Palace: De Lima move to cancel passports has basis

 News
Oct 252013
 
Palace: De Lima move to cancel passports has basis

The move of the Department of Justice to have the passports of lawmakers and other personalities linked to the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam canceled is “not without basis,” Malacañang said Saturday. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the DOJ’s move stemmed from the fact that some of those linked to the scam had already fled abroad before charges were filed against them. “The move is also not without basis in the sense that we’ve seen that some of those who have been slapped with charges regarding the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam had left the country,” she said on government-run dzRB radio. She added the public should understand the move of the DOJ since there are fears they would no longer be in the country to stand trial. On the other hand, she said this [cancellation of passports] is not yet final as the Department of Foreign Affairs is still studying it. For now, she said it is up to the DFA to decide on the matter. “The greater public understands the initiative of the DOJ. Whether that will be cleared by the DFA is another thing,” she said. Valte also said a hold-departure order is not the solution because only the court can issue it. She also said the DOJ’s watch-list power is now the subject of a temporary restraining order by the Supreme Court. “At the end of the day what matters is sinusundan natin may basis (At the end of the day, what matters is that we Read More …

DFA protests call to bar Filipino workers from Hong Kong

 News
Oct 122013
 
DFA protests call to bar Filipino workers from Hong Kong

By Tarra QuismundoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 2:07 am | Sunday, October 13th, 2013 DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez.  INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reacted sharply on Saturday to a proposal by a political party in Hong Kong to ban Filipino domestic workers from the Chinese territory until the Philippines issues an apology for the death of eight HK tourists during a bus hijack in Manila more than three years ago. The status of thousands of innocent Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong should not be leveraged with the city’s appeal for a categorical apology from the Philippines for the tragic result of the bus hijack incident at Rizal Park on Aug. 23, 2010, the DFA said in a statement. “Let us de-link the issue from the Filipino workers in Hong Kong whose dedication to their work and high skill set have contributed to the society and economy of Hong Kong,” said Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, the DFA spokesperson. Hernandez cited the longstanding presence of Filipinos in the former British colony, adding that most Hong Kong residents shared a different view from lawmaker Albert Chan Wai-yip, who led the ban call. Eman Villanueva, spokesperson for the Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body, was quoted in the South China Morning Post as saying that Chan was “barking up the wrong tree.” “Chan is just exploiting the political situation to gain popularity. What does the visa issue have to do with the Manila hostage incident? This is racist and he Read More …

DFA: PHL envoy to China in Manila for consultation amid Panatag issue

 News
Sep 052013
 
DFA: PHL envoy to China in Manila for consultation amid Panatag issue

The Department of Foreign Affairs instructed Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda Basilio to return to the country for a consultation. Basilio will be taking part in a consultation with top DFA officials regarding the Philippines’ maritime dispute with China, according to a report on “24-Oras” Thursday night. Basillio will return to China in a few days, the report said, adding that the order for her to be in Manila came a day after the Philippine government discovered concrete blocks scattered within the of Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Manila and Beijing figured in a standoff in Scarborough last year, which ended temporarily when President Benigno Aquino III ordered Philippine vessels to withdraw due to bad weather. China never left the area and even roped off the entrance to the shoal to prevent Filipino fishermen from gaining access and shelter in the vast lagoon. The South China Sea – a strategic waterway where a bulk of the world’s trade passes and believed to be rich in oil and natural gas – had been a source of conflict among competing claimants the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, China and Taiwan. Analysts fear the competing claims could spark a military conflict in the region. China claims the waters nearly in its entirety, citing historical entitlements as the basis for its huge claim, which Manila branded as “excessive and a violation of international law.” — with a report from Andrei Medina /LBG, GMA News

OFWs in Jeddah warned on repatriation scheme by fake passport office staff

 News
Sep 032013
 
OFWs in Jeddah warned on repatriation scheme by fake passport office staff

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 4:25 pm | Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013 MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Jeddah against an extortion scheme promising a faster way back to the Philippines for a fee. FILE PHOTO The Consul General in Jeddah had received reports that people posing as personnel of the district passport office or “Jawazat” were approaching undocumented OFWs and asking for 100 Riyals payment in exchange for being repatriated, the DFA said in a statement Tuesday. “The OFWs are really brought to the airport but they will not be able to leave,” it said. The Jawazat personnel had claimed they were helping the OFWs go back home upon orders of the King of Saudi Arabia, the DFA said. “This information has been confirmed by the Consulate with the Jawazat. The Jawazat said that there was no such order from the King and that no one can be sent home without going through the process under the repatriation and regularization program,” DFA said. “We reiterate that the repatriation is free of charge and anyone who gets an exit visa but is unable to buy airplane tickets may ask for help from the Consulate,” it added. The DFA reminded that there are no such charges or fees to get a “reference number” on their travel document, to have their fingerprints recorded, or to get exit visas. Those who have fallen victim to such schemes, or have information to share, they may call Read More …

DFA reveals story behind Aquino’s cancellation of China trip

 News
Sep 022013
 
DFA reveals story behind Aquino’s cancellation of China trip

By Matikas SantosINQURER.net 4:21 pm | Monday, September 2nd, 2013 DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – No deal. President Benigno Aquino III refused several conditions set by China for him to attend the annual China-Asean Exposition, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assistance secretary Raul Hernandez told reporters Monday. “There were subsequent concerns and conditions to the President’s attendance and such conditions were absolutely inimical to our national interest,” Hernandez said. “The President stood firm in the defense of the country’s national interest,” he said. Hernandez refused to divulge the conditions, which were conveyed by at least three Chinese Foreign Ministry sources and confirmed by two Philippine Foreign Ministers during a meeting in Beijing last August 28, 2013. “To avoid embarrassment on the Chinese side, we will not state these conditions but you may wish to address this specific question to Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing,” Hernandez said. “We were advised that these conditions should not be made public and should not be discussed at Ministerial level,” he said. The DFA maintained that Aquino was invited to the event. Follow Us 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. Tags: China , Features , Global Nation Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Read More …

Crisis alert level 4 up for OFWs in Egypt

 News
Aug 192013
 
Crisis alert level 4 up for OFWs in Egypt

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 11:04 am | Tuesday, August 20th, 2013 MANILA, Philippines – Crisis Alert Level 4 has been raised over Egypt which means mandatory repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) there, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Tuesday. “DFA Secretary Albert F. del Rosario who is visiting Cairo for the second time in two weeks for the purpose of assessing the security situation of Filipino nationals, raised Crisis Alert Level 4 over Egypt on August 19,” DFA said in a statement. “The marked deterioration of peace and order in Egypt, exacerbated by the ongoing political instability and grave security challenges in that country, make working and living there increasingly difficult and dangerous,” it said. Del Rosario further called on all Filipinos in Cairo to immediately contact the Philippine Embassy there through the following: -Trunk Lines: (+202) 25213062/64/65/51-Direct Lines: (+202) 2516 6217 / 25213045-Mobile Hotlines: (+2) 012 2743 6472 / 012 8247 6554-Fax No.: (+202) 2521-3048-Facebook: Cairo Philippine Embassy-e-mail: cairope@tedata.net.eg, cairo.pe@dfa.gov.ph The mandatory repatriation will be at the expense of the Philippine Government, the DFA said. A rapid response team was already in Cairo since August 17 to assist in the conduct of the repatriation efforts. The civil strife in Egypt intensified after supporters of ousted president Mohhamed Morsi, who were holding a sit-in protest, were violently dispersed by government security forces. The pro-Morsi protesters demanded the reinstatement of Morsi, who was ousted in a military coup last July. Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks Read More …

Marooned in Malta, 21 Filipino seamen seek help

 News
Aug 132013
 
Marooned in Malta, 21 Filipino seamen seek help

By Tarra QuismundoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 9:35 pm | Tuesday, August 13th, 2013 DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez said Maltese authorities just recently granted the ship entry into its waters, providing it fuel to enter its territory. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-one Filipino seafarers aboard a cargo ship have been adrift off the port of Malta for months and are seeking compensation from Taiwanese employers alleged to have virtually abandoned them at sea with no fuel and limited food and water. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday two members of the Philippine embassy in Rome, which also services Malta, checked on the seafarers aboard the stranded MV A Lady Bug, a Taiwanese-owned carrier of cars and trucks, and brought them some supplies. The seafarers told the embassy representatives they would appreciate repatriation assistance but only after they receive pending wages from their employer. “The Embassy team boarded on August 11, Sunday, A Lady Bug, personally checked on the condition of the seafarers and brought them supplies such as noodles, drinking water and specific medicines,” said DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez Tuesday. During the meeting of the Embassy team with the seafarers, the seafarers said they wished to be repatriated as soon as possible, but only after their pending claim for back salaries and other benefits from the management of the ship are fully settled,” Hernandez said in a press briefing. MV A Lady Bug, a Panamanian-registered vehicle carrier had been adrift “for months” some 15 nautical Read More …

DFA disputes Trillanes over PH plan for larger US presence

 News
Aug 132013
 
DFA disputes Trillanes over PH plan for larger US presence

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 5:09 pm | Tuesday, August 13th, 2013 Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez and Senator Antonio Trillanes INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disputed the allegations of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that the negotiations between the United States and the Philippines for increased rotational presence of their troops was being unjustly hyped. “Defending what is ours, securing our nation, and keeping our people safe is a combined effort of diplomacy and defense, the partnership of the DFA and Department of National Defense (DND) is of paramount importance,” DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters Tuesday. “We need to be transparent to the public; we need to let our people know how we intend to protect and safeguard their interest and welfare at all times,” he said. Trillanes said Monday that the negotiations between US and the Philippines should be a national security matter only and the DFA should not have a role. “I believe that is an operational matter that does not need the consent of the Senate so they should have studied it first before they give it hype,” Trillanes said. “That should be a defense matter, it’s not a foreign relations matter. It is a national security concern, only [DND] secretary Voltaire Gazmin should be speaking about that matter,” he said. The ongoing territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) between the Philippines and China should not be connected to the policy of the US to Read More …

DFA rejects anew China’s ‘indisputable claim’ over West Philippine Sea

 News
Aug 062013
 
DFA rejects anew China’s ‘indisputable claim’ over West Philippine Sea

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 4:13 pm | Tuesday, August 6th, 2013 DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) rejects China’s “indisputable” claim over the entire West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), including parts of the country’s 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – the “core issue” of the territorial dispute between the two countries, a spokesman for the DFA said Tuesday. “We once again redirect China to the core issue which is its claim of indisputable sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea under its ‘nine dash line’ position,” said assistant secretary Raul Hernandez. “The Philippines has asserted before the Arbitral Tribunal, to which China has been invited but has refused to participate, that the nine dash line claim is expansive, excessive and in gross violation of international law,” he told reporters. China’s nine dash line encompasses nearly the entire West Philippine Sea including the Spratly’s group of Islands near Palawan and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal or Panatag Shoal). It also encroaches into the EEZ of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, among other Southeast Asian countries. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed three ways to solve the territorial dispute between individual countries. First was the bilateral talks between parties directly involved, second was for the implementation of the “Declaration of the Conduct of the South China Sea” for peace and stability, and third was to look for ways of common exploitation that would economically benefit all concerned parties. China Read More …

DFA monitors no ‘specific threats’ to PH diplomatic posts abroad

 News
Aug 052013
 
DFA monitors no ‘specific threats’ to PH diplomatic posts abroad

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 3:32 pm | Monday, August 5th, 2013 DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has not monitored any specific threats to its posts abroad after the United States (US) has closed at least 20 of its embassies in the Middle East and Africa due to threats. “We recognize the prerogative and the need for any country to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their personnel and their people,” DFA spokesman, Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, told reporters Monday. “So far they have not monitored any specific threats but they continue to monitor the security situation in their areas,” he said. The diplomatic posts of the US would be closed until August 10 Saturday. Follow Us 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. Tags: al-Qaeda , DFA , Features , Global Nation , global warning , Philippine Embassies , Terrorism 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’ Advocate:

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