By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized that Philippine authorities should ensure the safety of Mary Jane Veloso upon her return to the country.
Hontiveros made this statement in response to the concerns of Veloso’s family about her safety.
“Dapat bigyan ng mga otoridad ng partikular na pansin ang proteksyon, proteksyon sa buhay ni Mary Jane,” the senator stated.
“Kung iniligtas natin siya sa parusang bitay sa ibang bansa, dapat ma-protektahan din ang buhay at kaligtasan niya dito sa ating sariling bayan,” she added.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros expressed optimism over recent progress in Veloso’s case, noting that she will soon be sent back to the Philippines.
“Salamat sa Diyos at makakauwi na siya dito sa sarili nating bayan at mas mapapalapit sa kanyang pamilya, mga kaibigan, at iba pang mahal sa buhay,” she said.
She also thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for engaging in talks with the Indonesian government.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros announced Thursday (21 Nov 2024) that former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, will be invited anew to the Senate’s probe into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
During the Kapihan sa Senado, Hontiveros confirmed that Guo, along with her co-accused Cassandra Li Ong, would still be invited to the POGO hearing set Tuesday (26 Nov 2024), next week.
“Kabilang pa rin po si Guo Hua Ping at yung iba niyang co-accused, sina Cassandra Li Ong. And of course, Tony Yang mula sa Cagayan de Oro, POGO Hub, at yung mag-ama na na-aresto naman dun sa Cebu POGO Hub,” she said when asked about Guo’s invitation.
The senator also mentioned that her committee aims to “tie up the loose ends” from the previous hearing.
“Balak po namin i-tie up yung loose ends na nabitin pa nung nakaraang hearing, including the explosive revelations from the Al Jazeera interview, which we followed up with a Zoom interview with someone who was with She Zhijiang in a Thai prison. And of course, there’s the mysterious figure of Mary Ann Maslog,” she added.
Guo faces several charges for her alleged involvement in POGOs operating in the country.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday (17 Oct 2024) said that Senate Committee of the Whole should be the one to conduct the hearings on war on drugs.
“Napaka-importante na malaman natin ang katotohanan ukol dyan sa madugong war on drugs. Lalo na para sa mga pamilya ng mga biktima ng EJK. So, ipapanukala ko po sa Senate leadership na magkaroon ng Senate Committee of the Whole kung saan buong Senado ang mag-iimbestiga sa war on drugs ng nakaraang administrasyon,” she said in a radio interview.
“Dahil sa pamamagitan niyang Senate Committee of the Whole, umaasa ako na mas panatag at mas maieengganyo rin na sumali at tumestigo ang victim survivors ng war on drugs,” the senator added.
The Senate President will lead the investigation if the hearings will be conducted by committee of the whole, Hontiveros said.
“Pero ang kagandahan din po ng Senate Committee of the Whole ay lahat po ng buong senado ang may pantay-pantay na karapatan na mag-imbestiga sa paksang iyon,” she added.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa will launch a motu proprio investigation on the war on drugs where he said he will invite former president Rodrigo Duterte to attend the hearing.
Dela Rosa is the chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Leaders of the Quad Committee on Thursday (17 Oct 2024) expressed strong support for Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ call for a Senate Committee of the Whole investigation into the Duterte administration’s drug war.
They also urged Sen. Bato dela Rosa to clarify his recent admission that police officers received cash payments, allegedly funneled through the office of then Special Assistant to the President, now Sen. Bong Go.
Quad Comm lead chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Sur, along with co-chair Rep. Dan Fernandez of Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, insisted that Dela Rosa must fully explain the nature of these payments, which he referred to as “allowances,” including their purpose and recipients.
Barbers emphasized that the Senate probe is essential for uncovering the truth behind the drug war operations.
“Suportado namin itong panawagan ni Sen. Hontiveros na ipursige ang Senate Committee of the Whole investigation sa EJKs ng drug war ng nakaraang administrasyon. We are very pleased that both Houses of Congress are of one mind on this,” Barbers said.
“Kung totoo nga na mayroong ‘allowances’ na binibigay, dapat ipaliwanag ni Sen. Bato kung bakit, kanino ito napunta, at saan ito nanggaling,” he added.
Barbers also pointed out that Dela Rosa’s acknowledgment of these payments requires further scrutiny. He stressed the importance of verifying if proper protocols were followed in the allocation of public funds.
“Kung allowance man ito, kailangan nating malaman kung ano ang layunin ng pagbibigay nito, at kung nasunod ang mga patakaran para sa tamang paggamit ng pondo ng bayan,” Barbers said.
Fernandez echoed Barbers’ sentiments, calling for transparency from Dela Rosa, as the chief architect and enforcer of the drug war, regarding the cash payments.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has requested the Pasig and Quezon City courts to ensure the attendance of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at an upcoming Senate hearing.
Hontiveros seeks the appearance of Quiboloy, along with Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada (alias Enteng), Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes, before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. The public hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
“Pursuant to the ongoing inquiry in aid of legislation being conducted by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, the Committee has set another public hearing for Wednesday,” the letter to Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 Presiding Judge Elma Mendoza Rafallo-Lingan stated.
“In view hereof, the Committee respectfully and formally requests your Honor to allow the above-mentioned individuals to appear before the Committee on the date and time of the hearing previously mentioned.”
Quiboloy is currently facing criminal cases related to child abuse and human trafficking.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the public to refrain from voting for “lawbreakers” following the filing of a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for senator by Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
“Let us not elect lawbreakers as lawmakers,” Hontiveros said.
“Karapatan nga ng bawat isa sa ating tumakbo para maglingkod sa bayan, pero nagtitiwala akong may sapat na kaalaman tayong mga Pilipino para gamitin natin ang ating karapatang pumili ng ating mga lider para hindi iboto si Quiboloy,” she added.
The senator also called on Quiboloy to have the decency not to run for public office.
“Apollo Quiboloy, magkaroon naman kayo ng kaunting hiya,” Hontiveros urged. “Para sa isang taong humaharap sa patong-patong na kaso, kabilang ang human trafficking at child abuse, at nagtago pa nga sa batas, nagkaroon pa talaga kayo ng lakas ng loob na ipresenta ang iyong sarili sa taumbayan para maging mambabatas.”
Quiboloy, through his legal counsel, filed his COC for senator.
Ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized the motion filed by Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy seeking hospital arrest in Davao.
“Quiboloy faces serious charges of human trafficking, rape, and child abuse. All accused individuals should be treated equally, regardless of their status or connections,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“There should be no special treatment for him. His request for hospital arrest in Davao reeks of entitlement. Why Davao? Is it because he has a powerful friend there?” she added.
The senator also emphasized that Quiboloy does not have the right to choose where he will be detained.
“He has no right to decide where he wants to be held. He’s no longer inside his ‘King Dome,’ so he shouldn’t act like a god,” Hontiveros pointed out.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that Quiboloy’s lawyer had filed a motion for hospital arrest due to the pastor’s medical condition.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday, September 13, 2024, emphasized that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) must be held accountable under the law.
“He and his co-accused have caused unspeakable pain to women, children, and the most vulnerable,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“Their arraignment is a significant step towards achieving full justice.”
Quiboloy pleaded ‘not guilty’ to a qualified human trafficking charge during his arraignment, alongside four other co-accused who entered the same plea.
The senator added that Quiboloy and the others involved will be brought before the Senate panel.
“We will bring Quiboloy and his fellow accused before the Senate. There are still many victims who want to testify in defense of their humanity, dignity, and the whole truth.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Capas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 109 has assured Senator Risa Hontiveros that it will allow Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, to attend Senate hearings conducted by her panel.
“In connection therewith, this Court, in recognition of the Senate’s power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, assures the Honorable Senator that it shall continue to allow GUO HUA PING ALIAS ALICE LEAL GUO, who is in the custody of the Philippine National Police pending her posting of bail for the offenses charged — Violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(h) of Republic Act 3019 — to be brought before the Senate whenever required,” stated RTC Branch 109 Presiding Judge Sarah Vedaña-Delos Santos in a letter addressed to Hontiveros.
This assurance is subject to a prior request that does not conflict with scheduled hearings before the Court, and to limitations provided by law and relevant jurisprudence.
Earlier, Hontiveros requested that Guo be allowed to attend a hearing last Monday, which was granted.
The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality continues to investigate illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), including those linked to Guo’s escape.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has sent a strong message to Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, stating that he cannot escape justice.
Hontiveros made this statement following Quiboloy’s arrest on Sunday (08 Sept 2024) night.
“Mananagot ka, Apollo Quiboloy. You cannot outrun the law. Justice will no longer be delayed,” the senator said.
“Justice is now within reach for the victim-survivors, thanks to their courage in speaking the truth.”
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos shared the news in a post, which included a photo of Quiboloy with law enforcement officers.
Hontiveros also praised law enforcement agencies for their “tireless efforts and dedication, despite Quiboloy’s attempts to evade justice.”
“The Senate investigation will continue to put an end to the systematic abuse of the most vulnerable in society,” she added.
“The days of those who act like tyrants, violate the law, and abuse women, children, and our fellow Filipinos are numbered,” Hontiveros concluded.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros reminded Philippine law enforcement authorities not to treat the arrest of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo as a “social event.”
Hontiveros remarked after photos surfaced online showing authorities seemingly taking selfies with Guo.
“Isang paalala sa ating mga kasamahan sa gobyerno, hindi dapat ginagawang social event ang pag-aresto sa isang puganteng sangkot sa patong-patong na kaso ng human trafficking, money laundering, fake identity, gross misconduct, illegal recruitment, detention, at corruption,” the senator said in a statement.
Hontiveros also criticized Guo’s behavior during her turnover from Indonesian to Philippine authorities, noting that she was seen flashing a ‘peace sign’ and smiling in the photos.
“We want answers, not a photoshoot. Matapos nyang makipag-taguan sa batas, ginawa pang fan-meet ni Alice Guo ang pagkakaaresto niya. Kulang na lang, red carpet,” Hontiveros said.
“Tingnan natin kung gaano siya ka-photogenic sa hearing sa Lunes. Unli-pictures siya doon,” the lawmaker added sarcastically.
Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos stated that he was unaware the ex-mayor posed for a photo.
“Nag-request si Alice na kausapin kami ni Chief, at sinabi talaga na may death threats siya. In-assure ko siya na ‘wag niyang alalahanin ang death threats. Ang importante, sabihin niya ang totoo, lahat,” Abalos explained.
“Pina-document namin para malinaw ito. Hindi ko naman alam kung anong ginagawa niya—nakatingin ako sa camera,” he added.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros is expecting that dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo will now tell the truth to the Senate panel, following her arrest in Indonesia.
During a press conference on Wednesday (04 Sept 2024) Hontiveros was asked if she is hoping and expecting that Guo will disclose complete information and details related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“I am fully expecting magsasalita na siya ng kumpleto at katotohanan kasi patunay itong pag-aresto sa kanya na hindi siya makakatakas talaga. Tumakas man siya nung una, nahuli pa rin siya at ibabalik dito. Kung baga, she has nowhere else to go. At yung mga tumulong sa kanyang makatakas, hindi namin sila tatantanan,” Hontiveros told reporters.
The senator said that Guo may face the Senate panel on Thursday if she would be immediately sent back to the Philippines.
“Kapag nalaman namin na makakabalik siya in time, ihaharap namin siya,” Hontivero said.
“Kung naman hindi aabot sa oras yung pagpapabalik sa kanya mula sa Indonesia, papunta rito, magi-schedule kami ng susunod na pinakamaagang hearing para sa wakas, maiharap na siya sa ating muli at makasagot siya ng maayos at makatotohanan dapat,” she added.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said that they will turn over Guo to the Senate once Bureau of Immigration and NBI are done with their procedures.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros said that she is determined to make those involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) accountable, including the public officials behind it.
“Kaya tayo nagsusumikap sa ating mga hearing sa Senado ay upang makahanap ng mabisang solusyon para tuluyan na ngang mapasara ang mga POGO sa Pilipinas,” Hontiveros said in a statement on Monday (02 Sept 2024).
“Our hearings have strongly established that these POGOs are run by organized and syndicated criminal groups in complicit with some public officials. Kaya determinado rin tayong panagutin ang mga opisyal na nagbigay-daan at patuloy na nagpapatakbo sa mga ito,” the senator added.
During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., he ordered for the total ban of POGOs in the country and directed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to wind down and cease the operation of POGOs by the end of the year.
However, Hontiveros said that despite the President’s mandate, POGO underground operations continue.
“Unfortunately, sa kabila ng mga pahayag ng pangulo sa kanyang SONA, patuloy ang underground operations ng mga POGO, so I am calling on our law enforcement agencies to step up para ipatupad ang total ban ni Presidente.”
The Senate continues its investigation on illegal POGOs while manhunt for dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo remains on the roll.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling for the swift cancellation of the passport of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, following a memorandum from Malacañang directing the relevant agencies to take action.
“The DFA is not lagging. I have information that the Philippine passports of Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Leal Guo, along with Sheila Leal Guo, Wesley Leal Guo, and Catherine Cassandra Li Ong, have already been reported to the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime – Interpol for appropriate action. The matter has been escalated to Interpol,” said Hontiveros, who leads the investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The senator also supported President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s statement on holding those responsible for Guo’s escape accountable.
“That’s to be expected. We should hear from the chief executive if any executive agencies were negligent or, worse, complicit in the escape of Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping,” Hontiveros stated.
“There must be accountability. That’s the principle of transparency and accountability,” she emphasized.
The continuation of the hearing on these matters is scheduled for August 27.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed on Monday, August 19, 2024, that suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is no longer in the Philippines and is now in Singapore.
Hontiveros stated that she received a report indicating that Guo left the country for Kuala Lumpur on July 17.
“Mr. President, it is undeniable that this is her, as it matches her Philippine passport exactly, which I will now display,” the senator said.
According to Hontiveros, Guo then flew to Singapore to meet her father.
“Who allowed this travesty to happen? Who is responsible for this? Alice Guo could not have left without help from government officials. We are being cooked in our own fat,” Hontiveros remarked.
However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) denied Hontiveros’ claims.
“As far as we know, Mayor Guo is still in the country,” Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty stated.
“There has been no report from the Bureau of Immigration regarding any attempted departure,” he added.
(ia/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros announced on Friday, August 16, 2024, that she will be signing the resolution seeking the suspension of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) after incorporating her amendments.
“Actually, nahuli lang ako sa pagpirma ng reso. Pero kinausap ko na si Chair Raffy (Tulto) na sa period of interpellation and amendments, meron lang akong gustong i-raise na mga tanong at i-propose na amendments,” Hontiveros said.
“Pipirmahan ko rin yung resolution para sa temporary suspension, kasi gusto ko rin munang ipasok yung amyenda,” she added.
The senator mentioned that her amendments include provisions to ensure that drivers and operators who have complied with the program should not be affected by the suspension and that the riding experience for commuters improves.
“So, ipo-put on record ko yun, ipo-propose ko yung amendments, hopeful ako na tatanggapin ni Chair Raffy. Pipirmahan ko rin naman yung resolution basta may ganung mga improvements,” Hontiveros said.
Earlier, 22 out of 23 senators signed Senate Resolution No. 1096, which sought the temporary suspension of the PUVMP.
However, the resolution was later rejected by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. saying the PUVMP has already been postponed seven times over un the past.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros commended the Ombudsman for its verdict on dismissing Alice Guo from service for grave misconduct.
Hontiveros said that Guo does not deserve to be a Philippine mayor and should have been stripped of that title immediately after it was confirmed that she was not Filipino.
“Wala siyang karapatang magsilbi sa sambayanang Pilipino. At dapat mapanagot na siya sa paglabag niya sa ating mga batas. I trust that our law enforcers are working double time to catch this fugitive,” she said.
“All these cases against Alice Guo are well and good pero habang hindi siya nahahanap, hindi magiging ganap ang ating paghahanap ng hustisya.”
The decision was made based on the complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government accusing Guo and other local officials of committing grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and gross neglect of duty.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros said it was not surprising that the fingerprints of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and Guo Hua Ping fingerprints have matched.
“Hindi naman na nakakagulat na iisa ang fingerprint ni Guo Hua Ping at Mayor Alice Guo sa Comelec records. Napatunayan na nga ng NBI na iisang tao lang sila,” Hontiveros said.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier revealed that the fingerprints of the two matched.
“Napatunayan ng aming mga eksperto na ‘yung anim na fingerprint, dalawa mula sa NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) at kasama po doon yung Alien Certificate of Registration ng isang Guo Hua Ping at ‘yung lima pa na fingerprints nung isang Alice Guo na kumuha ng NBI clearance, at the same time, nag-apply ng candidacy, nag-apply bilang botante sa Bamban, Tarlac, bumoto noong May 2022 national and local elections at ‘yung bumoto na Alice Guo noong barangay at SK elections noong 2023 ay iisang tao lamang,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.
The senator said that this affirms the various lapses in the laws and regulations of many institutional systems, from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)to the Comelec.
Hontiveros said that the investigation of the Senate on the said matter will continue.
“Patuloy din ang ating panawagan kay Guo Hua Ping na kusa nang magpakita. Hindi matatahimik ang buhay niya sa patuloy na pag-iwas sa Senado,” she added.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros announced that Nancy Gamo, the accountant of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, is currently detained at the Senate and will appear before the committee on July 29.
“Well, sa July 29 hearing ay ihaharap na po siya and then the committee can decide kung ano po yung susunod na mangyayari,” Hontiveros said on Monday, July 15, 2024.
“Maaaring si Ms. Gamo ay maging susi sa pinakasusi. Dahil hanggang sa ngayon, ang pinakasusi pa rin sa ganitong yugto ng aming imbestigasyon ay si Guo Hua Ping mismo,” the lawmaker added.
Gamo was placed into custody following the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
The Senate issued an arrest order against Guo and seven others, including her siblings.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros said that Gamo is ‘alright.’
“As far as I know, she’s alright and yung mas kumpleto at detalyadong ulat ng OSAA (Office of the Sergeant at Arms) ” the senator said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has reiterated her call to declare July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day to commemorate the country’s triumph against China regarding portions of the sea.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that China’s “nine-dash line” was contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to the resolution she filed.
The ruling also made clear that China had breached its obligations with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone.
“We should celebrate WPS Victory Day every year, not just to remember our 2016 win, but also as a way to assert our just and rightful ownership of the WPS. This is also an opportune time to show our biggest aggressor, China, that the Philippines will stand as one in the fight for our sovereignty. Ipakita natin na hindi niya tayo mapagwawatak-watak,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros said that the 2016 victory showed the world that “a small country like the Philippines can legally, peacefully, and diplomatically stand up to a big, autocratic country like China.”
“But Beijing’s continued threats and intimidation despite the ruling are also a sober reminder to the world that all those who believe in the international, rules-based order must actively come together to safeguard peace and security across the globe,” she added.
Hontiveros also led the Senate in adopting Proposed Senate Resolution 718, which urged the Executive, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to exhaust all diplomatic means – including going to the United Nations General Assembly – to stop China’s illegal activities in the WPS.
(el Amigo/mnm)