Maniolas

U.S. Navy CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters take off from the USS Bonhomme Richard during aviation operations exercises in the East China Sea, April 23, 2014. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam D. Wainwright MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III will inspect an upgraded naval post tasked to defend Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea, or the South China Sea, amid territorial issues with the country’s giant neighbor China, Malacañang announced Monday. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Aquino will witness the capability demonstration of the Naval Forces West (NFW) Command Center and the conceptual master plan of the Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (NSCC) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Tuesday. He said NFW, the Navy’s primary operational command securing the West Philippine Sea, is at the “forefront” of territorial defense operations in the Kalayaan Island Group. “Its upgraded Command Center, equipped with secure communications equipment and a satellite-based vessel tracking system, will further bolster our defense capabilities and ensure stability in the area,” Laciera said in a news conference. Lacierda said NSCC has been “slated for redevelopment,” which includes the rehabilitation of the pier, living quarters, and other support facilities. “These efforts are in line with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), through which we hope to further improve our defense capacities,” he said. Lacierda said the government will also commemorate during Tuesday’s event the sacrifice of Marine personnel who “bravely devoted themselves to protecting our territorial and maritime borders.” “We recognize their hard work and dedication, Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers addresses the 23rd World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF-EA) 2014 Opening Plenary at the Tacloban A & B, 2nd Floor, of the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City on Thursday (May 22, 2014). With theme: “Leveraging Growth for Equitable Progress.” The meeting will serve as an ideal platform for participants to deliberate the opportunities of the ASEAN Economic Community to promote greater inclusion across East Asia and to instill more resilient decision-making in the face of unpredictable economic and natural disruptions. More than 600 leaders from business, government, civil society and academia will participate, representing over 30 countries. (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) denied on Monday that the Philippine government is engaged in espionage after a Filipino was sentenced to death in Qatar for allegedly committing the said offense. Two other Filipinos charged for the same crime were meted life imprisonment by a lower court in Qatar. “We categorically deny that we are engaged in espionage,” Foreign Affairs Spokesman Charles Jose told reporters in a text message. The men, according to reports, were charged with providing information “to intelligence officials in the Philippines about Qatar’s aircraft, weaponry, maintenance and servicing records, as well as specific details about the names, ranks and phone numbers of staff members.” Jose said the Philippine government has raised this issue in several high-level meetings with Qatari officials. He did not provide the identity of the three Filipinos, but said the one sentenced to Read More …

NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar – President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, arrives for the traditional group photo opportunity during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here last May 11. “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The implementation of martial law in Thailand after months of political disturbance will not hinder Southeast Asian countries from forming an integrated economy by 2015, a finance minister said Tuesday. “This is a necessary development probably there because they’ve had an impasse for quite a period already,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima told reporters on the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Investor Seminar in Makati City. “That shows you a march towards maturation of the members of the region,” he said, noting the process will only be a short time. On Tuesday, Thailand’s army announced the imposition of martial law “to restore order after six months of street protests that have left the country without a proper functioning government. The army, however, pointed out it is not a military coup, Reuters reported. What’s important in the ASEAN Economic Community is businesses continue working, Purisima said. “Politics can happen but at the same time business has its own rhyme,” he said. By 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) will set in motion the creation of Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 72nd commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday (April 09, 2014). This year’s theme is “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago”. (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III presided over the mass oath-taking of newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a ceremony in Malacanang on Tuesday. The Chief Executive was joined by AFP Chief General Emmanuel Bautista and Department of National Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta when he swore in the military officers at the Rizal Hall in Malacanang Palace. Leading the roster of the newly-promoted officers were Army Chief Hernando Iriberri, Air Force Chief Jeffrey Delgado, and Central Command Commanding General John Bonafos, all promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. Also inducted into office were Vice Admiral Jesus Millan, Rear Admiral Alexander Lopez, Rear Admiral Romeo Santiago Nebres, Commodore Enrico Juan Talon, Commodore Jorge Amba, Commodore Virgilio Garcia, Commodore Rafael Mariano, and Rear Admiral Antonio Habulan, Jr. Promoted to the rank of Major General were Virgilio Hernandez, Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, Jr., Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Silvino Alcabasa, Jr., Lysander Suerte, Oscar Lactao, Remigio Valdez, and Emeraldo Magnaye. Promoted to the rank of Brigadier General were Rafael Valencia, Martin Pinto, Wilson Leyva, Alexis Tamondong, Carlito Galvez, Jr., Eduardo Davalan, Dario Quindoza, Inocencio Mayangao, Elmer Pabale, Jose Tanjuan, Jr., Angelito de Read More …

Robin Padilla (MNS Photo) Action star Robin Padilla on Sunday confirmed that he will be playing Andres Bonifacio in an upcoming biopic of the Filipino hero. Padilla said playing the “Supremo” is a dream come true for him. “Dream role ‘yon lalo na para sa akin. Pagmamahal natin sa mahal na Pilipinas,” Padilla said on the sidelines of the 45th Box Office Entertainment Awards. The actor said he already met Bonifacio’s descendants. “Ang larawan na ito ay kuha sa loob ng tahanan ng kung saan nilitis ang Gat Andres Bonifacio. Ang mga kasama ko rito ay ang mga direktang kamag-anak ng Supremo. Ang kanyang mga apo at apo sa tuhod, kasama rin ang may-ari ng bahay at aming direktor EnZo at ang kanyang lakambini Rina,” Padilla posted on his Instagram account. Padilla said that he is still unsure who else will be in the movie. “Hindi ko alam kung sino ang lalabas na Gregoria del Pilar pero hindi (si Mariel),” he said, referring to wife Mariel Rodriguez, who accompanied him at Sunday’s awards night. (MNS)