National

President Duterte: China threatened ‘war’ over sea row

(Agence France Presse) — President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday China’s leaders told him they were prepared to go to war over competing claims in the South China Sea. Duterte, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing this week, said he was making the threat public in response to domestic criticism he was being too weak with China over the dispute. “I really said it to their face. That is […]

China-PHL hold 1st bilateral talks on South China Sea; mechanism to avoid conflict discussed

Chinese and Filipino diplomats held the first bilateral consultation on the South China Sea on Friday (May 19), where they discussed a mechanism to avoid conflict and resolve maritime dispute in one of Asia’s potential flashpoints. China said it hoped the mechanism would bring mutual trust between the two sides “The mechanism is a means for building mutual trust and fostering cooperation on the seas, and is a platform for (ensuring) safety on the seas. […]

President Duterte blames former DFA chief Del Rosario, others for South China Sea issue

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday chastised former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and those “who keep on talking,” saying they allowed China’s construction of man-made structures in the disputed South China Sea to “blossom into something like an armed garrison now.” “Ito sila Del Rosario, and the rest of the guys, itong lahat na nagdadaldal. Where were they?” he said in his speech during the Coast Guard Auxiliary National Convention in Davao. According to Duterte, […]

President Duterte can refuse EU aid – political analyst

QUEZON City, Philippines -(Eagle News) — Political analyst Clarita Carlos said that it is the prerogative of  President Rodrigo Duterte to refuse aid, especially when such aid is conditional. “Yung aid nga may space. May conditionality na sinasabi nya na magbibigay lang siya kung nakapasa tayo sa kaniyang Human Rights criterion. Ayaw ng Presidente nung may kakabit yung ibibigay mo. At saka napakaliit lamang na aid niyon. Masasabi natin mas marami nga silang human rights […]

Malacañang authorizes PNP to arrest violators of “Nationwide Smoking Ban”

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — Malacañang has authorized the Philippine National Police to arrest those who will be caught violating Executive Order No. 26 or the Nationwide Smoking Ban. A violation of EO No. 26 entails the payment of Php 5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days. President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, May 18, signed the executive order banning smoking in public places nationwide, except in designated public places.

Lt. Col. Marcelino now back in service

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — Marine Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino is back in service after his release yesterday, May 18. According to Public Attorneys’ Office Chief Persida Rueda – Acosta, Marcelino can now return to his job because all of the cases filed against him were dismissed. https://youtu.be/1HjowziADS4

Government employees to bring home larger mid-year bonus

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — Starting this year, government employees will receive a larger mid-year bonus. Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, reminded all employees and employers that this year’s mid-year bonus is covered by Republic Act No. 10653.  This law exempts from tax the 13th month pay and other incentives received by employees that is lower than Php 82,000.

Duterte should reconsider decision on EU grants, says Ifugao Representative

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) – Ifugao Congressman Teddy Baguilat has asked President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his earlier decision to reject grants from the European Union, saying the country would be affected by the loss of funds. Baguilat said the Philippines should continue to accept the grants offered by the EU. “Such an unprecedented move is short-sighted and obviously not well thought out considering that some of the administration’s own key economic managers have […]

PHL-US Balikatan ends: focus on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-terrorism

  (Eagle News) – The annual joint US-Philippines military exercises ended on Friday, May 19, with the closing ceremonies participated in by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. Forces in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. The Balikatan exercises this year lasted for about 10 days. The opening was marked by ceremonies on May 8 in Manila. The exercises mostly focused on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counterterrorism (HADR/CT) events, as well […]

Switzerland has best healthcare; Indonesia, Brunei, PHL among “underachievers” in Asia

By Marlowe Hood Agence France Presse Neither Canada nor Japan cracked the top 10, and the United States finished a dismal 35th, according to a much anticipated ranking of healthcare quality in 195 countries, released Friday. Among nations with more than a million souls, top honors for 2015 went to Switzerland, followed by Sweden and Norway, though the healthcare gold standard remains tiny Andorra, a postage stamp of a country nestled between Spain (No. 8) […]

Oath taking of Alan Peter Cayetano as new DFA Secretary

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, May 18, led the oath of office of former Senator Alan Peter Schramm Cayetano as the new Foreign Affairs Secretary. The oath-taking was held at the Presidential Guesthouse in Panacan, Davao City. Secretary Cayetano’s appointment was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday, May 17. He succeeded Enrique Manalo, who was appointed officer in charge of the department. This was after the appointment of his predecessor, Perfecto Yasay, […]