President Aquino meets with Prime Minister Singh
of India in bilateral meeting
PHNOM
PENH, Cambodia: President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh in a bilateral meeting on Sunday at the Sofitel Phnom Penh where
both committed for stronger cooperation to address current challenges.
The two
leaders acknowledged that the Philippines and India can “learn from each
other’s challenges” as they explore opportunities to further boost their
economic ties.
During
the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Singh and President Aquino exchanged
views on the current global financial situation in light of the European
economic crisis, US unemployment, and the economic slowdown in Asia.
The
Indian prime minister suggested that both countries contribute to a “pool of
wisdom, knowledge and experience” to cope with the economic challenges.
With
regards to ensuring peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea, Prime
Minister Singh said his country shares the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations’ (ASEAN) concern for ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime
security in the contested area.
He said barriers
to trade must also be removed to achieve vibrant economic activity.
The
Indian leader also congratulated President Aquino for signing the Bangsamoro
Framework Agreement noting that both countries can benefit from sharing
experiences in the handling of post-conflict rebuilding. India also has a
Muslim separatism problem in Kashmir.
President
Aquino informed his Indian counterpart that he is sending Vice President
Jejomar Binay to represent him in the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit on
December 20 to 21 in New Delhi that marks the 20th anniversary of the
ASEAN-India dialogue.
Singh
said the commemorative summit signifies the full fruition of India’s
integration with the ASEAN. PND (as)
President Aquino orders Department of Foreign
Affairs to step up efforts in ensuring safety of Filipinos in Gaza Strip and in
Israel
President
Benigno S. Aquino III directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to step
up its efforts in ensuring the safety of Filipinos amid the escalating tensions
in the Gaza Strip and in Israel, a Palace official said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said
during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday that the Chief
Executive ordered the DFA to update him on developments in the Gaza Strip and
in Israel and provide assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and
Filipinos residing there.
"Si
(DFA Spokesman) Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez nagsalita na po. Magpapadala
po ang DFA ng teams po doon to monitor. Inatasan po kami ng Pangulo to update
him kahit na nasa Cambodia siya. Noong bago pa po siya umalis, he already asked
us to update him on a regular basis kung ano ang nangyayari doon,"
Lacierda said.
"Ang
concern po ni Pangulong Aquino is for the safety of the Filipinos in the Gaza
Strip and also in Israel. So, that’s the reason why the DFA is sending teams to
monitor the safety of the Filipinos there," he said.
The DFA
has not reported any Filipino casualty in the conflict-stricken Gaza Strip.
The
Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv is closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos
following the resurgence of violence between Israel and militant Palestinian
groups in the Gaza Strip.
There are
about 100 Filipinos in the Gaza Strip while about 41, 000 are working in
mainland Israel, the DFA said.
The
Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv advised all Filipino communities in Gaza and
Israel to remain vigilant and alert. PND (js)
Aquino government steps up campaign against
investment scam in Mindanao
The
Aquino government is stepping up its campaign against investment scams amid the
Aman Futures investment scheme that victimized thousands in Mindanao, a Palace
official said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said
during the regular press briefing in Malacanang that the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have already
urged the public to report all scams to their respective offices.
Aside
from the Aman Futures investment scam, news reports said that there are other
companies engaged in pyramid scams that are victimizing several persons in some
parts of Mindanao.
"I
think, the DTI local offices will be more proactive because ---if you notice,
the scams happened in the south," Lacierda said.
The
Aquino government appealed to the public to be vigilant against investment
companies that offer high interests, Lacierda said.
"If
it’s too good to be true, that’s something that you should consider suspicious.
Noon pa po iyan, nasabi na po natin na mag-iingat ang ating mga sambayanan sa
ganitong mga malalaking offer na napakaganda, mataas ang interes, at in fact,
beyond banking rates," he said.
"Pangalawa, we would like to ask the
public to let us know kung ano pa ang mga ibang scams po. Nalalaman po natin
iyan kapag may mga nagko-complain na and it is unfortunate that a number of our
citizens were victimized by the scam," Lacierda said.
Lacierda
assured that the Aman Futures and other companies that are engaged in
investment fraud are now being investigated by the authorities.
Last
week, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II relieved
Zamboanga del Sur Provincial PNP Director Senior Superintendent William T.
Manzan and Pagadian City Chief of Police Superintendent Kenneth H. Mission in
connection with the Aman Futures investment scam.
Roxas
ordered the relief of the police officials to avoid chances of whitewash in the
ongoing police investigation into the latest “get-rich-quick” scheme.
The DILG
chief also said Manzan and Mission were suspended for their supposed negligence
in stopping Aman Futures in their operations.
Roxas
also said that the DILG has requested the treasurers of local government units
in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur to submit their respective LGU bank
balances for examination to verify reports that public funds may have been used
to invest in Aman Futures.
The
government is conducting a manhunt for the officials of Aman Futures, including
its president, Manuel K. Amalilio and Fernando “Nonoy” R. Luna, head of the
Aman operations in Pagadian City.
Aman
Futures was able to lure investors, mostly in Pagadian City, by offering a
30-percent to 40-percent return on investment within eight days, and a
50-percent to 80-percent profit for 18 to 20 days.
Aman
Futures claimed that the profit would come from a customer agreement with
Malaysian brokerage firm Okachi (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. that in turn engages in
futures trading of commodities such as oil, manganese, palm oil and nickel.
At first,
the victims could receive cash by just showing their official receipts. But
later, investors were issued post-dated checks with a 50-day maturity date in
lieu of cash. Investors started to panic when the Aman office in Pagadian
closed last September 26. PND (js)
President Aquino urges ASEAN member-countries
and South Korea to work together in fight against human trafficking
PHNOM
PENH, Cambodia) President Benigno S. Aquino III said the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and South Korea must work together to fight
human trafficking in order to ensure the welfare of migrant workers.
“I urge
ASEAN and the Republic of Korea to enhance efforts to combat trafficking in
persons, particularly through enhanced information-sharing among our border and
police officials, as well as through capacity-building programs focused on
ensuring that the rights of all, especially those of victims, are upheld,” the
President said in his intervention during the ASEAN-South Korea Summit here on
Monday.
The
President pointed out that while many people from ASEAN go to South Korea to
pursue academic and job opportunities, ASEAN countries must take a closer look
at national and regional mechanisms to protect their rights and welfare,
ensuring that they do not fall prey to the illegal activities of human
traffickers and smugglers, the President said.
The Chief
Executive expressed his gratitude to his South Korean counterpart, President
Lee Myung Bak, for assisting and ensuring the welfare of Filipinos living or
working in South Korea.
“I wish
to thank President Lee Myung Bak in extending every service and help available
to my countrymen,” the President said.
“President Lee's leadership has shown the
hallmarks of compassion and consensus building that I strive to live by, as I
try to lead my country towards the heights that South Korea has been able to
achieve,” he added.
The
Philippines is likewise supportive of moves for global nuclear disarmament and
non-proliferation particularly in the Korean Peninsula, the President said
adding that the Philippines is one of the signatories to the Non-Proliferation
Treaty.
Although
the Philippines recognizes the right of countries to pursue peaceful uses of
nuclear technology, President Aquino stressed that he is concerned over the
recent developments in the nuclear programs of Iran and the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea.
“As a
believer in rules, we therefore support calls for Iran and the DPRK to abide by
relevant UN resolutions, and allow regular inspections by the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” he said.
The
President joined fellow ASEAN leaders in the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit at
the Peace Palace here. PND (as)
President Aquino clarifies West Philippine Sea
issue during ASEAN-Japan Summit
PHNOM
PENH, Cambodia) President Benigno S. Aquino III made it clear on Monday that
resolving the West Philippine Sea issue doesn’t rely solely in the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) route but also with other venues.
In a
media briefing at the Landscape Hotel here, Presidential Communications
Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said that the President
made a significant intervention when Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was
making his concluding statement during the ASEAN-Japan Summit Monday morning.
“There
were several views expressed yesterday on ASEAN unity which we did not realize
would be translated into an ASEAN consensus. For the record, this was not our
understanding. The ASEAN route is not the only route for us. As a sovereign
state, it is our right to defend our national interests,” Coloma quoted the
President as saying.
The
President raised the issue, Coloma stressed, because if the adherence to
international law or the UN is omitted and member countries simply refer to
ASEAN-China discussions, it would change the whole context.
The
chair, Prime Minister Hun Sen, duly acknowledged the President’s statement
saying the intervention will be reflected in the record of the meeting.
“We must
realize that this is a forum where the countries around the table are sovereign
states. It’s not just the individual heads-of-state or heads of government that
are representing themselves. They are representing their countries,” Coloma
said.
He
explained that the President represents the state and the government, which is
governed by a Constitution adding that under the Constitution, the President
must assert the country’s sovereignty.
“Even as
we observed ASEAN centrality, this is an issue that involves the stake of each
of the member states of ASEAN concerned that have claims on the disputed
territory and that we are affirming our belief that this matter should be
resolved peacefully and in accordance with international laws including the UN
Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he said.
ASEAN
leaders acknowledged the need to craft a code of conduct in the West Philippine
Sea starting from the existing Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the
South China Sea agreed 10 years ago. PND (as)
Philippines gets Japan, Vietnam support in
resolving dispute in West Philippine Sea
PHNOM
PENH, Cambodia) The Philippines got the support of Japan and Vietnam in
pursuing a peaceful resolution to the West Philippine Sea dispute through
adherence to international law and continuing dialogue.
During
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Summit on Monday,
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda raised the use of the rule of law and the
importance of confidence building in resolving the issue, Presidential
Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said in
a media briefing at Landscape Hotel here.
Japan has
similar concerns in dealing with China like the ASEAN with regards to the West
Philippine Sea, and Japan has pursued the path towards peace, Coloma said
referring to Noda’s statement.
These
concerns have a direct impact on peace and stability in the region, and
countries as well as the regional association must clarify the claims,
according to Noda.
Claimant
countries must adhere to the parameters of the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), refrain from taking unilateral action, and push for
the early completion of the code of conduct, Coloma said as he cited the
message of Noda.
Noda said
the Japan-China relation is difficult at present, but the two countries are
constantly communicating and are determined to maintain peace and stability. He
also raised the issue on the North Korean nuclear threat.
In the
same Summit, Vietnam also raised the implementation of the Declaration of the
Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, the six-point principle, and the
early formulation of the code of conduct, Coloma stressed.
He added
that Vietnam underscored the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in
the West Philippines Sea and the peaceful resolution of the dispute through the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. PND (as)
South Korea appreciates signing of the
Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, says Coloma
PHNOM
PENH, Cambodia: South Korea has expressed its appreciation for the signing of
the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF).
South
Korea lauded the recent development in Mindanao during the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-South Korea Summit here on Monday.
In a
media briefing at the Landscape Hotel, Presidential Communications Operations
Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said South Korean President Lee
Myung Bak noted the positive changes in Myanmar as well as the signing of the
Bangsamoro agreement in the Philippines.
The South
Korean leader also mentioned the ASEAN free trade agreement, strategic
partnership, and the South Korean center. South Korea is ASEAN’s second largest
trading partner and second largest investment destination for the region.
President
Lee Myung Bak also noted the importance of reducing the development gap, and
promised to enhance South Korea’s support for the Mekong regional development
as well as response to climate change, Coloma said.
South
Korea likewise pushed for stronger forest protection cooperation as it hosts
the green growth technology center. Coloma said the South Korean president also
talked about the issue on connectivity in education and the ASEAN-South Korea
transportation roadmap.
On Sunday
at the Plenary Session of the 21st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, ASEAN
leaders also expressed elation over the signing of the Framework Agreement for
the Mindanao peace. They underscored the need to resolve internal conflict and
violence in the region as the ASEAN moves towards a single community by 2015.
PND (as)
President Aquino attends ASEAN+3 Commemorative
Summit
PHNOM
PENH, Cambodia) President Benigno S. Aquino III together with the other leaders
of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) attended the ASEAN+3
Commemorative Summit where they discussed how the region could cope with future
economic challenges.
The
ASEAN+3, which is composed of the 10 member-countries of ASEAN including China,
Korea and Japan, was formed in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial
crisis.
China,
Korea, and Japan are major Asian economic powers that could support ASEAN
countries during times of troubles.
In a
media briefing on Monday at the Landscape Hotel here, Presidential
Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma
said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao mentioned the $240-billion Chiang Mai
Initiative credit pool that was established in the region.
The
Chinese leader also talked about the emergency rice reserve consisting of 800
million tons intended for any crisis.
At the
same time, China proposed boosting the capacity of the ASEAN to cope with
crisis, the setting up of an ASEAN bond market and considering the
establishment of a regional investment bank.
Premier
Wen Jiabao also expressed China’s willingness to contribute to a special fund
for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that will be launched later
during the 21st ASEAN Summit. He also called for cooperation on Asian
connectivity, according to Coloma.
South
Korean President Lee Myung Bak, on the other hand, noted that the financial
crisis has the most impact in the region and the ASEAN must always prepare for
it.
Coloma
emphasized that the South Korean leader raised the need to establish social
safety nets that will address the potential liquidity problems in the future.
President
Lee Myung Bak also supported the initiatives to set up the Asian bond market
and the importance of food security as embodied in the ASEAN’s emergency rice
reserve.
Coloma
said the South Korean leader praised the ASEAN+3 stressing that the group is a
role model for regional cooperation. PND (as)
Asian countries must address East Asia maritime
disputes through lawful means, says Aquino
PHNOM
PENH, Cambodia) President Benigno S. Aquino III raised the issue of addressing
maritime disputes in East Asia given its significance in ensuring peace and stability
in the region.
“Prevailing tensions in the area stand to
impact regional peace and stability. As we are bound by shared aspirations, so
too are we bound by shared responsibilities; the challenges that we shirk from
today will be the ones that will plague us tomorrow,” the President said in his
intervention during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Plus
Three Summit held at the Peace Palace here on Monday.
China,
Japan and South Korea are ASEAN’s partners in the summit.
“We
reiterate our call on all parties concerned to avoid the threat or use of
force, and to adhere to universally recognized principles of international law
in settling disputes, particularly those under the 1982 United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), because respect for the rule of law
remains the great equalizer in the relations among nations,” he added.
Tensions
arise when there are no clear rules to be followed by every country, he said,
making it difficult for countries to find lasting solution to the problem.
He said
he hopes that in the coming years, the ASEAN as a single community could look
back on today and see a time when it came together and unlocked its full
potential to harness the energies borne of its diversity.
Maritime
territorial disputes threaten the peace and stability of East Asia. These
disputes involve the South China Sea between China and its neighbors, the East
China Sea between China, Taiwan and Japan, and the Sea of Japan between South
Korea and Japan.
Access to
fisheries and undersea oil and gas deposits, conflicting interpretations of
maritime law and conflicting principles for asserting claims, the desire to
correct past injuries to national pride and interests, and geopolitics, are
considered the root causes of East Asia maritime disagreements. PND (as)
