News Roundup 25 October 2023
Oct 25, 2023 • 5 min Read
BRP Sierra Madre a symbol of PH sovereignty that China wants to destroy | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines—The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era warship which was intentionally grounded to serve as an outpost for the Philippines in Ayungin Shoal, or Second Thomas Shoal, is the target of China’s relentless, though unarmed, assault on Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vessels.
Last Sunday (Oct. 22), Chinese vessels collided with PCG and AFP vessels, which were on a routine and regular rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the dilapidated warship.
China kept up its illegal claim to the area, saying the Philippine vessels “intruded in the waters of Ren’ai Jiao,” which is how China calls the area inside Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in West Philippine Sea.
But Joshua Bernard Espeña, a resident fellow of the think tank International Defense and Security Cooperation, said the Chinese obstruction was not only China’s response to what it described as “trespassing”.
The assault, Espeña said, had a single objective—get rid of the BRP Sierra Madre and eventually have it removed from the West Philippine Sea.
Why?
Espeña told INQUIRER.net via Facebook Messenger that “legally, the BRP Sierra Madre complicates China’s moves.”
“Neither China can fully claim the area if the Philippine Navy is there nor obliterate the vessel lest an act of war with the Philippines and its US ally (and its regional alliance network breaks out),” he said.
Full Story at: BRP Sierra Madre a symbol of PH sovereignty that China wants to destroy | Inquirer News
US renews commitment to defend Philippines | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The United States has reiterated its support for the Philippines in the wake of China’s “dangerous and unlawful actions” in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on Sunday, renewing a commitment to defend its treaty ally in case of an armed attack in the South China Sea.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan gave the assurance in a telephone call to his Philippine counterpart Eduardo Año yesterday.
“Mr. Sullivan reiterated US support for our Philippine allies following the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous and unlawful actions on Oct. 22 obstructing a routine Philippine resupply to Second Thomas Shoal,” a White House statement declared.
In their phone conversation, Sullivan and Año reaffirmed the enduring alliance and friendship between the two nations and discussed upcoming US-Philippine engagements and ways to further strengthen close partnership.
Sullivan emphasized the ironclad US alliance commitment to the Philippines under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces – to include those of its Coast Guard – in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.
Full Story at: US renews commitment to defend Philippines | Philstar.com
Castro to Paolo Duterte: Don’t downplay death threats as criticism | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Paolo Duterte (Davao City, 1st District) is the latest member of the Duterte family to trade barbs with critics after Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers) clapped back at her House colleague for labeling his father’s alleged death threats against her as mere criticism.
Calling out Paolo Duterte — the eldest son of former president Rodrigo Duterte — for appearing to take exception with the grave threats case she filed against his father, Castro said that “we have to draw the line” at death threats broadcasted on national television.
“Death threats and red-tagging aired on television must be stopped because they endanger the lives of people. It is far different from criticisms and should not be tolerated because it fosters the state of impunity,” Castro said.
“The Dutertes have always challenged people to file charges against them when they do something wrong. Now that they have been charged, they will still attack the victim,” the lawmaker added.
This comes after Paolo Duterte issued a statement on Wednesday describing Castro as “onion-skinned” after she filed a criminal complaint against the former president in connection to his remarks during an SMNI program on October 11.
Full Story at: Castro to Paolo Duterte: Don’t downplay death threats as criticism | Philstar.com
Colmenares: Let’s double efforts to push for abolishing secret funds | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — For several years now, dating back to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc have urged the government to stop the placement of huge confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) on civilian agencies.
With confidential funds now being assailed by other members of the Congress too, former lawmaker and current Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares has urged activists and concerned citizens to continue speaking out against the said secret allocations in the budget — as the end could be in sight.
“We are in the thick of the fight. The removal of confidential funds is already a big victory. We have raised this for so many years we only reached this status now. We are moving forward, and they are retreating,” Colmenares said in Filipino during the launch of the Abolish Confidential Funds Network on Wednesday, held at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus.
“We need to push some more. We should double our efforts to rally regarding our social media work, protest movements, and the launching of forums. Why do I think that we are nearing victory? Because in this issue, the people are our allies,” he added.
Full Story at: Colmenares: Let’s double efforts to push for abolishing secret funds | Inquirer News
