News Roundup 12 September 2023
Sep 12, 2023 • 3 min Read
Coast Guard suspects Chinese ‘state actors’ behind disinformation on WPS | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese government could be involved in a disinformation campaign downplaying the aggression of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard told senators on Tuesday.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela said during a Senate joint inquiry that the “information operation” the PCG has observed regarding the WPS “will not be happening unless it’s supported by a state actor.”
Tarriela shared this in response to a question by Sen. Risa Hontiveros on whether the PCG, based on its intelligence operations, has found evidence that those spreading disinformation are part of a Chinese state-sponsored campaign.
The spokesperson said that the PCG has only obtained information through the journalists who notify them of possible disinformation campaigns on the WPS through the emails they receive.
“The only information that we have received is through (our) media friends, wherein those journalists we know… receive emails trying to divert the attention of Filipinos. Instead of concentrating on the aggressive actions of China, they are diverting it to Vietnam,” Tarriela added.
Full Story at: Coast Guard suspects Chinese ‘state actors’ behind disinformation on WPS | Philstar.com
Ressa, Rappler cleared of fifth tax evasion charge | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A Pasig court acquitted Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and her newsroom Rappler Holdings Corporation of tax evasion case on Tuesday, marking another legal victory for the veteran journalist.
This development means that Ressa and RHC have been cleared of all five tax evasion charges filed during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In January, the Court of Tax Appeals also acquitted Ressa and RHC of four tax-related charges, as the prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The tax evasion charges stemmed from a 2015 sale of Philippine depositary receipts to foreign investors, a method companies use to raise money.
In a statement, Rappler said that the court victory is not only for the newsroom but also for those who kept the faith “that a free and responsible press empowers communities and strengthens democracy.”
Full Story at: Ressa, Rappler cleared of fifth tax evasion charge | Philstar.com
PCG welcomes P250M training facility from US | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — A P250 million worth of newly constructed training facility was received by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from the United States (US) government on Monday.
The building at PCG’s Fleet Training Center in Balagtas, Bulacan, not only boosts the coastguard’s capability but also represents its resilience and determination for a more promising future.
The agency said the donated two-story building covers 3,900 square meters, including classrooms, laboratories, equipment rooms, dining facilities, offices, workstations, a galley, and a technical library.
PCG Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan stated during the turnover ceremony that the facility will be utilized to educate and develop the skill set of Coast Guard personnel.
“The building serves as an important instrument for the enhancement of the capabilities of our sailors, which will fortify the PCG’s mandate,” he said.
Full Story at: PCG welcomes P250M training facility from US | Inquirer News
Hontiveros: ‘Diktadurang Marcos’ change? Rebrand not for all | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Some things are unworthy of “rebranding.”
So said opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday in reaction to a new proposal to change the term “Diktadurang Marcos” (Marcos dictatorship) to just “Diktadura” (Dictatorship) in social studies curriculum for Grade 6 students.
“My position has not changed over the years — memory and truth-telling are the cornerstones of justice. An accurate historical record is a guide to a better future,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“May mga bagay na ‘di dapat pinapayagan ang rebranding,” she added.
(In some situations, rebranding should not be allowed.)
Full Story at: Hontiveros: ‘Diktadurang Marcos’ change? Rebrand not for all | Inquirer News
