China Sea. Exploration of possibilities He said “any mode of communication,” such as Facebook, Twitter and other social media, would do. “Maybe some of us can … explore possibilities, maybe China can exploit the exclusive economic zones, but under the laws of the (affected) littoral countries,” he said. Almonte said the Philippines, a littoral Read More …

South Korea gives Corvette to Philippine Navy

 News
Jun 052014
 
South Korea gives Corvette to Philippine Navy

By Bong LozadaINQUIRER.net 9:11 pm | Thursday, June 5th, 2014 MANILA, Philippines—South Korea continues to boost the arsenal of  the Philippine Navy, this time with a battle-ready Corvette. Commander Gregory Fabic, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office Chief, said that the Corvette would arrive by the end of 2014. He added that the “Pohang” class Corvette of South Korea would arrive equipped with all its weapons and sensor system intact. According to Fabic, the “Pohang” class Corvette is a general-purpose sea vessel that the Republic of Korea Navy operates. “Pohang” class Corvettes have served in a coastal defense role during the Cold War period. There were 24 “Pohang” class Corvettes built, all in South Korea, and 21 remain in service. Corvettes are armed with Harpoon and Exocet anti-ship missiles, a 76 millimeter Oto Melara automatic cannon, one Breda 40 mm twin cannons, two Mark 32 triple tubes, and 12 Mark 9 depth charges. Follow Us Other Stories: Chinese reclamation in Spratlys violates Asean conduct declaration – DND G7 concerned by Asian maritime tensions Vietnam shows video of Chinese ship ramming boat Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Short URL: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/?p=105908 Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Advocate. Or write The Readers’ Read More …

Rescued Filipina kidnap victim set to be repatriated to PH

 News
Jun 022014
 
Rescued Filipina kidnap victim set to be repatriated to PH

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 4:11 pm | Monday, June 2nd, 2014 MANILA, Philippines—The rescued Filipina kidnap victim in Malaysia is now in the custody of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and is set to be repatriated. “The rescued Filipina kidnap victim was turned over to the Embassy early Sunday night and she is now under care and custody of Embassy in Kuala Lumpur,” Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Charles Jose told reporters Monday. “Preparations are on the way for her repatriation back to the Philippines,” he said. Mercy Dayawan, 40, an employee of a resort in Sabah, Malaysia, was kidnapped by armed gunmen along with one Chinese tourist last April 2, 2014. They were rescued May 30, 2014, by police authorities. Jose said that there were suspicions Dayawan was involved in the case, “but she has been cleared of any involvement in the case by the Malaysian police.” “Based on statements by the Malaysian authorities, there was no ransom paid,” he said. The bandit group Abu Sayyaf is suspected to be behind the kidnapping. RELATED STORIES Malaysia to turnover to PH rescued Filipina Chinese, Filipino kidnapped in Malaysia rescued DFA identifies kidnapped Filipina in Malaysia Follow Us Other Stories: DFA mum on taking action vs racist Hong Kong textbook Japan hits back at China after Abe remarks spark row Recruitment agency suspended for issuing different visas to worker ‘Yolanda’ recovery gets Canada boost Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to Read More …

DoubleDragon signs deal to develop mixed-use complex near MOA

 General
Jun 022014
 
DoubleDragon signs deal to develop mixed-use complex near MOA

By Doris C. DumlaoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 3:59 pm | Monday, June 2nd, 2014 Screengrab from doubledragon.com.ph MANILA, Philippines—Property developer DoubleDragon Properties Corp. has signed a joint venture deal to develop a 4.75-hectare property near the Mall of Asia complex into “The Meridian Park,” a themed complex of buildings for office, commercial and serviced apartments. The first phase of the project is called “Double Dragon Cyber Campus,” which will have a total of 90,200 square meters of floor area to be leased out to business process outsourcing (BPO) companies and will also have a commercial arcade on the ground floor. This first phase will generate about 12,000 new jobs, according to DoubleDragon in its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday. For “The Meridian Park,” DoubleDragon signed a joint venture deal with Carto Meridian Development Corp. DoubleDragon will own 70 percent of the joint venture. Once the development is completed, “The Meridian Park” will have about 334,000 square meters of total floor area and generate over P1.6 billion in annual rental revenues to the joint venture company. DoubleDragon said it would like to make this development “one of the most iconic and prominent landmarks” in the area. The project will rise at the corner of EDSA Extension and Macapagal Avenue. DoubleDragon aims to launch the masterplan and start construction of the first phase of this new project by the last quarter of this year and complete it by 2020, the same year during which it aims to join the ranks of Read More …

Abe vows greater Japanese security role in Asia

 News
May 312014
 
Abe vows greater Japanese security role in Asia

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers his keynote speech on Friday, May 30, 2014 in Singapore. Abe delivered a keynote speech Friday at the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, becoming a first Japanese leader to do so at the gathering. Security is a sensitive topic for Japan, once an aggressor in Asia, to discuss in the region. AP TOKYO — Japan wants to play a greater defense role in Asia to promote peace and prosperity amid tensions over territorial disputes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday. In a speech in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference, Abe raised concerns about escalating tensions in the South China Sea, and urged all countries in the region to observe the rule of law and not use force or threats. Abe also outlined new guidelines that will ease Japan’s self-imposed limits on military exports and defensive activities, and pledged to contribute more to the region in those areas, as well as through official development aid. “Japan intends to play an even greater and more proactive role than it has until now in making peace in Asia and the world more certain,” Abe said. He promised “seamless” support for Southeast Asian countries in defending their territories by combining defense programs and government aid. Abe said efforts “to consolidate changes to the status quo by aggregating one fait accompli after another can only be strongly condemned,” an apparent reference to China’s recent assertiveness in pressing its territorial claims in the region. He did Read More …

Salonga, Charice, apl.de.ap, Natori lead US benefit concert for ‘Yolanda’ survivors

 News
May 302014
 
Salonga, Charice, apl.de.ap, Natori lead US benefit concert for ‘Yolanda’ survivors

‘YOLANDA’ SURVIVOR Melvin Castro sits in the rubble of his home in Tacloban City where 18 of his family members were killed. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—World-renowned singer Charice Pempengco and international fashion designer Josie Natori have joined an already star-studded line-up of Filipino celebrities for a benefit concert in Washington, D.C. for victims of supertyphoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan). Award-winning Filipina singer Lea Salonga and Black Eyed Peas member apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda in real life), are among the performers who will participate in the concert dubbed “After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines” which will be held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on June 15, 2014. “We are delighted that the concert will be graced by such big talents. I am encouraging everyone to buy their tickets as soon as possible, as the first and second tier tickets are already sold out,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. said in a statement. “By purchasing a ticket, you will be helping rebuild the devastation that occurred in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan,” he said. Also in the lineup of performers are Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips, ballet dancer Christine Rocas, tenor Rodell Rosel, Glee star Darren Criss, and renowned violinist Joshua Bell. Organized by the Philippine Embassy in the US in cooperation with the US-Philippines Society and the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition, the concert will be directed by Broadway legend Baayork Lee and produced by Emmy-nominated producer, Robert Pullen, the Read More …

Binay advises Filipinos in conflict-stricken Libya to leave

 General
May 302014
 
Binay advises Filipinos in conflict-stricken Libya to leave

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 5:38 pm | Friday, May 30th, 2014 MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos still in Libya despite the worsening security situation have been urged to leave by Vice President Jejomar Binay Friday. “Once again I am calling [on] our countrymen in Libya to refrain from taking chances and come back to the Philippines,” Binay, the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFW) concerns, said in a statement. “The situation is dangerous and the Philippine Embassy in Libya is ready to assist in the repatriation so they can come back,” he said. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) previously raised crisis alert level 3 in Libya which means that voluntary repatriation will be implemented. Libya’s security situation worsened after a senior military official attacked armed militias without authorization from the government. The current violence is the worse in the country since a civil war ended in 2011 with the ouster and death of long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi. “Under crisis alert level 3, the estimated 13,122 Filipinos are encouraged to leave Libya voluntarily as soon as possible,” Binay said. Filipinos in Libya were advised to contact the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli to coordinate their repatriation and the government will be shouldering the repatriation cost. The Philippine Embassy in Libya is in KM 7 Gargaresh Road, Abu Nawas, Tripoli. Its hotline number is (+218) 918244208, telephone number (+218-21) 483-3966, and official e-mail addresses: tripoli.pe@gmail.com; tripoli.pe@dfa.gov.ph. RELATED STORIES Alert level 3 raised for Filipinos in Libya OFWs warned as DFA raises alert level Follow Us Other Stories: Read More …

 Older Entries  Newer Entries