News Roundup 21 April 2024
Apr 21, 2024 • 4 min Read
Philippines welcomes G7 backing in South China Sea dispute | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines welcomed on Sunday the Group of Seven’s (G7) statement opposing Beijing’s militarization and intimidation activities in the South China Sea.
“We appreciate the G7’s support in rejecting China’s baseless and expansive claims, and their call for China to cease its illegal activities, particularly its use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea that engage in dangerous maneuvers and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
“We duly note and appreciate the G7’s reaffirmation that the 2016 Arbitral Award is a significant milestone and a useful basis for the peaceful management and resolution of differences at sea,” it added.
In a meeting communiqué, G7 foreign ministers expressed their concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and stressed there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the strategic waterway.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, encompassing waters and islands close to its neighbors’ shores. In recent months, Philippine and Chinese vessels have had a series of confrontations that included the use of water cannons.
“The Philippines shares the G7’s vision of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, and stands firm against any actions that undermine international security and stability,” the DFA said.
G7 is composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Story at: Philippines welcomes G7 backing in South China Sea dispute | Philstar.com
Bantag slips from NBI dragnet in Baguio City | PHILSTAR.COM – BAGUIO CITY — Former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, for the second time, slipped from authorities early Saturday morning when agents of the National Bureau of Investigation- Cordillera Administrative Region (NBI-CAR) went to one of the alleged lair of the former corrections official in Mines View barangay in Baguio City.
NBI agents led by Assistant Regional Director Daniel Daganzo, converged at around 6 a.m. Saturday before heading incognito toward a building serving as headquarters of the Igorot Warriors International (IWI). However, they failed to locate Bantag.
Bantag is the chairman of IWI which fielded the former BuCor chief’s brother as its number one nominee during the May 2022 party-list elections.
IWI had also been in the forefront of organizing solidarity street demonstrations and gatherings in Baguio City supporting Bantag.
The NBI agents sought to issue the warrant of arrest against Bantag for murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid and two more BuCor prisoners who accused the former official of ordering their killing.
Full Story at: Bantag slips from NBI dragnet in Baguio City | Philstar.com
Qatari emir arriving in PH for a two-day state visit | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, is flying to the Philippines today for a two-day state visit upon the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Prior to this schedule, the Qatari leader came over for a state visit about 12 years ago in 2012.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the Qatari emir will visit Manila from April 21 to 22.
His trip is also expected “to serve as a platform to reaffirm the two nations’ mutual commitment to further elevate the already robust ties between them,” according to a separate statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Full Story at: Qatari emir arriving in PH for a two-day state visit (inquirer.net)
Marcos orders DA to ease import process of agri products | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to undertake measures easing the administrative procedures on importing agricultural products and removing non-tariff barriers “to address increasing domestic prices of commodities.”
“It is imperative to further streamline administrative procedures to foster transparency and predictability of policies on the importation of agricultural products in order to help ensure food security, maintain sufficient supply of agricultural goods in the domestic market, and improve local production,” Marcos said in a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Sunday.
His order is also in line with the four-page Administrative Order No. 20, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 18, which emphasized the persistence of administrative constraints and non-tariff barriers causing “continued increase of domestic prices of agricultural commodities despite existing measures.”
Full Story at: Marcos orders DA to ease import process of agri products (inquirer.net)
