Japan supports Philippines position of settling
territorial dispute on West Philippine Sea through diplomatic, peaceful means
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – The Philippines can now count on Japan as an ally in its
stand that the best and only way to settle the territorial dispute on the West
Philippine Sea is through diplomatic and peaceful means following international
law.
Japan now
joins Norway, Switzerland, the European Council and the European Commission in
supporting the Philippines on its stand concerning this highly contested “body
of water.”
In a
meeting with the media delegation who covered his attendance to the
9thAsia-Europe Meeting being held here from November 5 to 6 late Monday night,
President Benigno S. Aquino III said Japan threw its support on the
Philippines’ position during a bilateral meeting between the two countries at
the sidelines of the Summit.
“Pareho
namang nagkaroon ng reaffirmation na gusto natin ng peaceful solution. For both
ends, talaga namang sinusubukan nating i-deescalate ang situation,” the
President said.
He added
that he would bring up the issue of the West Philippine Sea when member
countries of ASEM9 convene for the second session of the plenary meeting on
Tuesday.
Earlier,
Presidential Communication and Operations Office Secretary Herminio
"Sonny" Coloma, Jr. said that during bilateral meetings with
Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, Swiss Confederation President
Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, European Council Herman Van Rompuy and European
Commission President Jose Manuel Varroso, the four leaders were for the
Philippines’ position to resolve disputes in the area peacefully and following
international law.
“In
particular, Switzerland and the EU and in part Norway indicated their firm
support to our position that conflicts or disputes in that area are to be
resolved peacefully and following international laws and in particular there is
firm support for an ASEAN-centric approach which has always been the position
of President Aquino considering four out of the 10 member states of ASEAN have
specific stakes in the West Philippine Sea,” he stressed.
“Therefore the only logical approach to any
conflict resolution will have to be multilateral and involving all stakeholders
therein,” Coloma said. PND (rck)
Aquino wants history books to reflect dark time
in country's history when government supressed freedom
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – Aside from working for the immediate release of compensation
benefits for Martial Law victims, President Benigno S. Aquino III further wants
history books to reflect that dark time in Philippine history when a duly
constituted government suppressed the freedom and took advantage of the
Filipino people.
“…kailangan klaro sa mga aklat ng ating
kasaysayan na nagkaroon ng panahon na ang gobyernong itinatag ng taumbayan ay
ginamit para supilin ang mga karapatan ng taumbayan,” the President said.
He said
that by putting this dark chapter in history books it would ensure that Martial
Law would never happen again.
“…kailangan may formality for future
generations na may aberrant period, merong bangungot na nangyari sa sambayanang
Pilipino na walang kaduda-duda at maliwanag para masigurado nating ‘di na
maulit sa mga darating na panahon,” the President said.
The
President vowed to push this important step to both Houses of Congress in order
for this advocacy to be a reality.
“…ang
pangako ko nga, ang commitment ko, itutulak ko nga sa both Chambers. We will
appeal to them…I think, the primary interest has to be that the current---our
government states that once upon a time, it failed in its mission to serve the
people and actually oppressed the people. That has to be clearly stated and
that law will put it in our law books and will put clarity for future
references in our history books,” the President said. PND (rck)
President Aquino amenable to P40-billion sin
tax revenue
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday that he is
amenable to the lowering of the revenues to be generated by the Sin Tax measure
at P40-billion but would be “happier” if it remained at the proposed
P60-billion mark.
The
President said that although the proposed original amount had been downsized,
his government could still use the new amount to manage the deficit and fund
healthcare programs.
“Mabuti
sana kung 60 magagamit ng healthcare programs. For 40, I think, is also a good
number,” the President said.
“At 40,
we’re happy. At 60, we’ll be happier. For 40 is already, I think, sufficient to
meet the objectives both in terms of gaining more resources, managing the
deficit but most importantly addressing the health issues. Most of the funds
that will be generated are earmarked for supporting our health program,” he
added.
The money
to be collected from sin taxes will be spent in building more health
facilities, rural health units, district hospitals, and other facilities and
will also be used for premiums for the expanded coverage of PhilHealth, the
State’s healthcare insurance program. PND (rck)
Philippine government to provide assistance to
overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia, Vietnam implicated in tanker blast
and drug trafficking, respectively
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the overseas
Filipino worker of legal assistance in connection with his implication in a
tanker blast that killed 23 others in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last November 3.
The
President, during a coffee meeting with the media delegation covering his
attendance to the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM9) here, said that the
Department of Foreign Affairs, through Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del
Rosario, was working with the Saudi government into investigating the tragic
accident.
“Last
information that we had, sir, is that he was still in the custody of the
authorities. And we will be providing him all the assistance that he requires,”
Del Rosario, who was with the President during the coffee meeting late Monday
night, said.
As for
the Filipina in Vietnam who has been charged with drug trafficking and now
faces the penalty of death, the President said he will appeal to Vietnam
Premiere Nguyen Tan Dung for the commutation of the sentence.
“‘Yung sa
Vietnam, I probably, will try to look for an opportunity to talk to Premier
Nguyen Tan Dung who’s a good friend of our country… Tayo naman ang lalapit
ngayon na ang minimum na pakiusap natin kahit tinanggal na natin ang death
penalty, ihingi natin minimum commutation sana. Kung
kailangan
life imprisonment pero not to minimum death,” the President said.
Reports
have identified the driver of the tanker as Robin Kebeng, who has been working
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a year. He is supposedly now under the
custody of the Criminal Investigation Office (CIO) in Riyadh, while the
Filipina in Vietnam has been identified as Amodia Teresita Palacio, 61, who was
arrested at a Hanoi airport for possession of the illegal substance, known in
the Philippines as shabu. PND (rck)
Philippines and Japan vow to remain steadfast
partners of development
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT) –- The Philippines and Japan have vowed to remain steadfast partners
of development in a move seen to further strengthen relations between the two
countries.
President
Benigno S. Aquino III held a bilateral meeting on Monday with Japanese Prime
Minister Yoshihiko Noda at the sidelines of the 9th Asia Europe Meeting here.
Prime
Minister Noda pledged to continue working with the Philippines on development
projects while President Aquino cited Japan as a “longtime, valuable and
strategic partner of the Philippines” through its official development
assistance program.
Prior to
the bilateral meeting, President Aquino joined the other heads of state and
government of the Asian and European countries attending the 9th Asia Europe
Meeting (ASEM) during its formal opening ceremonies held at the National
Convention Centre here.
In the
formal opening ceremonies, President Aquino and the other heads of delegations
were welcomed by Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing
Thammavong and then by Lao President Choummaly Sayasone. Thereafter, the heads
of ASEM delegations posed for a group photo session.
After the
group photo session, President Aquino also participated in the
ASEM
Enlargement Ceremony where the Lao President personally congratulated the
Republic of Bangladesh, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation on
their admission as new partners of ASEM.
Earlier,
President Aquino held three separate bilateral meetings with the heads of
Norway, Switzerland and European Union. It was President Aquino's first time to
attend the ASEM Summit since his assumption into office in June 2010. PND
(co/rck)
President Aquino dons traditional Lao silk at
Gala dinner hosted by Lao PDR President for ASEM heads of state and government
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – After a full day of successive bilateral meetings and
plenary sessions marking the formal opening of the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting
(ASEM9) here, Heads of State and Government were given the chance to loosen
their ties, roll up their sleeves and let their hair down at a gala dinner
hosted by Lao PDR President Choummaly Sayasone and Mrs. Keosaychay Sayasone at
the Don Chan Palace Hotel on Monday night.
President
Benigno S. Aquino III came to the dinner dressed to the nines garbed in a
traditional Lao blue silk shirt, dark slacks and comfy leather driving shoes
looking cool and composed as he gamely chatted and shook hands with his
counterparts from ASEM member-countries.
He
complimented the Lao silk shirt saying it kept him warm despite the chilly
atmosphere recorded in the room due to the hotel’s large air conditioning units
at full blast.
The
President joined the rest of the 52 Heads of State and Government together with
their spouses at the close of the first day of ASEM9.
They were
welcomed by President Sayasone and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong at the
lobby area before being escorted to their respective seats at the hotel’s Gala
Dinner Hall.
The Gala
Dinner was highlighted by a cultural presentation participated by Laotian
performers. PND (rck)
Aquino underscores need for enhanced economic
ties between Asia and Europe
VIENTIANE, Lao People's Democratic Republic
(via PLDT) -– Citing the importance of a reinforced Asia-Europe economic
partnership, President Benigno S. Aquino III called for enhanced economic ties
between Asia and Europe, saying that it is to the mutual benefit of the two
regions.
The Chief
Executive made the statement during the First Session of the 9th Asia-Europe
Meeting (ASEM9) hosted by Lao People's Democratic Republic under the theme,
"Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity." This is the first time
President Aquino attended the ASEM Summit since he assumed office in June 2010.
"Excellencies, Asia and Europe are both
in a defining juncture in their respective development narratives. And it is to
the mutual benefit of our two regions that we further strengthen our economic
relations. Asia needs Europe to realize its projected future of broad-based
prosperity, just as Europe needs Asia to hasten its long-term economic
recovery," the President said.
"A
reinforced Asia-Europe economic partnership, founded on the principles of
equality and mutual respect, is therefore imperative," he stressed.
During
his speech before the ASEM9 plenary session, President Aquino highlighted the
accomplishments of the Philippines in good governance and inclusive growth over
the past two years.
"The
Philippines cannot claim to have all the solutions, but perhaps I can share
with you a few early lessons we have learned in our pursuit of inclusive growth
in our country," he said. "The overarching strategy we have implemented
these past two years has been simple – Good governance means good economics.
Our management efforts reflect a single national vision. By eliminating waste,
we maximize our gains, and by so doing increase our people's chances to improve
their lot in life."
"This principle is seen in the zero-based
budgeting system which we have instituted. The goal is clear – to ascertain
that every peso used for projects and programs is truly for the benefit of our
countrymen. Moreover, by cracking down on tax evasion, smuggling, and money
laundering, we have increased government revenues," he further said.
Based on
the latest report, the Philippine government's revenues have increased by 10
percent in the first three quarters of 2012, the President said.
"These
initiatives, among many others, have given us the wherewithal to invest even
more in our people through social safety nets, which is all the more vital in
today’s world, given that the turmoil in the West was caused, in part, by
growing inequality," he said.
He also
cited the expansion of the administration's Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT)
Program to cover 3.1 million Filipino households this year. Under the CCT
program, the President explained, the beneficiary-families get cash stipends
provided that their children are sent to school, and pregnant mothers and their
children are receiving regular medical check-ups.
President
Aquino noted that his administration has also been able to expand the services
available to those who subscribed to the national health insurance program.
"Such programs work as a safety valve,
making certain that tensions between the have and the have-nots do not boil
over," he said. "They show our countrymen that growth is not won just
by one sector. It is achieved as one nation," he stressed.
According
to the President, his government's "efficient and inclusive approach to
governance" has redounded to a great number of economic gains and
international distinctions, including the 6.1 percent GDP growth in the first
semester of 2012, which is higher than the five to six percent forecast.
He also
cited the 2012 report of Knight Frank and Citi Private Bank, where the
Philippines is projected to be the sixth fastest growing economy in the world
for the period between 2010 and 2050.
"Excellencies, by staying true to the
spirit of honesty, transparency, and inclusiveness, the Philippines has not
merely weathered the economic storm, we have navigated into calm waters. We
have reclaimed the confidence of our people and of the international
community," the President said.
"However, in an interconnected world, we
must resist the temptation to be inward-looking. If any of us are to make even
more progress on the economic front, we need a dynamic global economy that
continues to facilitate inter and intra-regional trade and investment flows,"
he added.
The
President also said that it would also be "highly beneficial" to both
regions—Asia and Europe—if "our governments take it as their duty to make
certain that whatever progress is made, is also felt equitably by every last
one of their citizens." PND (co)
Aquino administration condemns attack against
government troops that killed four unarmed soldiers in Paquibato, Davao City
The
Aquino administration condemned the attack perpetrated by armed men against
government troops that resulted in the death of four unarmed soldiers in
Paquibato District of Davao City on Sunday afternoon, a Palace official said.
In a
press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson
Abigail Valte said the government is extending aid and assistance to the
families of the slain soldiers.
"The
requisite assistance will be provided by the military to their units. (It is)
sufficient to say that the military will be taking care of the necessary
assistance to the loved ones of the four soldiers who were killed in
Davao," Valte said.
"And, we have to stress, the soldiers
were unarmed. They were not there for any mission. It was actually a peace and
development seminar that they had attended. Again, to stress, the soldiers were
unarmed. That makes it all the more condemnable—what had happened to
them," Valte said.
Authorities are conducting investigations to
identify the perpetrators.
"However, we will hold off on the
speculations on the affiliation of the perpetrators. At this point, nobody has
confirmation on whether the perpetrators are actually affiliated with a
particular group. For all we know, they are not, hindi po muna tayo
magko-komento doon," Valte said when asked to comment on whether the
incident would affect the on-going peace talks between the government and the
Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army
(CPP-NDF-NPA).
The
soldiers, wearing civilian attire, were onboard three motorcycles when they
were attacked by 10 armed men in Barangay Mapula at 5 p.m. Sunday, Army and
Police officials said.
All four
were members of the 60th Infantry Battalion's Peace and Development Team, a
statement from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said.
The
casualties were identified as Private First Class Ahian Vir Dolero, Pfc Marvin
Lauronal, Pfc Noel Sigan, and Private Marcelo Himaya. PND (js)
Malacanang welcomes improvement of country’s
inflation rate for the month of October
Malacanang bared the continuous streak in the
improvement of inflation rate in the country as a result of the Aquino
government’s efforts to attain equitable and inclusive economic growth that
provides a better standard of living for the Filipino people.
In a
regular press conference in Malacañang, Tuesday, Deputy Presidential
Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced the four-month low for the consumer price
index which is attributed to the deceleration in the recorded yearly increases
of food and beverage products.
“We are
pleased to announce that the headline inflation rate for October eased further
to 3.1% from 3.6% in September and 3.8% in August this year. This marks a
four-month low for the consumer price index and markedly lower compared to the
inflation rate in the same month last year, which stood at 5.2%. The National
Statistics Office (NSO) attributes the slowdown to “the deceleration in the
annual increases recorded in the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic
beverages index and recreation and culture index,” Valte said.
This
economic development has been recorded not only in the Metro Manila area but
also in various regions of the country.
“Annual
inflation in the National Capital Region improved to 2.9% in October from 3.5%
in September. Ten regions have also registered slower annual rates,” Valte said
adding that with this development, the Philippines has recorded the lowest
inflation rate within the Southeast Asian region.
“Among
Southeast Asian nations, which have reported their inflation rates thus far,
the Philippines registered the lowest inflation for October compared to 7% in
Vietnam, 4.61% in Indonesia, and 3.32% in Thailand,” Valte said.
“October’s inflation rate is well within the
range of 3-5% as set in the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 and comes
at the heels of upbeat consumer confidence and another all-time high in the
Philippine Stock Exchange Index,” she stressed.
Valte
also assured the people that the government will maintain its efforts to
achieve more significant growth anchored on good governance and reforms that
has gained the exceptional trust and support of the Filipino people.
“The
Aquino administration has consistently pursued equitable and inclusive economic
growth. Ensuring a manageable inflation rate is part of this effort. This is
reflected in the third quarter Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan survey that indicated
an 11-point improvement in the performance rating of the administration in
controlling inflation,” Valte said.
“We have
always maintained that good governance results in good economics. The effects
of our reforms have already manifested in the lives of our countrymen. This is
reflected in the exceptional public trust, satisfaction, and support for the
President and his administration,” she further noted. PND (jcl/1:40 p.m.)
President Aquino declares 2013 as 'National Year
of Rice'
President
Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the year 2013 as the National Year of Rice
to underscore the need for a sustained and nationwide campaign to attain rice
self-sufficiency by 2013.
The Chief
Executive issued the declaration by virtue of Proclamation No. 494, series 2012
on October 18, 2012.
The
President, likewise, directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to spearhead
the celebration of the National Year of Rice towards achieving rice
self-sufficiency and promoting public awareness to be responsible rice
consumers.
"Part of the strategy to attain rice
self-sufficiency is intensified information campaign and social marketing to
enjoin producers, consumers, and policy¬makers to help achieve the said
goal," the President said.
"A
sustained and nationwide campaign to boost farmers’ morale and motivate them to
adopt technologies to further improve farm productivity and encourage the
general public to be responsible rice consumers are necessary to complement the
government’s efforts to achieve rice self-sufficiency," he stressed.
President
Aquino also affirmed the month of November of every year as the National Rice
Awareness Month pursuant to Proclamation No. 524 (s. 2004).
According
to the President, the DA may call upon other government agencies,
non¬-governmental organizations, and the private sector for assistance in the
celebration of the National Year of Rice.
"The
DA shall provide funds for the celebration of the National Year of Rice from
its regular budget," he said. PND (js)
Aquino creates Office of the Cabinet Secretary
through EO No.99
President
Benigno S. Aquino III issued last month an executive order renaming the Office
of the Cabinet Secretariat to become the Office of Cabinet Secretary to
effectively advance the administration’s programs and pro-poor efforts.
The Chief
Executive has named former Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras as the Cabinet
Secretary. He took his oath of office last Sunday prior to the President’s
departure to Laos.
The
President signed on October 31 Executive Order No.99 “Reconstituting the Office
of the Cabinet Secretariat, Renaming it as the Office of the Cabinet Secretary,
Defining its Powers and Functions, Providing for its Support Staff and for
Other Purposes.”
Under EO
No.99, among the functions of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary include
advancing the President’s social contract with the Filipino people, making
recommendations on measurable performance and project roadmap, ensuring
implementation of government performance and project roadmap, representing the
President in meetings, providing timely information to the Cabinet on important
issues, and performing other tasks based on the President’s instructions.
The order
also transfers the functions of the Inter-Agency Task Force created under
Administrative Order No.25 to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary. Based on the
new order, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) will serve as the
technical resource institution to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary.
In
issuing EO No.99, the President amended EO 43 making the Office of the Cabinet
Secretary a member of the Cabinet Clusters. The Cabinet Secretary will also be
a member of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board
Executive Committee and other NEDA committees. The Cabinet Secretary will have
a cabinet rank and will report directly to the President, according to the new
EO.
For
policy direction, relevant offices in the Presidential Management Staff (PMS),
Performance and Projects Management Office, and other attached agencies, will
now be supervised by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary.
The
Office of the Cabinet Secretary could seek the assistance from any government
agency for the effective performance of its duties, according to the EO. For
this purpose, all departments, agencies, bureaus, offices, including GOCCs
shall designate a focal person to closely coordinate with the Office of the
Cabinet Secretary.
The
initial operations of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary will be funded by the
President’s Contingent Fund. The fund for the succeeding years will be prepared
in accordance with the regular government budget procedures.
The EO
No.99 takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general
circulation. PND (as/4:33pm)
Asian and European leaders commit to refrain
from threats or use of force against any state
VIENTIANE, Lao People's Democratic Republic
(via PLDT) - President Benigno S. Aquino III and other Asian and European
leaders renewed their commitment “to refrain from the act of threat or the use
of force in any manner inconsistent with the UN Charter and international law
against the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state.”
This
commitment was contained on the Vientiane Declaration issued on Tuesday by the
leaders from Asian and European countries at the end of the two-day 9th
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) held here at the capital of Vientiane, Lao People’s
Democratic Republic.
In the
joint declaration, ASEM leaders also committed to “seek peaceful settlement of
disputes through dialogue, negotiations and other means in accordance with the
UN Charter and international law.”
The
renewed commitment issued by the ASEM leaders was consistent with President
Aquino’s position that a rules-based approach is the most legitimate and most
appropriate means in addressing the conflicting claims in the West Philippine
Sea.
“From the
very beginning, the Philippines has always advocated a rules-based approach as
the most legitimate, most appropriate, and durable means to address conflicting
maritime and territorial claims. This has not changed,” he said during the ASEM
plenary session focusing on regional issues.
“We
remain firmly committed to the fair and peaceful settlement of disputes in the
West Philippine Sea, in accordance with international law, particularly the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the President further said in
his speech.
Likewise,
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy reaffirmed the European Union's
full support to the peaceful resolution of the disputes in the West Philippine
Sea during the ASEM plenary session on regional issues.
President
Van Rompuy also conveyed the same sentiment during the bilateral meeting
between the European Union and the Philippines held on November 5 at the
sidelines of the 9th ASEM Summit here. PND (co)
Italian Prime Minister commits to support peace
process in Mindanao; invites Philippines to 'Expo 2015' in Milan
VIENTIANE, Lao People's Democratic Republic
(via PLDT) - Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti congratulated President Benigno
S. Aquino III on the signing of the historic Framework Agreement on the
Bangsamoro.
President
Aquino and Prime Minister Monti held a bilateral meeting on Tuesday at the
sidelines of the 9th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).
During
their meeting, Prime Minister Monti also reiterated Italy’s commitment to fully
support the peace process as demonstrated by the implementation of a
development project on rural communities in Mindanao, which will commence early
next year.
Finance
Secretary Cesar Purisima also informed the Prime Minister that the Philippines
is amenable to addressing Italy's concern on double taxation, thereby paving
the way for the removal of the Philippines from Italy's fiscal blacklist and
the signing of an agreement on amendments to the tax treaty between the two
countries.
Once it
is signed, the treaty will be submitted to the Senate for ratification,
according to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Hermino
Coloma Jr., who was present during the bilateral meeting between the
Philippines and Italy.
During
the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed an invitation for the Philippines to
participate in the Expo 2015 in Milan, saying the Philippine participation is a
crucial move, considering that the country is a pioneer and leader in rice
productivity improvement.
President
Aquino, in return, said that the invitation will be considered. With the theme,
“Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” the 2015 Expo is expected to be
participated by more than 100 countries.
President
Aquino also thanked the Italian premier for Italy's hospitality toward
thousands of Filipino migrant workers and the more than 7,000 Filipinos from
all over the world who attended the canonization of Saint Pedro Calungsod, the
second Filipino saint. PND (co)
President Aquino reiterates importance of
resolving territorial disputes peacefully and diplomatically
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday that the
West Philippine Sea issue is a priority concern not only for the Asian region and
the other claimant countries, but for the entire international community.
President
Aquino made the declaration during the 2nd plenary session of the 9th Asia
Europe meeting in Vientiane Lao PDR, prior to the formal closing ceremonies
Tuesday afternoon.
The
President explained that 50,000 ships mostly from Europe pass through the West
Philippine Sea each year so maritime security in the area is vital to world
trade making it a global issue.
The
President said conflicting claims in the area between China, the Philippines
and 3 other ASEAN countries should be resolved using a rules based approach in
accordance to international Law, in particular the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Seas.
Speaking
before over 50 leaders attending the plenary session, President Aquino
reiterated his commitment to a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The
President was earlier able to gain the support of The European Council,
European Commission, Norway, Switzerland and Japan for the Philippines position
on resolving the issue through peaceful means.
The
President clarified that the area referred to as the West Philippine Sea is
only a portion of the South China Sea within the country's exclusive economic
zone. PND (rck)
Asian and European leaders reaffirm commitment
to true and lasting peace in 16-pointjoint declaration
VIENTIANE,
Lao People's Democratic Republic (via PLDT) - President Benigno S. Aquino III
and other leaders from Asian and European countries reaffirmed their commitment
to ensure true and lasting peace, security and stability, and their aspiration
to eradicate war from mankind.
ASEM
leaders concluded the 9th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) here by issuing a 16-point
declaration. This year’s ASEM theme was “Friends for Peace, Partners for
Prosperity.”
In the
Vientiane Declaration on strengthening partnership for peace, they expressed
determination to promote dialogue, enhance better relations and develop
partnership in all fields to promote mutual understanding and friendly
relations among ASEM partners.
They also
reaffirmed the ASEM leaders determination “to respect the right of ASEM peoples
to freely choose their political system and freely pursue their economic,
social and cultural development in accordance with the UN charter and
international law.”
Moreover,
they also expressed their common adherence to the principles of democracy, rule
of law, good governance, gender quality, promotion of social justice and human
security, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with
the UN charter and international law.
The
declaration also noted that the ASEM partners renewed their commitment to
“deepen and broaden ASEM interfaith dialogue, noting the importance of
interfaith dialogue and its valuable contribution to promoting social cohesion,
peace and development.”
President
Aquino returned to Manila on Tuesday afternoon via a chartered flight following
his successful attendance to the two-day ASEM Summit here. PND (co)
Asian and European leaders agree to strengthen
partnership in conclusion of 9th ASEM summit
VIENTIANE, Lao People's Democratic Republic
(via PLDT)---President Benigno S. Aquino III and the other ASEM leaders
expressed their strong will to strengthening the Asia-Europe partnership at the
conclusion of the 9th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).
The leaders
from Asia and European countries, including President Aquino, concluded their
two-day ASEM summit here in Vientiane by adopting Vientiane Declaration issued
on Tuesday afternoon.
The ASEM9
Summit was held under the theme, “Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity.”
In the
Vientiane Declaration on strengthening partnership for development, the ASEM
leaders stressed their strong will to strengthen Asia-Europe partnership in
development as an essential element of their economic and technical cooperation
and assistance.
They also
committed to fighting against poverty and attaining the internationally agreed
development goals, and achieving Millennium Development Goals target to ensure
poverty eradication, equitable and sustainable development and inclusive
growth.
The ASEM
partners also reaffirmed their commitment to achieve sustainable development,
sustainable economic growth, social development and environment protection.
They
emphasized the importance of “enhancing cooperation in tackling climate change.
They also confirmed their commitment to fully implement the outcomes of the
Bali Action Plan, the Cancun agreements, and the Durban outcome.
Likewise,
the member-countries are determined to enhance social-cultural cooperation and
development and promote greater people-to-people interaction through increasing
cultural, educational, youth, sports, tourism and scholarly exchange.
Furthermore, the ASEM leaders also supported
“the full implementation of the Declaration in order to strengthen the
comprehensive, equal and mutually beneficial Asia-Europe partnership for peace
and development.” PND (co)
