By Junex Doronio

JUST LIKE “THE TERMINATOR” movie character who said “I’m back,” former senator and defeated presidential candidate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson made his presence felt again when he tweeted for the inclusion of Pag-asa Island in Palawan province as an additional site for American troops and their equipment in the country in accordance with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the United States and the Philippines.

The original five EDCA sites are Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

“Now that focus is on Barangay Pag-asa, Kalayaan, Palawan, let’s push for an EDCA site on the island and test the resolve of our Mutual Defense Treaty partner in maintaining stability in the West Philippines Sea,” Lacson tweeted on Sunday, October 8.

In April, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave US forces access to four more military camps to strengthen the defense alliance. These are Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

The former senator was apparently referring to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty that obligates the United States and the Philippines to help defend each other in major conflicts. It applies to armed attacks on either of their armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft anywhere in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea.

Lacson — who may run for Senate again in 2025 — made the proposal to test the US commitment to keeping stability in the West Philippine Sea in the wake of China’s aggressive territorial claims. (ai/mnm)

Nacpan Beach El Nido, Palawan

IF YOU  have tropical islands, stunning landscapes, and endless adventures on your holiday bucket list, then you’ve stumbled upon a truly exceptional destination within the Philippines.

The Philippines boasts more than 7,000 islands and serves as the perfect escape to immerse yourself in a blend of nature, culture, and excitement. The country’s diverse geography guarantees that natural wonders abound wherever you choose to explore. Whether you’re embarking on a journey to the tourist hotspots of Luzon, the captivating sites of Visayas, or the gems of Mindanao, you can anticipate breathtaking vistas, distinctive attractions, welcoming locals, and unforgettable experiences.

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s finest beaches, serene islands surrounded by turquoise waters, the renowned perfect cone volcano, the second smallest primate species, top-notch surfing locations, and centuries-old Spanish fortresses. These are just a glimpse of the many attractions awaiting you during your Philippine adventure.

Considering the plethora of destinations and experiences the Philippines offers, planning an itinerary can be a daunting task, especially for first-time travelers.

To lend a helping hand, MNM has compiled a list of the top 15 places to visit in the Philippines.

Here they are:

15. Calle Crisologo, Vigan
14. Nacpan Beach, El Nido
13. Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
12. Mayon Volcano, Albay, Bicol
11. Intramuros and Fort Santiago, Manila
10. Taal Volcano and Lake, Tagaytay, and Batangas
9. Kawasan Falls, Cebu
8. Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan
7. Rizal Park, Manila
6. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao
5. Cebu’s Beaches and Diving Spots
4. Cloud 9, Siargao
3. Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan
2. Chocolate Hills, Bohol
1. White Beach, Boracay

(Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)