News Roundup 05 July 2023
Jul 05, 2023 • 4 min Read
SC affirms Arroyo-era exploration deal with China, Vietnam unconstitutional | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has affirmed the unconstitutionality of a 2005 exploration agreement in the South China Sea involving oil companies from the Philippines, China and Vietnam, the high court announced Wednesday.
The SC en banc denied with finality due to lack of merit the motion of reconsideration of its Jan. 10, 2023 decision that declared unconstitutional and void the tripartite agreement for a joint marine seismic undertaking (JMSU) by and among the Philippine National Oil Company, China National Offshore Oil Corp. and Vietnam Oil and Gas Corp.
Under the deal signed by the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the three countries were to jointly research the petroleum resource potential of an area in the South China Sea covering 142,886 square kilometers.
The high court reiterated that the JMSU allows wholly-owned foreign firms to participate in the exploration of the country’s natural resources without observing safeguards provided in the 1987 Constitution.
“In denying the motion for reconsideration, the court reiterated that the JMSU is unconstitutional as it involves the exploration of natural resources,” it said.
Full Story at: SC affirms Arroyo-era exploration deal with China, Vietnam unconstitutional | Philstar.com
Chinese ships followed, blocked patrol boats near Ayungin — Coast Guard | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard said Wednesday that Chinese ships shadowed and obstructed its vessels in a support mission in the West Philippine Sea late last month, the latest of Beijing’s aggressive actions in the tense waterway.
PGC said BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua were assisting the naval operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command on June 30 when two Chinese Coast Guard vessels “came close” to the Philippine patrol boats.
“During the operation, the PCG was constantly followed, harassed, and obstructed by the significantly larger Chinese Coast Guard vessels at a distance of approximately 100 yards,” PGC said.
“These Chinese Coast Guard vessels blatantly disregard the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in their attempts to obstruct passage and discourage the PCG vessels from approaching Ayungin Shoal,” it added.
Full Story at: Chinese ships followed, blocked patrol boats near Ayungin — Coast Guard | Philstar.com
Binay says ‘Love the Philippines’ blunder is ‘unsalvageable’ | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Senator Nancy Binay, chair of the Senate committee on tourism, on Wednesday said the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) controversial “Love the Philippines” campaign is “unsalvageable” after it drew criticisms from across the globe for using foreign stock footage in its promotional video.
Binay expressed appreciation for the DOT’s actions against DDB Philippines, the advertisement agency the department hired for the campaign.
“But the big question right now is whether or not to continue with the ‘Love’ campaign,” she said in a statement.
Binay noted that the tourism sector caters to a “sensitive market.”
“Political unrest, negative media and people’s perceptions influence travelers’ decisions. Because of what happened, we’ve become subjects of headlines from around the world. Our slogan has become a laughing stock, and the campaign was badly affected. It is saddening to see that on our first step for the campaign, we took a step back instead of moving forward,” she said partly in Filipino.
The lawmaker said it is unwise for the Philippines to keep the “Love the Philippines” campaign since its reputation had already been tainted even in the international community.
Full Story at: Binay says ‘Love the Philippines’ blunder is ‘unsalvageable’ | Inquirer News
DSWD chief defends issuance of 3 cease and desist orders vs orphanage | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday enumerated the reasons why it was necessary to issue three Cease and Desist Orders (CDOs) against private childcare facility Gentle Hands Inc (GHI).
Gatchalian, during the public hearing of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality held Wednesday, cited issues of overcrowding and lack of fire exits in the GHI facility.
“Among the violations committed by the GHI facility in Project 4, Quezon City were overcrowding and the lack of fire exits. [These] endanger the lives of the more than 100 children-residents.”
The three CDOs against the childcare facility were issued on May 22, June 13, and July 4 respectively.
The first CDO was issued due to the “imminent danger” at the orphanage, which include overcrowding, ventilation concerns, and fire safety issues. Both second and third CDOs were released by DSWD after finding out that GHI has no Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.
After the issuance of the first CDO, the transfer of over 100 children from the orphanage to three other care facilities in Metro Manila was facilitated by DSWD.
Full Story at: DSWD chief defends issuance of 3 cease and desist orders vs orphanage | Inquirer News
