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September 24th, 2020 10:41 AM #711
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September 24th, 2020 05:57 PM #712
In his penultimate State of the Nation Address last July, President Duterte was criticized for his defeatist attitude toward China when he spoke about the South China Sea issue.
“Now, plenty of critics, both sides, claim about nothing has been done to retake forcefully or physically the South China Sea. Alam mo, unless we are prepared to go to war, I would suggest that we better just call off and treat this, I said, with diplomatic endeavors. China is claiming it. We are claiming it. China has the arms, we do not have it,” Duterte said on July 28.
Lamenting his helplessness against the military might of China, he said: “So it is simple as that. They are in possession of the property. It will remain a property of a… if you’re a lawyer, property rights. They are – it has nothing to do with the Philippine laws of property, but it’s akin to – they are in possession. So what can we do? We have to go to war and I cannot afford it. Maybe some other president can, but I cannot. Inutil ako diyan, sabihin ko sa inyo. And I’m willing to admit it. Talagang inutil ako diyan. Wala akong magawa. I cannot… the moment I send my Marines there at the coastal shores of Palawan, tinamaan ng cruise missile lahat iyan. Hindi pa nga naka-set sail iyan eh sabog na.”
These were only some of Duterte’s pronouncements since he assumed office in 2016 that made critics accuse him of selling out the Philippines in exchange for Chinese aid even if he had been saying that he would raise the country's arbitration victory at the proper time.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Duterte surprised his critics as he vowed to reject efforts to undermine the historic arbitral ruling that voided China's expansive maritime claim in the South China Sea during his first address before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Duterte said the ruling is already part of international law and could no longer be abandoned by governments.
The President addressed the High-Level General Debate of the 75th Session of the UNGA – the main deliberative organ of the UN where all the 193 member states are represented – from the Malacańang Golf Clubhouse in Malacańang Park.
“We must remain mindful of our obligations and commitment to the charter of the United Nations and as amplified by the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes. The Philippines affirms that commitment in the South China Sea in accordance with UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral award,” Duterte told the assembly, which included representatives from China, as he referred to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“The award is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon. We firmly reject attempts to undermine it,” he stressed.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague ruled that China’s maritime claim, which covers about 90 percent of the resource-rich South China Sea, has no legal basis. The ruling also affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its 200-mile exclusive economic zone or EEZ, specifically over Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank.
The ruling also declared Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales as a common fishing ground, and stated that Chinese moves to drive away Filipino fishermen from the shoal violated Philippine rights.
China has rejected the ruling, calling it “illegal since day one.”
The landmark ruling stemmed from a case seeking the definition of the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under UNCLOS. The case was filed by the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III, which described China’s claim as “excessive” and “exaggerated.”
Upon assuming power, Duterte decided to set aside the maritime dispute to improve the Philippines’ ties with China, but assured Filipinos that he would not give up even an inch of the country’s territory to foreign powers.
His administration, however, has rejected calls to file new cases against China for violating its obligation under UNCLOS to protect the marine environment. Issues related to the South China Sea can be discussed through bilateral consultations with the Chinese government, Philippine officials have said.
Addressing the UNGA on Tuesday, Duterte said: “We welcome the increasing number of states that have come in support of the award and what it stands for – the triumph of reason over rashness, of law over disorder, of amity over ambition. This – as it should – is the majesty of the law.”
China has created artificial islands on Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Panganiban, Zamora (Subi), Burgos (Gaven), Kennan (Hughes), Mabini (Johnson) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs – areas located off Palawan that are also being claimed by the Philippines. Various sectors have expressed concern that China’s island-building would affect freedom of flight and navigation in the area.
‘Do not hate each other too much’
Duterte also warned world leaders about the possible effects of geopolitical tensions that continue to rise while the world is grappling with the coronavirus pandemic.
He said the tensions could inflict a “terrible toll” on human life and property if the “word war” between some countries deteriorated into a real war involving nuclear weapons and missiles.
“Escalating tensions benefit no one. New flashpoints heighten fears and tend to tear peoples apart. When elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled flat,” Duterte said.
“I therefore call on the stakeholders in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East and Africa: if we cannot be friends as yet, then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much. I heard it once said, and I say it to myself in complete agreement,” he added.
‘Alipin no more’
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, senators commended Duterte for his address before the UNGA, specifically his position on the South China Sea.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said if there was an Emmy for the UNGA speeches, the one Duterte delivered could win the prize for the best written. The Emmys honor the best in primetime television programming in the United States.
According to Recto, Duterte’s team who put policies to prose should be congratulated as “what they put together is the template for presidential addresses: cohesive, coherent and straight to the point.”
“If he was able to convey his thoughts with clarity to the world, all the more he should do the same to his own people at this time when they need hope and direction,” Recto stressed.
Recto expressed belief that Duterte’s unequivocal stance against China’s illegal reclamation in the country’s waters should put to rest any ambivalence on where he and the government stand on this important issue.
“From where he spoke, with the whole world watching, he was able to plant our flag on a territory that historically and legally is ours,” Recto said.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who chairs the Senate committee on national defense and security, said hearing the President invoke the arbitral award before the UNGA should now erase doubts on where he stands regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.
“Alipin no more!” Lacson posted on Twitter. Alipin is Filipino for slave.
“Filipinos from both sides of the political aisle should feel proud hearing the President express his strong and unequivocal position on the WPS issue,” Lacson said. “More importantly, I hope that China heard the President’s message loud and clear.”
Opposition Sen. Francis Pangilinan also lauded Duterte’s pronouncements asserting the tribunal ruling.
“We hope he will match these strong words with actions to include bringing the matter officially before the UN as well as seeking support from our ASEAN allies such as Indonesia and Vietnam who have stood up to China and opposed its aggression in the disputed waters,” Pangilinan said. “We also hope he doesn’t change his mind and does a 180-degree turn moving forward.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Duterte offer a toast during a state banquet at Malacańang’s Rizal Hall on Nov. 20, 2018. Xi was in the Philippines for a series of bilateral meetings and signing of agreements between the two countries. The Philippine STAR file photo
‘Get support of more countries’
Albert del Rosario, who as foreign affairs secretary filed the arbitration case in The Hague, welcomed the President’s statement on Wednesday.
“This is the first time that our President addressed the UNGA and we are heartened to know that he is not at all impervious but listens to the will of his countrymen. We also welcome President Duterte’s statement that he supports the ‘increasing number of states that have come in support of the Award’ – and this include the US, France, Germany, (United Kingdom), Australia and others,” Del Rosario said in a statement.
He noted that by invoking the arbitral award, Duterte “has acted more faithfully to our Constitution, which mandates him and our military to secure our country’s sovereignty and protect our lands and seas.”
“The next step is for our President and his administration to put in reality the invocation of the arbitral award: our government should work earnestly to get the support of more countries so that the arbitral award will be raised more emphatically next year, for the UNGA 2021,” Del Rosario stated.
“We hope that this puts to rest the misconception that bringing the arbitral award to the UNGA is re-litigating the case. All Filipinos should now unite so that that the world will help our country enforce the arbitral award against China. Let us not allow this opportunity to be put to waste,” Del Rosario declared. “We deeply thank you, Mr. President, for defending what is ours.”
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September 25th, 2020 08:36 AM #713End of China appeasement? Watch Duterte actions – experts
GOTCHA - Jarius Bondoc (The Philippine Star) - September 25, 2020 - 12:00am
Rody Duterte’s newfound toughness against China’s sea incursions drew varied reactions. Doubters suspect he’ll revert to appeasing Asia’s big bully after that video-speech Tuesday at the UN General Assembly. He has flip-flopped on the China issue before.
But others expect officialdom from hereon to enforce the President’s fresh stand. That is, to “firmly reject attempts to undermine” Manila’s 2016 arbitral victory over China. Aside from hardnosed diplomacy, that entails economic and military re-strategizing.
Duterte had hinged his administration’s initiatives on what China could offer. Thus, his policy of appeasing Beijing. The Hague court had outlawed China’s grab of Philippine reefs. Instead of pursuing the next logical step of having the UN enforce the verdict, he shelved it.
That didn’t bear much fruit. Of $24 billion in loans and investments that Beijing promised Duterte, only $924 million materialized. With two years left in office, his centerpiece “Build, Build, Build” program of 82 infra-works might only have nine on stream. “He’s a politician, he needs accomplishments to show for it,” says geopolitics expert Renato de Castro.
Only China benefited from the appeasement, notes international maritime lawyer Jay Batongbacal. Duterte withdrew the Navy and Air Force from joint sea patrols with allies. Beijing took advantage by fortifying the seven Philippine reefs it illegally occupies. They now host missile silos, bomber and fighter airstrips, and naval bases.
The island-fortresses are used to aggress the Philippines. China coastguards machinegun and water-cannon Filipinos away from traditional fishing ground Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. People’s Liberation Army-Navy combat choppers buzz Filipino sailors resupplying Marines in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. Chinese maritime militia swarm the waters of Pagasa island, Palawan, to disrupt Philippine military air and sea lifts.
Worst was a near bloodbath in February 2020, de Castro reminds. Unprovoked, a Chinese warship aimed and locked its gun controls on a Philippine patrol in Malampaya offshore oilfield, Palawan. Accidental fire could have sparked war. Filipino sailors seethed at how duplicitous their supposed Chinese friends were.
Meanwhile, Duterte risked isolation. While he froze Manila’s arbitral win, ASEAN allies Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have expressed to the UN backing for The Hague verdict. So have the United States, France, Germany, United Kingdom and Australia.
Now Duterte says “the award is beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon.” He also welcomes the growing support of other countries for Manila’s arbitral triumph.
So is Duterte’s appeasement of China over?
Wait-and-see is the stance of those who worked for the Philippine arbitral win. While praising Duterte for invoking the ruling, retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio and former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario cautiously watch his next moves.
“I fervently hope the Duterte administration will implement (the new policy) across all levels – in the protection of our exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, in the negotiations for the Code of Conduct and in gathering the support of the international community for enforcement of the arbitral award,” Carpio says.
Del Rosario suggests that “our President and his administration ... work earnestly to get the support of more countries so that the arbitral award will be raised more emphatically next year at the UN General Assembly 2021.”
Eagerly observed is the outcome of the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement, opines retired Army general Edilberto Adan. On Duterte’s order, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. filed last February a six-month Notice of Termination. Before last month’s deadline however, Duterte again told Locsin to delay the termination by six months. “Will the VFA be scrapped or resumed, as a crucial element of the 1952 PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty?” asks Adan who used to head its secretariat.
Philippine military equipment are puny compared to China’s. Restoring military exercises and joint patrols with the US and other allies is critical for Philippine defense of territorial waters and maritime jurisdictions. Those are deterrents to China’s sea expansionism. “Our government must know that the time to stop China is now,” says Adan.
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September 26th, 2020 09:11 AM #714
China rejects Hague ruling anew, cites 'agreement' with Duterte to 'close the old chapter' | ABS-CBN News
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September 26th, 2020 10:18 AM #715Call it the Asean Sea
By: Mahar Mangahas - *inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:05 AM September 26, 2020
On maps of the world, most of what is usually labeled as “South China Sea” (SCS) is actually quite far from China. Its name comes, according to Wikipedia, from being bounded in the north by the southern shores of China.
But the SCS is also bounded, going counterclockwise, in the east by the Philippines and Borneo (shared by Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia), in the south by the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and in the west by Singapore, Thailand, peninsular Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
This body of water, 3.5 million square kilometers in area, is smack in the center of Southeast Asia, and almost entirely bordered by member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) — a grouping of 10 states, with an aggregate population of 660 million, on a land area of 4.5 million square kilometers.
Even for geographical reasons alone, the name Southeast Asia Sea, or else the shorter name Asean Sea, is much more appropriate for this large body of water that is almost entirely enclosed within the region.
Ever since July 2016, when the Arbitral Tribunal on the Law of the Sea ruled that its “nine-dash line” is spurious, it would have been clear to any serious observer on the planet that China is the country least deserving of consideration in the naming of this body of water, which I shall henceforth refer to as the Asean Sea.
The fact that the Chinese government refused to participate in the litigation, vowed in advance to disregard any outcome, and instead rushed construction of artificial islands in the area, is convincing proof that it knew from the very start that it had no evidence behind the nine-dash line, and was bound to lose its case in a fair trial.
World opinion is slowly, but surely, turning against the bully. The Asean countries are, of course, individually opposed to the creeping imperialistic moves of China in the Asean Sea. Hence China is trying to deal with them bilaterally, meaning one on one, rather than as a group.
The Philippines has led the way, by officially designating its western exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as the West Philippine Sea. I think our government should do a complete job by similarly designating a North Philippine Sea, an East Philippine Sea (EPS), and a South Philippine Sea so as to completely cover our borders, and using these names in all official Philippine maps. The EPS is the most urgent, since this should cover the immense Benham Rise, which is undoubtedly also coveted by China. I hope every Asean country names its respective EEZs accordingly, if it hasn’t yet done so.
In time, as maps are revised, reducing the coverage of the term SCS to a few miles of EEZ close to the southern shore of China, and revealing the extent of an appropriately named Asean Sea, the curious world will ask why, and thus become conscious of the Arbitral Tribunal’s 2016 ruling, and appreciate its justice.
The ultimate audience is the Chinese people. I maintain the assumption that the Chinese people as a whole are decent persons, who know the golden rule, would like to live in peace, are kindhearted rather than abusive to others, can accept historical facts, and are not by nature imperialistic.
Here I distinguish between the government of China and the people of China, from whom the fakery of the nine-dash line has been well-hidden. It must count as one of the greatest deceptions in the history of the world, that 1.4 billion people have been brainwashed, for seven decades, to imagine that their country has always been the victim of foreign imperialists, and could never be an imperialist itself.
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September 26th, 2020 11:17 AM #716
Too good to be true...
Duterte gov’t still setting aside arbitral ruling, Palace says
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September 26th, 2020 11:54 AM #717
^ hawak pa din sa gonads ni winnie da pooh eh
do what you gotta do so you can do what you wanna do
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September 26th, 2020 02:19 PM #718Kita nyo ang bilis binawi agad.
Ito yung post nyo sa duterte platform thread. Hinanap nyo kasi agad ako. Nakiknig lang kayo sa sinabi pero hindi nyo naramdaman kung paano sinabi
and kita nyo reply ko sa inyo.
Am I so right tsikoteeers?
Do you see what i see?
Saan school ba kayo grumadweyt? Wala ba refund tutiion?
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October 12th, 2020 02:07 AM #720
They reported 95... but thats juat what they saw. Fockers are in the hundreds ..
I don't even bother reading articles about Chinese cars. Sent from my SM-T970 using Tsikot...
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