News Roundup 02 November 2023
Nov 02, 2023 • 3 min Read
Philippines does not need Chinese permission to operate at Bajo de Masinloc — DFA | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines does not need to seek approval from another country to operate in its territorial sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday.
The statement comes after the Chinese military decried the passing and operation of the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Conrado Yap inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on October 30.
“The Philippines’ conduct of maritime patrols in the waters around Bajo de Masinloc is a legitimate and routine act of a sovereign country in its territory and territorial sea and is part of the Philippines’ administrative responsibility,” the DFA said.
“There is no obligation for the Philippines as the sovereign state to seek the approval of another when navigating its own territorial sea,” the statement added.
China has frequently initiated incidents in the West Philippine Sea, including collisions with Philippine ships and the use of water cannons against Filipino fishermen.
Full Story at: Philippines does not need Chinese permission to operate at Bajo de Masinloc — DFA | Philstar.com
Lawmaker questions telco’s P50 late payment penalty | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has urged a telecommunications giant to reconsider its new policy of charging customers P50 for late payments, stressing that internet and mobile communications are now considered essential services for Filipinos.
This comes after Globe announced this week that postpaid subscribers will have to cough up P50 if they fail to pay their monthly bill before their due date. In its advisory sent to postpaid users, Globe said: “We encourage you to pay on time to keep your services active.”
In a statement, Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers) has called on Globe Telecom Inc. to rethink its imposition of a P50 late payment penalty and expressed concerns that other telecom giants might start charging similar fees.
Mobile and internet services are “no longer a luxury but a necessity in this day and age,” the lawmaker stressed.
“It is a public utility that should be primarily for the public good and not mainly for profit,” Castro said.
Full Story at: Lawmaker questions telco’s P50 late payment penalty | Philstar.com
WPS tensions take center stage as Marcos meets Kishida on official visit | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will discuss the situation in the West Philippine Sea during the latter’s visit to Manila on Friday.
In a statement released through Malacañang, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that Marcos and Kishida will discuss political, security, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
“Among the specific issues to be discussed are the West Philippine Sea, trade and investment, and Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). They will also exchange views on major regional, international, and United Nations issues affecting the region and the world,” said the DFA.
While neither the DFA nor Malacañang specified further, the meeting between the leaders came amid territorial tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Full Story at: WPS tensions take center stage as Marcos meets Kishida on official visit | Global News (inquirer.net)
QC Mayor Belmonte designated ‘Champion of the Earth’ | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte has been named a 2023 Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Program (Unep) for her innovative and impactful initiatives to protect the environment and combat plastic pollution.
Belmonte is among the laureates celebrated in the policy leadership category, the UN’s highest environmental award honoring individuals, groups, and organizations whose actions have transformative impacts on the environment.
The Unep, in their official announcement uploaded on their website, commended Mayor Belmonte’s dedication to transforming Quezon City into an environmental trailblazer.
Inger Andersen, executive director of Unep, lauded Belmonte’s passionate leadership and policy achievements, emphasizing the pivotal role of local authorities in solving global environmental challenges.
“For her efforts to transform Quezon City into an environmental trailblazer, Belmonte has been named the 2023 Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership, one of the UN’s highest environmental honors,” Andersen said.Full Story: QC Mayor Belmonte designated ‘Champion of the Earth’ | Inquirer News
