The four officials are expected to discuss bilateral defense and security issues affecting the region and exchange views on regional and international issues.
Manalo and Teodoro will also hold separate bilateral meetings with their counterparts to discuss “areas of mutual concern,” said the DFA.
The 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministers Meeting is the highest consultative mechanism between the Philippines and Japan to date and serves as a platform to further strengthen the two nations’ decade-old Strategic Partnership.
In the first 2+2 meeting, the two countries agreed to continue coordination toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.”
The latest meeting also comes as the two states negotiate a reciprocal access agreement (RAA).
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier said the RAA would help facilitate and remove "lengthy procedures" if the Armed Forces of the Philippines visits Tokyo or the Japan Self-Defense Forces visits the Philippines for possible training and exercises or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Meanwhile, visiting members of Japan’s House of Representatives on Friday expressed their support to the Philippines’ plan to strengthen its armed forces and national defense.
Three members of the House of Representatives and Liberal Democratic Party – former Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera, former Senior Advisor to the Minister of Defense Yoshiaki Wada, and former Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Rui Matsukawa – are in the country from June 24 to 28, meeting with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Manalo, Teodoro, and members of the Philippine Congress.
“Hearing the perspectives from those in the frontlines we reaffirmed the significance of strengthening the cooperation between the Philippines armed force and the defense forces in including equipment collaboration,” Onodera said.
“This year we have policy changes, and based on the change on the policy, we can now jointly develop defense equipment as well as manufacture defense equipment with other countries and those equipment can also be shipped to other countries,” he said.
Last April, the Philippines received its first radar system from Japan – the TPS-P14ME or a mobile-type long-range air surveillance radar.
Citing that Japan and Philippines share the same sea lane and threats,
Matsukawa said it is “natural” for both countries “to have strong relationship in many fields particularly defense”.
“Defense equipment cooperation like the…Japanese radar which is function really well, and then once you accept this equipment it means for the longer time relationship, it's like marriage, you can face many attractive persons, but in marriage you have to be choosy and you must have that highest trust and I think for the Philippines, Japan is a most trustful country,” she said.
She said such cooperation also benefits Japan and other ASEAN countries to be strong in protecting the region.
Waka said Japan commends the bravery and “calm” management displayed by the Philippines regarding the incidents happening in the West Philippine Sea.
“We condemn such activities by China and the kind of support we’ll provide, will be like defense assets, defense training and also supply chain. Any possible assistance that Philippines may need, we will try our very best to make sure to provide,” he said.
Onodera said the RAA is an effective way for further collaboration in terms of defense between the two states.
“I hope the RAA will make a lot of progress, as I believe promoting the transfer of the defense equipment will benefit our countries' interests in the Indo Pacific region. Specifically, we are interested in supporting parties that contribute to the capacity building of the Philippine Armed Forces under their modernization plan,” he said.
PH transparency policy in WPS vital
Meanwhile, top security advisers of the Philippines and the United States tackled the importance of Manila’s transparency policy on the West Philippine Sea issue.
This was among the matters discussed in Thursday’s phone call between Año and his American counterpart, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the National Security Council (NSC) said in a statement Friday.
The two officials also discussed the “recent escalatory and violent actions” against Philippine troops in the Ayungin Shoal.
Año reiterated Manila’s firm resolve to protect its sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone, as well as its national interest.
He also thanked Washington DC for its “continuing support and assurance of its ironclad commitment to the PH-US alliance”. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
SYMBOL OF COMPASSION. Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula leads the blessing of the life-size statue portraying Jesus Christ as a homeless beggar at the Baclaran Church on Thursday (June 27, 2024). The sculpture was installed to encourage charity and “nurture devotion through a genuine concern for the most abandoned and the poor.” (Photo courtesy of CBCP News)
MANILA – Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has expressed hope that the life-size statue portraying Jesus Christ as a homeless beggar installed at the Baclaran Church would serve as a reminder for the faithful to show mercy to the poor.
The prelate made the remark as he led the statue's blessing and unveiling rites on Thursday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website reported on Friday.
“May this sculpture prompt us to show kindness and solidarity with our neglected brothers and sisters,” it added.
The sculpture was installed to encourage charity and “nurture devotion through a genuine concern for the most abandoned and the poor".
After the blessing and unveiling of the bronze statue,
‘Go green,’ PBBM
tells
PH tourism
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said the Philippine tourism industry should pursue a "green transformation" to achieve a sustainable society and economy.
During the opening ceremony of the 36th Joint Meeting of the United Nations (UN) Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific, and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia in Cebu, President Marcos said sustainability through green transformation is an important aspect in developing the tourism industry.
''We need to adopt sustainability in our society and economy, and certainly in the sector of tourism. We must go green in the transformation of our tourism products and services as a solution to address climate change, resource preservation, and long-term industry sustainability,'' Marcos said in his keynote speech.
"As a matter of fact, I would take that even a step further, and if we are to talk about tourism, I am of the belief that the greener you are, the better the tourism experience will be," he added.
Marcos noted that the government is boosting the public-private partnership to pursue reforms that will make tourists “visit, stay, spend, and return” to the Philippines.
According to the President, these include measures easing visa access, enhancing water sanitation and healthcare facilities in major tourist destinations and improving connectivity hubs such as airports.
“By adopting these practices, we create a tourism industry that not only creates responsible visitors, but also uplifts the lives of those who are part of that activity,” he said.
Aside from sustainability, Marcos said investing in education would help promote the country's tourism sector.
“Indeed, education is always going to make any industry better, and certainly tourism is no different. We need to raise the standards and practices in this crucial sector by investing in education, training, and skills upgrading of all the personnel who are working in this industry,” the President said.
He expressed optimism that the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia will lead to better practices and more tourism arrivals in the Philippines and around the world.
“I am very, very optimistic that your meetings will be a platform for collaboration, for discourse, and the sharing of best practices on such crucial topics for this sector as we prepare for the activities leading up to the World Tourism Day of 2024,” Marcos said.
PH tourism’s contribution to the economy
President Marcos reported that the tourism industry in the Philippines significantly contributed PHP2.09 trillion to the country’s economy in 2023, representing 8.6 percent of the gross domestic product.
The figure is 48 percent higher than the PHP1.41 trillion Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) in 2022, he noted.
According to the President, the 2023 TDGVA was impressive for being the highest recorded since 2000.
He highlighted that through the Department of Tourism, the government surpassed its 2023 tourist arrival target of 4.8 million after recording 5.45 million international tourists.
International tourist arrival in the Philippines reached 2.9 million from January to March alone, accounting for 38.1 percent of the 7.7 million tourist arrival target this year.
“These highlight the robust recovery and continued appeal of our country as a top travel destination,” he said. (PNA)
Irrigation
project
in Bohol
soon to be completed:
PBBM
"Kailangan tamang-tama, maganda ang pag-trabaho natin para naman ay masabi natin na lahat ng nais nating tulong na maibigay, lahat ng mga programa na ating naisip ay nadadala natin at bawat Pilipino ay nararamdaman nila (We need to work properly and effectively so that we can tell that every assistance we would like to provide and every program we have developed is implemented and felt by every Filipino)," Marcos said.
PNP obtains
court nod
to examine Chinese
'hacker' devices
Marcos visited the province of Bohol to provide various government assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families in a program at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City.
The President handed over agri-fishery assistance packages, including farm machineries, fishing equipment, seeds and fertilizers as part of the Department of Agriculture's ongoing commitment to boost the agriculture sector amid challenges posed by the El Niño
.
Following the distribution of support services, President Marcos provided cash assistance worth PHP10,000 each to 20 select beneficiaries from Bohol and Cebu, as well as PHP100 million in financial aid to the two provincial governments.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed cash assistance of PHP10,000 each to 10,000 farmers and fisherfolk under its Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program.
Other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez extended other forms of assistance to identified beneficiaries and attendees of the event. (PNA)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday called on Filipinos to remain vigilant and critical in using and sharing information to avoid falling prey to disinformation efforts.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. made the call, citing an “alarming surge” in disinformation campaigns aimed at eroding the public’s trust in the institution and the Philippine government.
“We urge the public to verify sources and seek information from credible and official channels. Let us stand together in the face of these desperate attempts to spread discord,” Brawner said in a statement.
He added that these disinformation efforts sow panic, divide the nation,
He added that these disinformation efforts sow panic, divide the nation, and distract Filipinos from pressing issues that demand collective attention.
“Disinformation not only distorts the truth but also undermines our unity and make(s) the country vulnerable to external challenges that threaten national security and stability,” Brawner said.
He assured that the AFP remains committed to protecting the country and upholding the peace and security agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“We call on every Filipino to join us in this endeavor, fostering a spirit of solidarity and resilience against those who wish to weaken our resolve,” the military chief added. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting a forensic examination on the gadgets and other devices seized from a Chinese national apprehended in Makati City last month.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court 90 issued a warrant to examine computer data (WECD) related to the equipment confiscated from Yuhang Liu.
The PNP has turned over the equipment to the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), specifically to their digital forensic unit for examination. According to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco, the ACG will provide the examination results. If the initial 10-day period is insufficient, they will request additional time.
The seized equipment includes three mobile phones, one radio receiver/transmitter, a Huawei router, an Apple tablet, an Honor laptop, an aerial drone, an inverter unit, a computer central processing unit, and other computer accessories.
Yuhang Liu, the suspect, is currently detained at the CIDG - National Capital Region pending a court order for transfer to the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame. Liu was arrested on May 29 in Barangay San Isidro following a complaint involving firearms.
The complainant alleges that Liu coerced him into delivering unidentified communication hacking devices to the suspect’s residence. These devices are allegedly intended for use in vital installations to hack or access mobile phones’ international mobile equipment identity.
Advincula presided over a Mass in celebration of the feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
“This image honors above all the truth that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God,” Advincula said.
Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, a renowned artist for his large-scale masterpieces, created the statue titled “When I was hungry and thirsty,” which is part of the “Matthew 25” series.
Among his works include the “Angels Unawares” installed in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square and the “Homeless Jesus” at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.
Schmalz described his sculptures as a way to evangelize, particularly to people who may not realize they are seeking Christ in their lives. (PNA)
CICC probes
alleged
data breach
of GCash
MANILA – The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) began its investigation into the alleged data breach on mobile payments service GCash.
In a statement on Friday, CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos said the alleged data breach is being taken seriously, with the CICC already working with GCash to provide more information on the incident.
“GCash has reported that they are working round the clock to check the contents and committed to allow a deeper probe on the alleged leak,” Ramos said.
On Thursday, GCash launched an investigation into the alleged breach of its know-your-customer (KYC) data and found no indications of a data compromise
“Based on our initial findings, there are no indications of a data breach in our systems and this has no impact on customer funds and their accounts remain safe and secure,” GCash said.
The investigation is in response to a report made by Deep Web Konek on Thursday, an online group of local cyber-enthusiasts, that a data breach occurred in late March to early April 2024 against the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and allegedly carried out by threat actor KryptonZombie.
While the PSA initially denied the data breach, Deep Web Konek alleged that more evidence showed the affected party was the GCash KYC system.
The threat actor was said to have uploaded around 100 gigabytes of compromised data from GCash such as mobile numbers, IDs used for KYC processes, GSave account numbers, signatures, and selfie IDs. (PNA)
MANILA – A group of workers of the iconic Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel backed a lawmaker's resolution seeking an investigation into the hotel's impending closure.
"This is a laudable move. It is high time that workers be provided with solid guarantees against union busting," Marco Gojol, deputy secretary general of the National Union of Workers in Hotel, Restaurant and Allied Industries (NUWHRAIN), said in a statement on Friday.
Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 1059 on June 24, calling for an investigation into the labor policy implications of the hotel's closure.
"We call for greater transparency from Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. and demand answers regarding the true reasons behind this decision," Hontiveros said.
Gojol claimed that the closure of the hotel will displace over 1,000 workers and affect their families.
The 51-year-old hotel will have its last day of business on June 30, according to Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. (PPHI) president Esteban Peña Sy.
In June last year, Sy said the company allocated about PHP3 to PHP4 billion to rehabilitate the building, which they plan on recovering through the remaining 17 years on their lease with the Government Service Insurance System.
The PPHI is also seeking a lease extension for 25 more years or up to 2066.
"Sofitel's secrecy about post-renovation plans leaves workers anxious and uncertain about their future. Its refusal to provide job guarantees to all those affected and to continue respecting the union and its CBA (collective bargaining agreement) should it reopen tells us it is only after one thing: to bust the union,” he said.
PPHI informed the workers of their termination on May 8, citing safety as the only factor for closing down Sofitel.
In previous statements, Sy said there have been “many incidents” in recent years.
"We engaged independent and internationally renowned safety consultancy firms to conduct safety audits and they advised us the hotel is not safe for operations," he said in a previous statement. (PNA)
Peso-Dollar
EXCHANGE RATE
P58.67 = $1
Your Virtual Newspaper
Vol. I No. 73
MANILA, PHILIPPINES |
Sofitel workers see hope in proposed Senate probe on hotel closure