MANILA – National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año on Tuesday dismissed China’s claims that Palawan was historically part of its territory as “baseless” and “revisionist.”
“These assertions are outright fabrications intended to distort history and challenge the Philippines’ sovereignty,” Año said, rejecting the claims circulating on Chinese social media that Palawan should be returned to China.
Año emphasized that Palawan has always been an integral part of the Philippines, supported by archaeological findings, centuries of governance, and international treaties such as the 1898 Treaty of Paris and the 1900 Treaty of Washington. He further dismissed the claim that Palawan was once named “Zheng He Island,” calling it a fabrication with no historical basis.
“There is no credible evidence to support China’s claim, and even if Admiral Zheng He visited Southeast Asia in the 14th century, such a visit does not imply ownership,” he added.
Año confirmed that the disinformation first emerged on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Red Note but stressed these do not come from official Chinese government sources or mainstream media.
The National Security Council has urged both Filipinos and the international community to remain alert to digital disinformation and rely on verified historical facts instead of propaganda aimed at undermining Philippine sovereignty.
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MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to pursue those responsible for a P202 million shipment of frozen fish that was misdeclared as plant-based products from China.
This follows an inspection led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. at the South Harbor in Manila on Monday (03 Mar 2025).
Laurel, joined by the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and Bureau of Customs (BOC), checked two out of 19 containers holding frozen mackerel, which had been falsely declared as processed plant-based goods like fried taro sticks and sweet potato balls.
“We, along with the BOC and the FDA, will track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice,” said Laurel.
The shipment, which arrived on January 1, posed a serious risk to the market. If it had entered circulation, it could have allowed smugglers to profit by selling the goods at high prices, negatively affecting the market.
Laurel emphasized that those behind the misdeclaration could face charges under the new Anti-Economic Sabotage Act, as the shipment’s value exceeds P200 million, making it subject to severe penalties, including non-bailable charges.
FDA Director-General Samuel Zacate reiterated that the FDA would not tolerate such activities, assuring ongoing coordination with the DA and BOC under a formal agreement. BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio confirmed the shipments were consigned to Straradava Household Products Co. Ltd. and Fendee Consumer Goods Trading, both single proprietorships.
Under the law, the FDA handles plant-based food products, while the DA’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regulates imported fish and marine products.
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MANILA – The United States has condemned China’s aggressive flight maneuver against a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft patrolling over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, in a statement on X, criticized the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter’s actions, calling them a threat to safety.
“We condemn the dangerous maneuvers by a PLA Navy helicopter that endangered pilots and passengers on a Philippine air mission. We call on China to refrain from coercive actions and settle disputes peacefully in accordance with international law,” Carlson said.
Near-Collision Incident
A PLA Navy helicopter, identified by tail number 68, flew within three meters of the BFAR aircraft on Tuesday. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), whose personnel were aboard the mission along with photojournalists, said the maneuver violated international aviation regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
PH Government to File Diplomatic Protest
The National Maritime Council reaffirmed the Philippines’ sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and vowed to continue maritime operations despite China’s “illegal, coercive, and aggressive behavior.” The government is set to lodge a formal diplomatic protest over the incident.
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CHINA — A massive landslide hit Jinping Village in Yibin, Sichuan, on February 8, 2025, at 11:50 a.m., burying 10 homes and leaving more than 30 people missing. In response, around 200 residents were evacuated to safety.
Local authorities initiated the highest Level I geological disaster emergency response at 3:30 p.m.
Emergency teams, including rescue, fire, medical, and other services, were quickly deployed to the site.
By the afternoon, two people had been rescued, with efforts ongoing to find the missing.
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WASHINGTON D.C., February 8, 2025 – During a bilateral summit on February 7, US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru strongly opposed China’s maritime claims and its provocative actions in the South China Sea (SCS).
They also condemned Beijing’s militarization of reclaimed territories in the region.
The two leaders emphasized their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, expressing solidarity in countering China’s increasing influence.
“We will continue cooperating to address the complex security environment,” the White House stated.
The Philippines recently denounced China’s growing presence in the West Philippine Sea, particularly after Chinese coast guard vessels were deployed near Zambales province.
In response, Trump and Ishiba highlighted their intention to deepen cooperation, including through trilateral efforts with the Philippines.
They also discussed joint initiatives aimed at enhancing regional infrastructure and securing information technology systems, including a USD 8 million pledge for Open Radio Access Networks (RAN) trials.
Japan is set to formalize its aid for an Open RAN system at the University of the Philippines this month.
ELAMI/MNM
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ firm stance in protecting its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), despite China’s “monster ship” presence in the area.
During a Malacañang briefing, Marcos emphasized that the Philippines would maintain its presence in the disputed waters, regardless of China’s aggressive actions.
“No matter what they do, even if they ram our ships, use water cannons or lasers, or block our way, the Philippines will always be there,” said Marcos. “We will continue to defend our territory and protect our fishermen’s rights.”
While acknowledging the Philippines’ limited ability to confront China’s massive vessel, Marcos reaffirmed the country’s commitment to asserting its sovereignty.
“Our policy remains the same – we will defend our sovereign territory and rights in our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the President stated.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently forced China Coast Guard vessel 5901, nicknamed the “monster ship,” to move farther from the Zambales coastline, where it had been stationed for nearly a month.
Regarding recent remarks by Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, who denied the existence of the “West Philippine Sea” on other countries’ maps, Marcos suggested the comments were a political tactic, aimed at gaining attention ahead of elections.
“Marcoleta is a candidate, and he knows how to grab headlines,” the President said.
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MANILA – Political analyst Richard Heydarian stressed the importance of adopting a “derisking” strategy to limit China’s influence over the Philippines’ critical infrastructure. Speaking at a forum in Quezon City on Saturday (01 Feb 2025), Heydarian emphasized that while completely severing ties with China is not feasible, the country must take steps to protect key industries from foreign control.
“Derisking” refers to implementing safeguards, not total decoupling, which would be unrealistic given China’s regional importance, said Heydarian. He outlined the need for specific protections in place, such as high fences and small yards, to prevent undue foreign dominance over critical sectors.
One example of this strategy is the Maharlika Investment Corp.’s (MIC) acquisition of a 20% stake in the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), partly owned by Synergy Grid and Development Philippines, Inc. (SGP), which holds a 40% stake.
Heydarian cautioned that this move, while positive, is still insufficient to fully mitigate the risk of Chinese control over vital infrastructure like the power grid.
“It’s not enough for our critical infrastructure to be largely managed by China,” he said, highlighting the growing concern over national security risks.
Heydarian also warned of the Philippines’ increasingly precarious position in the global geopolitical arena, likening it to “the new Berlin of the 21st century” due to its strategic location at the center of major power competition, particularly between China and the U.S.
He stressed the need for heightened vigilance against Chinese espionage, citing the ongoing investigation of Chinese nationals suspected of espionage in the Philippines.
Furthermore, Heydarian pointed to outdated laws, such as the country’s treason laws, which only apply during wartime and carry minimal penalties, as a significant weakness in countering foreign espionage activities.
“Our laws need updating,” he said. “If someone can be paid millions to spy, but the fine is only P10,000, that’s a deal anyone would take.”
In conclusion, Heydarian urged the Philippines to harness its geopolitical position wisely, turning what could be a curse into a strategic advantage through careful planning and effective safeguards.
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MANILA – China’s ongoing illegal actions in Philippine waters are pushing the country to defend itself and assert its rights, according to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“What China is doing amounts to forcibly stealing the Philippines’ sovereign rights in our exclusive economic zone, where we have the sole right to explore and exploit resources,” Teodoro said during a recent interview on the Hoover Institution’s Battlegrounds podcast. “This isn’t just a matter of words, but one of force.”
The DND chief referred specifically to China’s continued unlawful activities in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese maritime forces continue to swarm, in defiance of international law. This situation stems from China’s enactment of a controversial maritime law, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea as its own internal waters.
Teodoro emphasized that these actions are compelling the Philippines to stand its ground and assert its territorial rights. “What China is doing forces the Philippines to defend itself and assert its rights against their unlawful actions,” he said. “They have only themselves to blame. If we’re choosing the right path, the morally correct one, not just the legally correct one, we are standing on the side of justice.”
He also pointed out that China is attempting to undermine the Philippines by “manipulating narratives, influencing our domestic economy, and pressuring other countries not to support us.”
This includes China’s dismissal of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, in which the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s nine-dash-line claim in the South China Sea has no legal basis. Teodoro noted that Beijing has disparaged the ruling, calling it a “scrap of paper.”
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Without mentioning his successor’s name, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has lamented that the Philippine government has allowed itself to be “used” by the United States in its geopolitical rivalry with China.
According to the ex-Chief Executive, this has caused the worsening tension between Manila and Beijing.
“Wala naman tayong away sa China noon. We were free to fish in and out of the area, nobody was bugging us and there was no issue of territory. We were not molested, we were there to fish, to make a living. Ito na lang ngayon [nag]bago nitong diskarte,” Duterte said in an interview on Sunday (30 June 2024).
He claimed Filipino fishermen were free to make a living in the disputed seas during his term until the new administration took over.
However, some fishermen in Masinloc earlier said they had been harassed by Chinese vessels despite warmer relations between Manila and Beijing during the Duterte administration.
(el Amigo/mnm)
ANKARA – Eight people are missing after a landslide struck Douxi village in Hunan, central China, early Sunday. Four houses were affected, and rescue efforts are ongoing, according to state media.
Heavy rains continue to batter the region, prompting a yellow alert for rainstorms in Hunan. Last week, six people were confirmed dead in Fujian province after landslides caused by heavy rain.
In the past four days, torrential rains in Guangdong province have resulted in 47 deaths, causing severe flooding, mudslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure and crops.
(el Ami/mnm)
By El Amigo
MANILA — China expressed on Friday (31 May 2024) its willingness to maintain open channels of dialogue and communication with the Philippines amid rising territorial claims in the South China Sea.
On Wednesday (May 29, 2024), China responded to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s concerns regarding new regulations the Chinese Coast Guard issued on the same day.
These regulations, which could lead to the detention of foreign nationals in the disputed waters, were described by Marcos as “worrisome” and an “escalation of the situation.”
President Marcos emphasized his commitment to seizing every opportunity to engage with China, aiming to curb aggressive actions and safeguard the rights of Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea.
During a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China’s openness to dialogue and communication with the Philippines.
She emphasized the importance of genuine dialogue and the necessity for any agreements reached to be adhered to, cautioning against the continuation of provocations under the guise of seeking dialogue.
This stance underscores the delicate balance both nations seek to maintain amidst their ongoing maritime disputes.
(IA/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Was it a mistake, if not a blunder, that the permanent US military bases were booted out of the Philippines?
This question surfaced as a top Philippine Navy official noted that China only became emboldened to enter the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) “with the absence of a power,” the United States of America.
“China’s activities are always dependent on the absence of a power, the US, this has encroached into the EEZ of countries bordering the South China Sea,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said.
Trinidad explained that this was based on China’s previous actions not only in the Philippines but also in Vietnam.
“If you look at the actions of China, they come in whenever there is a vacuum. So looking at the history, the pullout of foreign forces from Vietnam, they came in. The pullout of the US forces from the Philippines, they came in,” the PN official said.
The permanent US military bases in Subic and Clark were closed down in 1992.
“We started noticing their markers in 1992, 1993. They prevented our gray ships from entering Mischief reef, in 1995 they established fishermen’s shelter they said it would be for maritime research, eventually they made their military bases, they militarized the area,” Trinidad added.
On Tuesday (16 April 2024), Trinidad revealed that a total of 55 Chinese vessels were monitored in different features in the WPS.
He said the following Chinese vessels were spotted in the following areas:
* Bajo de Masinloc – two Chinese Coast Guard vessels, 24 Chinese maritime militia vessels
* Ayungin Shoal – one Chinese Coast Guard vessel, five Chinese fishing vessels
* Pagasa Island – one Chinese Coast Guard vessel, 19 Chinese maritime militia vessels
* Panata Island – two Chinese maritime militia vessels
* Lawak Island – one People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel
However, Trinidad said so far the Chinese vessels have not performed aggressive actions.
“Their activities have been varied, some of them would be lying to or stationary, others would be moving, doing patrols,” he observed.
In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision that China has rejected.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that it it opposes “sinophobic sentiments” by way of accusations that are “malicious” and “groundless,” the Chinese embassy in Manila on Thursday (11 April 2024) denied the alleged presence of Chinese “sleeper cells” in the Philippines.
The Chinese embassy issued the statement following reports regarding the arrest of four Chinese nationals in Palawan, who were allegedly engaged in issuing fraudulently acquired Philippine government issued identification cards including passports with special resident retiree visas (SRRV).
“China-Philippines friendship has always been the mainstream of our bilateral relations and the aspiration of the two peoples. However, there seems to be an “invisible hand” here disseminating disinformation about China, hyping up maritime disputes between the two countries, amplifying our maritime differences, creating tension, and even fear mongering about war,” the Chinese Embassy said in a statement.
The embassy underscored that China has never invaded the Philippines and called out other nations for allegedly interfering and stirring division.
“It aims at nothing but poisoning the atmosphere of China-Philippines relations and disrupting their development. We believe that the Filipino people have discerning eyes and can see through these shenanigans, and shall not be deceived by false narratives,” the embassy maintained.
No such thing as sleeper cells, the Chinese Embassy stood firm.
“China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The so-called ‘sleeper cells’ of China in the Philippines is nothing but fabrication. Instead, we see habitual meddling in other nations’ internal affairs, fostering domestic division and confrontation, and instigating ‘color revolutions’ by some country,” the embassy said.
The embassy then urged the Philippines to engage in dialogues to manage differences.
“We urge relevant parties in the Philippines to keep up with the trend of the times and listen to the people of both countries, stop spinning false narratives and arousing anti-China sentiments. It is hoped that the Philippine side, taking into account the broader context of China-Philippines relations and regional peace and stability, will return to the right track of dialogue and consultation at the earliest opportunity, meet China half way, manage differences through concrete actions, and promote the stable development of bilateral relations.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stressing that the Philippines has made “sincere efforts” to implement the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping to lower the tensions in the South China Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noted that China’s latest aggressive actions in Ayungin Shoal seem to be questionable.
The DFA on Monday (25 March 2024) morning summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy following the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) dangerous maneuver against a Philippine vessel on a recent rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to Ayungin Shoal.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement they summoned the Chinese chargé d’affaires to “convey the Philippines’ strong protest against the aggressive actions” committed by the CCG and Chinese maritime militia.
“In these demarches, the Philippines stressed, among others, that China has no right to be in Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation that lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf by the 1982 UNCLOS and as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award,” she said.
The DFA also said the Philippines demands that Chinese vessels leave the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) immediately.
“China’s continued interference with the Philippines’ routine and lawful activities in its exclusive economic zone is unacceptable. It infringes upon the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” the DFA further said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following China’s latest aggression against Philippine vessels, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the mutual defense pact with Manila.
On Saturday (23 March 2024), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that Chinese vessels yet again used a power water cannon against a civilian vessel chartered to resupply Philippine troops on the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War Two-era ship that was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea to serve as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty.
“The United States stands with its ally the Philippines and condemns the dangerous actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea on March 23,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement, also on Saturday shortly after the incident.
He pointed out that the “US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.”
The West Philippine Sea is part of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The AFP earlier posted X (formerly Twitter) that included videos of the incident of the China Coast Guard training a water cannon at the Unaiza May 4, a ship that had previously been damaged by the same while on a similar mission.
Miller described China’s actions as “destabilizing to the region” and showed “clear disregard for international law.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Maintaining that Taiwan is a province of China, Beijing — through its foreign ministry — warned the Philippines should “not play with fire” about the Taiwan issue to avoid being manipulated and eventually hurt.
This was aired by Wang Wenbin, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesman when asked in a press conference to comment on the reported directive of Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro to military officials to deploy more troops in Batanes.
“I want to stress again that the Taiwan question is at the heart of China’s core interests and is a red line and bottom line that must not be crossed,” Wang said.
Teodoro earlier said that he wanted to mobilize more troops to the remote Batanes islands – less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan – to fortify Manila’s territorial defense capabilities.
Despite the reported harassment by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippines in January reiterated its adherence to its One-China policy.
Wang pointed out that China and the Philippines are neighbors across the sea.
“Friendly exchanges predominate in the history of our bilateral relations. A close neighbor can be more helpful than a distant relative,” he said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In what could be interpreted as a “flexing of muscles”, China has sent 27 ships described as a “major maritime militia rotation” despite an agreement between the Philippines and China to ease tensions in the region through diplomacy.
It was learned that the 27 Qiong Sansha Yu-class ships were spotted south of the Spratly Islands and east of Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal).
Qiong Sansha Yu-class ships are reportedly professional maritime militia vessels operated by the state-owned Sansha Fisheries Development Company that often work in tandem with the China Coast Guard (CCG) in enforcing the communist country’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the WPS.
Ironically, last Wednesday (January 17), the Philippines and China convened the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Shanghai.
During the discussions, the Philippines and China “agreed that continuous dialogue is important to keep peace and stability at sea” and “assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In an unprecedented move, China has filed a diplomatic protest – before the Philippine embassies in Beijing and Manila – over President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message to Taiwan’s president-elect Dr. Lai Ching-te.
It was not immediately known if this was the first that China filed a diplomatic protest against the Philippines. Still, since Marcos Jr. assumed power in June 2022, the Philippines has filed at least 130 protests against China owing to the latter’s alleged encroachment on PH’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
“President Marcos is the only head of State to congratulate Lai among 182 countries which established diplomatic relations with China,” the Chinese Embassy in Manila noted on Wednesday.
In a statement, the embassy spokesman said Marcos’ remarks “seriously violate the ‘One China’ principle, and constitute an act of gross interference in China’s internal affairs.”
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Mao Ning also disclosed that Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong on Tuesday (January 16) summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz “to lodge serious démarche and urge the Philippines to present a responsible response to China.”
Démarche is a political step or initiative.
“We suggest President Marcos read more to develop a proper understanding of the ins and outs of the Taiwan question and come to a right conclusion,” Mao said in a briefing.
The Chinese embassy also stressed: “China strongly opposes such remarks, and has made immediate and solemn démarches to the Philippines from both Beijing and Manila.”
“There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China,” it emphasized.
(El Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that the Philippines has violated the “One China principle”, China has summoned the Philippine ambassador after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. congratulated Taiwanese president-elect Lai Ching-te and remarked that he looked forward to having “close collaboration” with him.
China’s capital Beijing has long considered the democratically-run and pro-US Taiwan as its “renegade province” and intends to reclaim it, by force if necessary.
“We are telling the Philippine side not to play with fire on the Taiwan issue… and to stop immediately its wrongful words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues and sending wrong signals to separatist forces for Taiwan independence,” China foreign affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said.
She pointed out that PBBM’s remarks “are a serious violation of the One China Principle… a serious breach of the political commitments made by the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs.”
However, the Philippines has reaffirmed its “One China policy” even after Marcos Jr congratulated Taiwan’s Lai.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that this may provoke China to take more aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) since Beijing does not maintain diplomatic ties with countries that recognize Taiwan.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Acknowledging the “weakness” of the political opposition, two political analysts have agreed that it should ally — for now — with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., particularly on the issue of West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the face of China’s aggressive moves and against the Dutertes’ apparent intent to seize power.
Political analysts Ronald Llamas and Richard Heydarian in their vlog agreed that PBBM “is not the enemy” of the opposition but those who serve the interests of China which had became “spoiled” during the six years term of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“I hope they (the opposition) can put up a bigger tent for the 2025 midterm elections,” Llamas told Heydarian in their exchanges on the latter’s vlog.
Earlier, he noted that during the recent Christmas party of the Liberal Party at the house of LP president and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, only the Makabayan bloc stalwarts were invited.
Former Senators Antonio “Sonny”Trillanes IV of Magdalo and Bam Aquino and Chel Diokno of Kaya Natin, Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Llamas of Akbayan were not invited.
To recall in 2022, the opposition was also not able to establish a “big tent” due to the alleged blocking of Trillanes to the inclusion of Neri Colmenares of Makabayan bloc into their Senate slate.
Only Hontiveros won from the senatorial bets of the opposition.
He added that it is now obvious that there’s a “civil war” between the Marcos loyalists and the DDS (Duterte Diehard Supporters).
“It all started early this year with the Tambaloslos (remark),” Llamas noted.
He was referring to Vice President Sara Duterte’s insulting reaction apparently targeting Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez after her political mentor former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was stripped of her position as Senior Deputy House Speaker.
Heydarian also commented that the opposition could now be a “de facto UniTeam” with PBBM with regards to standing up against China in the WPS issue and against Duterte returning to power.
Llamas said he believes Duterte will run for Senate in 2025 “to rally his remaining DDS.”
However, he added that although Duterte emerged as the number one choice for senator in 2025 in a recent survey but his “approval and popularity ratings” have significantly dropped to only about 40 percent unlike his time when he was president.
(IA/MNM)