MANILA — The Philippine government will push to revive talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States during the upcoming meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US President Donald Trump, set to take place in April or May, according to Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez.
In a Tuesday (04 Mar 2025) interview, Romualdez expressed optimism that the Trump administration would be open to pursuing bilateral FTAs, noting that trade relations should always be fair between nations. He added that the Philippines currently doesn’t have major trade issues with the US, as the trade surplus in favor of the Philippines is relatively small compared to other countries.
While discussions on a potential bilateral FTA were initiated during Trump’s first term, talks were stalled when the Biden administration showed no interest in new preferential trade agreements.
Both leaders have expressed interest in meeting in person, and Romualdez confirmed ongoing communication with the White House regarding the agenda and potential scheduling for the meeting.
Additionally, Romualdez highlighted Manila’s intention to explore the import of liquefied natural gas from Alaska, with the US planning to revive its long-delayed $44 billion gas pipeline project.
Looking ahead, the ambassador remains confident that the Philippines-US alliance will remain strong under President Trump’s leadership. He recalled that the alliance was previously described as “ironclad” during Trump’s first term. Romualdez emphasized that the Marcos administration is focused on strengthening both the country’s defense and economy, in preparation for future challenges.
“More than ever, we must be ready to defend ourselves,” he said, noting that bolstering the armed forces is a priority for President Marcos.
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HARBIN, China— Unranked Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein came close to nailing a historic medal for the Philippines only to let it slip away in the 9th Asian Winter Games here on Saturday.
Han Yu and Wang Zhiyu of World’s No. 15 China denied the Filipino curling duo from climbing up the podium by pulling off a come-from-behind 6-5 victory in their mixed double, bronze-medal encounter at the Harbin Pingfang District Curling Arena.
“I thought we played not that bad, the experience was not just there,’’ Pfister said after they zoomed ahead at 4-0 in the first two ends before the host country patiently erased the deficit and turned things in its favor.
It was a good run though for a nation unexpected to figure prominently in the sport after Pfister and Dubberstein breezed through the round-robin phase of 12 countries with four victories against a defeat.
The Filipinos also defeated Chinese Taipei in the qualification match before falling against eventual gold medalist Japan in the crossover semifinals.
Pfister, who played for Switzerland’s national curling team before acquiring a Philippine passport, and the Filipino-American Dubberstein saw their lead wiped out on the sixth end with Han and Wang taking command, 6-4, entering the eighth and last end.
Scoreless for five consecutive ends after immediately seizing control after the second end, Team Philippines somehow gained positional advantage in the end, but Dubberstein missed her final rock that blew their chances of a reversal.
“Personally, I think I could have done better on my last rocks, but the way I missed the shots was very marginal. So if we can work on honing those skills, I think we can do great next time,’’ said
Dubberstein, who hails from Wisconsin and played in the US nationals from 2011 to 2019.
Pfister will begin his campaign with the Philippine men’s squad on Sunday while Dubberstein joins the women’s team in competition on the same day.
“We just played six or seven games together (before the tournament) and time was running out. That was the reason,’’ said Pfister, who saw action for Switzerland in the world and European championships several times.
Speed skater Peter Joseph Groseclose failed to advance to the medal races of the men’s 1500m and 500m in short track speed skating at the HIC Multifunctional Hall.
The 17-year-old Groseclose finished sixth (2:32.668) in his 1500m semifinal heat and ended up third in the 500m quarterfinal 3 with 42.331 seconds behind China’s Lin Xiaojun (41.325) and Kazakhstan’s Abzal Azhgaliyev (41.876)
Groseclose, who participated in the Winter Youth Olympics last year, can redeem himself in the men’s 1000m on Sunday.
Over at the Alpine Skiing Slalom Stadium in Yabuli, Heilongjiang province, Utah’s Filipino-American Proulx Tallulah did not reach the podium after placing 16th against 45 skiers in her two total runs with one minute and 53.42 seconds total in the women’s slalom event.
Her time was almost 20 seconds slower than Japanese gold winner Chisaki Maeda (1:33.50). South Korea Sohui Gim got the silver with 1:34.06 time while Japanese Eren Watanabe settled for the bronze with 1:34.92 time.
MANILA – The shear line and northeast monsoon will continue to bring overcast skies and scattered rains across several regions of the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 4 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA forecasted cloudy conditions with scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms in the Visayas, Bicol Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Aurora. The agency warned of the potential for flash floods or landslides in these areas due to moderate to heavy rains, which may intensify at times.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera region, and the rest of Central Luzon are expected to experience cloudy skies with rain, influenced by the northeast monsoon. The same monsoon will also bring partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with light rain in other parts of Luzon.
In contrast, Caraga and Davao Region will face cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, while the rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, along with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.
PAGASA also issued a warning for strong to gale-force winds and rough to very rough seas along the coasts of Northern Luzon and the eastern sections of Central Luzon. Moderate to strong winds and rough seas are expected over the Visayas, the eastern part of Southern Luzon, and the western section of Central Luzon. The rest of the archipelago will experience light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.
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MANILA — Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC) has committed to investing approximately PHP 7 billion in the Philippines over the next five years.
The announcement was made during a meeting between MMC CEO Takao Kato and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace on February 6, 2025.
Kato revealed plans to expand MMC’s operations, including introducing a new production model at its Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) facility in Laguna. President Marcos welcomed this investment, noting that it would create much-needed jobs in the country.
He also confirmed MMC’s inclusion in the government’s RACE Program, designed to revitalize the local automotive industry.
Kato emphasized the Philippines as MMC’s most important market in Southeast Asia, citing its stable economy. He noted that the Philippines is MMC’s number one market in ASEAN.
In a social media post, Marcos praised MMC as a key partner in strengthening the automotive sector and creating jobs for Filipinos. MMPC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMC, operates a manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, with a capacity of 50,000 units annually, and the potential to double this capacity.
As of November 2024, MMPC holds a 19% share of the domestic car market, ranking second behind Toyota.
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MANILA – Naval and air force units from the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States are conducting the 6th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) this Wednesday (05 Feb 2025).
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that the exercise highlights the nations’ commitment to regional cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The MMCA aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of the participating countries.
Brawner emphasized that the exercise adheres to international law, ensuring the safety of navigation and respecting maritime rights under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The exercise, which began today, is taking place in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), though the exact details of the locations and participating forces remain undisclosed.
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MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has on Tuesday (05 Feb 2025) warned that parts of the country will experience rain due to the easterlies and the northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan.”
In Luzon, the “amihan” will bring rain to Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte. Meanwhile, the easterlies will cause scattered showers and thunderstorms over Caraga, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Davao Oriental.
These areas may experience moderate to heavy rains, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides, PAGASA said. Other parts of Luzon will see isolated light rains, while the easterlies may bring rain showers or thunderstorms to the rest of the archipelago.
No low-pressure area or potential tropical cyclone formation has been observed.
PAGASA also forecasted strong winds and rough seas for Northern and Central Luzon, while the rest of the country will experience moderate to strong winds and rough coastal waters. The Visayas and Mindanao will see lighter winds with slight to moderate seas.
The weather bureau warned that flash floods and landslides could occur during severe thunderstorms.
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Globe Connectivity Champions
Advancing digital inclusion just makes sense for Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). In a developing country such as the Philippines, reliable connectivity can prove life-changing. Indeed, connectivity is no longer an option but an imperative.
“Connectivity is the backbone of the modern economy. It has the potential to transform industries, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Filipinos. By investing in connectivity today, we can prepare for a future where technology is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our lives,” Perez said.
The ARTA chief, Globe’s inaugural Connectivity Champions’ Digital Transformation Awardee, has been instrumental in leading initiatives to expand access to the internet, including the removal of excessive charges imposed on telcos by local government units (LGUs) and streamlining the permit application process.
Under his leadership, ARTA has worked to implement Executive Order No. 32, which simplifies the permitting process for telecom infrastructure. This important policy removes bottlenecks and lowers costs, enabling telcos to expand its reach and deliver life-enabling connectivity to underserved communities.
Perez also worked with the Private Sector Advisory Council to digitize telecom permits, streamlining the approval process and enabling faster deployment of connectivity infrastructure. This partnership reflects his focus on reducing bureaucratic barriers and leveraging collaboration to advance ARTA’s goals.
“Government-private sector collaboration is essential in ensuring reliable and inclusive connectivity. The government can create enabling policies and regulations, while the private sector can invest in infrastructure and innovative solutions. By working together, we can accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet, reduce costs, and expand coverage to underserved areas,” he stressed.
For Perez, connectivity is not only about infrastructure but also about equipping citizens with the necessary skills. He advocates for digital literacy programs, particularly for marginalized groups, to ensure that all Filipinos can benefit from advancements in technology.
“By fostering a culture of innovation and partnership, we can accelerate the development and deployment of digital solutions that address the needs of all Filipinos,” he added.
Perez’s efforts align closely with the Philippine government’s digitalization agenda under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has prioritized improving bureaucratic efficiency and the adoption of digital platforms to enhance public services.
Globe shares these goals with a vision to close the digital divide, uplift underserved communities, and establish connectivity as a fundamental right for all.
Michelle Ora, Vice President and Head of Strategic Partnerships and Programs at Globe, noted the significance of recognizing leaders like Perez.
“Through Connectivity Champions, we hope to amplify the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond in their roles to push for reliable and equitable access to connectivity in the country,” she said.
Globe’s Connectivity Champions initiative honors individuals and groups advocating for universal digital access. For its first year, the program recognized three winners for their impact on connectivity, innovation, sustainability, scalability, and community influence.
To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.
MANILA – Isolated rain showers and thunderstorms will affect parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao due to the easterlies, while the northeast monsoon (“amihan”) brings moderate to heavy rains over Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Aurora, and Quezon, the state weather bureau PAGASA reported Friday (31 Jan 2025).
Residents in these areas should be on alert for possible flash floods and landslides. Light rains are also expected in Metro Manila, Rizal, Ilocos Region, and Central Luzon.
Meanwhile, strong winds and rough seas will prevail across Northern and Southern Luzon, as well as the eastern sections of Central Luzon and Visayas. Moderate to rough coastal waters are also expected in parts of Mindanao and the rest of Luzon.
PAGASA noted no tropical cyclones are currently forming in Philippine waters.
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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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MANILA — The Chinese Embassy has formally requested access to one of its citizens recently arrested in the Philippines for alleged espionage, expressing its intention to provide assistance.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the embassy dismissed the allegations as “baseless speculation and accusation,” asserting that the claims of espionage lack evidence.
The family of the detained Chinese national has reached out to the embassy, raising concerns about his safety and seeking fair treatment. The family also presented information that reportedly contradicts the allegations made by Philippine authorities.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) previously announced that the arrest was the result of a coordinated operation involving Philippine law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The case has been described as a significant breakthrough in addressing national security threats.
The embassy underscored its commitment to protecting the legitimate rights of its citizens while maintaining diplomatic relations with the Philippines.
This development adds to the growing tension between Manila and Beijing amid broader geopolitical and security concerns.
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MANILA, Philippines — In a move to reinforce its territorial claims in the South China Sea, the Philippine government unveiled a comic book titled “The Stories of Teacher Jun” on Friday (24 Jan 2025), designed to counter China’s alleged disinformation and educate Filipinos on their sovereignty.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año explained that the comic aims to clarify the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea, a body of water west of the nation, in light of ongoing tensions with China. “This comic book strengthens our goal to fight any attempts to blur something that is clear and true — that we own the West Philippine Sea,” Año stated during the launch.
Despite an international tribunal ruling against China’s expansive claims, Beijing continues to assert dominance over much of the South China Sea. Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly clashed with Philippine counterparts, stoking fears of further military escalation in the region.
The government hopes the comic, available in both English and Filipino, will bolster national pride and awareness as Manila faces China’s growing aggression in the area. Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela emphasized that the book’s distribution nationwide would “reinforce the awakened patriotism of Filipinos, especially when we confront China’s aggression.”
The narrative centers around a student whose fisherman father faces increasing danger on the sea due to the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard. Under the guidance of “Teacher Jun” — a character symbolizing President Ferdinand Marcos — the student learns about international law through an analogy of house fences and backyards, helping to explain the Philippines’ legal position.
The comic’s publication was funded by private donors, Tarriela confirmed.
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MANILA — The Philippines has reaffirmed its position on the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarifying on Friday (24 Jan 2025) that the country’s withdrawal from the ICC remains in effect.
Speaking at a press briefing, Bersamin explained that while the Philippines is no longer under ICC jurisdiction, it will still cooperate if the ICC makes requests through Interpol.
He emphasized that any Interpol request for the arrest or delivery of an individual subject to ICC jurisdiction will be addressed by the government.
“If the ICC acts through Interpol, we will respond,” said Bersamin. “Our position is that we are not under ICC jurisdiction, but this does not mean we will ignore an Interpol request. We respect the role of Interpol.”
Bersamin’s comments followed statements from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, who suggested the Philippines might be open to dialogue with the ICC. Remulla hinted at potential cooperation, stating, “We will talk to them soon in a spirit of comity, and we can cooperate in certain areas.”
The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, in 2019 after the court began investigating President Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
Government reports indicate at least 6,000 deaths in police operations, while human rights groups estimate 30,000 fatalities, including those attributed to vigilante killings.
Former President Duterte has consistently defended his drug war and challenged the ICC to investigate him for crimes against humanity.
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THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has incorporated the Korean touch in world-class marketing and public relations to the country’s first-time and solo hosting of the FIVB Men’s World Championship (MWCH) 2025 in September.
PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara personally handed the appointment of Jeon Yongjun as Director of Marketing and Public Relations of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIVB MWCH 2025 during an official visit last week in Seoul.
“We wish to create opportunities for South Korea in the world of volleyball,” said Suzara, also president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive vice president of the International Volleyball Federation, or FIVB.
Suzara said that Jeon is expected to effectively implement Korea’s marketing and promotional strategies, adding that his role will be “pivotal in driving the success and visibility of the prestigious event.”
Suzara, who was joined in the official visit in Seoul by PNVF secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and marketing head Raoul Floresca, noted that as pop culture influences consumer behavior in the Philippines, companies could capitalize as the South Korean national team takes part in the elite 32-nation world championship set from September 12 to 28.
Jeon’s appointment was made upon the recommendation of Choongwon Su, chief development officer of NEOCOLORS P&A Inc., the exclusive advertising agency and promoter for South Korea and a major partner of the PNVF.
“Filipinos are excited to watch the South Korea National Team and will be equally excited to welcome Korean brands,” said Suzara as he hinted of bringing a globally popular K-pop group for the opening ceremony of the FIVB MWCH 2025.
The LOC—co-chaired by William Vincent Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco—is determined to make the 2025 world championship the biggest volleyball event ever, confident of surpassing the 2022 edition’s reach of 1.5 billion on television and online.
“The world championship is a big opportunity for the Asian and Korean companies to be known to the billions of viewers around the world and to expand their businesses to the Philippines and Southeast Asia,” Suzara added.
Matches will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena with Korea drawn in Pool C with France, Argentina and Finland.
Host Philippines is in Pool A with Iran, Egypt and Tunisia, while titleholder Italy plays in Pool F against Ukraine, Belgium and Algeria.
Pool B has Poland, Netherlands, Qatar and Romania, while the US plays in Pool D against Cuba, Portugal and Colombia. Slovenia, Germany, Bulgaria and Chile play in Pool E, while Pool G has Japan, Canada, Türkiye and Libya. Brazil is in pool H with Serbia, Czechia and China.
MANILA – On January 17-18, 2025, naval and air units from the Philippines and the United States participated in the first maritime cooperative activity (MCA) of the year in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), as announced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday (19 Jan 2025).
According to AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the exercise took place off Palawan, under the direction of the US Indo-Pacific Command. Philippine assets involved in the operation included the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), two FA-50 fighter aircraft, and Philippine Air Force search-and-rescue assets.
The United States was represented by the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) carrier strike group, which included the USS Princeton (CG-59) guided missile cruiser, the USS Sterett (DDG-104) guided missile destroyer, an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter, a V-22 Osprey helicopter, and two F-18 Hornet jet fighters.
On January 17, the forces conducted a communications check, division tactics/officer-of-the-watch maneuver, and a photo exercise. The following day, the exercises continued with dissimilar aircraft combat training, showcasing joint tactical operations and interoperability.
This MCA represents the fifth such exercise since November 2023, reinforcing the growing defense collaboration between the AFP and US military.
In a statement, AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the importance of the MCA in strengthening defense ties with the US, saying, “With each exercise, we become increasingly prepared and effective in addressing regional challenges. This activity highlights our shared commitment to safeguarding our national interests and ensuring a peaceful and secure region.”
The ongoing exercises aim to enhance the preparedness and capability of both forces in maritime defense operations and demonstrate their mutual dedication to regional stability.
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MANILA — The Philippines and Qatar have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at bolstering their ties in tourism and business events.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, sealed the agreement in the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at Manila’s Malacañang Palace.
The signing, which took place during Qatar Amir’s state visit, marks a significant step toward enhancing collaboration between the two nations.
Frasco hailed the MOU as a gateway to abundant growth opportunities, emphasizing the shared commitment to showcasing the richness of Filipino culture, heritage, and identity to the world. The agreement underscores efforts to boost tourist arrivals in both countries.
Moreover, it outlines plans to stimulate tourism investments, facilitate media and tourism expert familiarization visits, and enhance the skills of tourism operators, employees, and specialists through targeted seminars and training programs.
Recent data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) indicates a notable influx of visitors from Qatar, with 10,438 arrivals recorded in 2023 and 3,784 from January to April 2024.
In the realm of business events, the MOU sets forth strategies to promote exhibitions and conferences that appeal to tourists, foster collaboration among relevant organizing agencies, and facilitate knowledge exchange in event management. A joint working team will be established to oversee the implementation of the agreement’s provisions and evaluate its progress.
Frasco highlighted the DOT’s efforts to enhance Muslim-friendly and halal tourism offerings, a move that aligns with the country’s recognition as the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year at the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023.
With the MOU paving the way for deeper cooperation, both the Philippines and Qatar are poised to unlock new avenues for mutual growth and prosperity in the tourism sector.
(el Amigo/MNM)
Manila – Malacañang announced on Friday (12 April 2024) the establishment of a “stronger” trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, aimed at safeguarding the Indo-Pacific region to ensure “a better future for all.”
This significant trilateral alliance emerged following the inaugural trilateral summit between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House.
“During the historic summit, President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida solidified a stronger trilateral bond with the Philippines, pledging to uphold security in the Indo-Pacific region,” stated Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil.
In his opening address at the trilateral meeting, President Marcos emphasized that the Philippines’ collaboration with the US and Japan is rooted in a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific amid challenges to the international rules-based system.
“Our partnership is not merely pragmatic but a natural evolution of deepening relations and robust cooperation among our three nations, united by a profound commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law,” Marcos conveyed to Biden and Kishida.
Addressing the pressing challenges of the contemporary era demands unified action, a dedication to common objectives, and an unwavering adherence to the rules-based global order, Marcos added, framing the summit as a forward-looking endeavor.
Highlighting the significance of the trilateral summit as a foundational step, Marcos underscored it as an opportunity to chart a collective vision for the future and delineate the strategies for its realization.
Biden reiterated the US’ unwavering defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines, affirming that any aggression against Philippine assets in the South China Sea would trigger the mutual defense treaty.
“The United States’ defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines are unequivocal. As I’ve stated previously, any aggression against Philippine aircraft, vessels, or Armed Forces in the South China Sea would activate our mutual defense treaty,” Biden asserted, characterizing Marcos and Kishida as allies and partners in the landmark assembly.
Describing the new phase of partnership with the Philippines and Japan as emblematic of a “new era,” Biden emphasized the collective aspiration to construct an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous, and secure through strengthened trilateral bonds.
Kishida reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to bolster its ties with the US and the Philippines, pledging full cooperation for regional peace and stability.
“To secure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, I aim to reaffirm our commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation and delineating a concrete path forward through today’s meeting,” Kishida affirmed.
The historic trilateral summit was attended by high-level representatives from each country’s foreign affairs, defense, trade, and energy ministries.
“This landmark summit is the culmination of extensive preparatory engagements between our Foreign Ministries, National Security Advisers, and Vice Ministers, alongside joint maritime exercises and development cooperation,” Marcos remarked.
In parallel, the three nations resolved to deepen economic ties and fortify economic relations, with President Marcos and the two world leaders endeavoring to explore avenues for economic growth, climate resilience, sustained progress, and global peace for future generations.
The US and Japan reiterated their commitment to supporting the Philippines’ endeavors to combat climate change and enhance its economic landscape by fostering industries and generating employment opportunities for Filipinos.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US have spanned 77 years since their formal establishment on July 4, 1946, while the Philippines and Japan have celebrated 67 years of normalized relations since July 23, 1956, further solidifying their strategic partnership since 2011.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — The three-way summit among leaders of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan is set to produce an agreement to maintain security and ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS), according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The summit, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. on April 11, will bring together Marcos, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to deliberate on advancing their defense, security, and economic interests.
President Marcos, who departed from Manila on Wednesday, emphasized that the specifics of the agreement between the three countries would be hashed out during his meetings with Biden and Kishida. He articulated that the agreement’s focus lies in bolstering cooperation to uphold security and navigation rights in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
Marcos clarified the nature of the agreement, stating, “Well, this is essentially an agreement between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. Our cooperation in maintaining security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. That is the essence of it.” He further elucidated that the discussions in Washington would delve into the operational aspects of the cooperation and its implementation.
During his interaction with reporters, Marcos underscored the significance of the summit in fostering strategic partnerships among the three nations. He indicated that the discussions would encompass not only security measures but also economic collaboration, reflecting a multifaceted approach to addressing regional challenges and opportunities.
The departure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. from Manila marked the commencement of what is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. His attendance at the historic trilateral summit signifies the commitment of the Philippines to actively engage with key allies in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
The summit holds the promise of consolidating the strategic alignment between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, reinforcing the framework of cooperation to tackle common security concerns. Beyond immediate security considerations, the discussions are expected to explore avenues for enhancing economic integration and promoting sustainable development across the region.
As President Marcos embarks on this diplomatic mission, the eyes of the international community are keenly fixed on the outcomes of the summit. The agreements and initiatives emerging from the discussions are poised to have far-reaching implications for regional stability and the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific.
(Sourced online/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 — Cognizant of the various security challenges, including the South China (West Philippine Sea) issue, the Philippines and Sweden have expressed willingness to develop long-term bilateral cooperation.
On Thursday, the Department of National Defense (DND) disclosed that on January 26 Undersecretary Irineo Espino met with Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Jan Knutsson at the Department of National Defense (DND).
“Both sides looked forward to developing a long-term bilateral cooperation, underscoring the importance of upholding the rules-based international order and strengthening security ties between like-minded countries,” the DND said in a statement.
Espino and Knutsson also tackled climate change, the Ukraine war, cross-strait tensions, and the South China Sea issue.
It was learned during the meeting that Knutsson also presented Sweden’s cost-effective material, primarily its aircraft, as he showcased the country’s strong defense industry to counter threats.
For his part, Espino expressed DND’s interest in cooperating with Sweden in terms of technology transfer and research and development, among others, to protect the Philippines’ sovereignty.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Drizzles are expected on Christmas Day due to the convergence of the northeast monsoon, known as “amihan,” and the easterlies across the Philippines.
As of December 25, 2023, 8:07 am, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicates that Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Aurora, and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with rain showers as a result of the northeast monsoon. PAGASA warns of moderate to occasionally heavy rains in these areas, which may lead to flash floods or landslides.
Isolated light rain showers are anticipated in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, excluding Palawan, due to the influence of “amihan.”
Meanwhile, Palawan, Visayas (excluding Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte), and Mindanao (excluding Caraga and Davao Region) are expected to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by the easterlies and localized thunderstorms.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, also due to the easterlies, are forecasted in eastern Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in the regions of Caraga, Davao, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.
(JR AMIGO/IA/MNM)