EDCA needed to defend WPS (Updated 2023)
Carpio confident of PH win if sea dispute with China is brought to UN
Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party
Commentaries on the Chinese Communist party, in my opinion, is a needed knowledge to understand the ideologies and beliefs behind the party that answers important questions on why they are doing the ghastly repression of spiritual beliefs, violence and illegal claims in the South China Sea, and a great threat to the democratic ideologies of western and eastern countries. – Ricardo B Serrano
Chinese frigates give jitters to Pakistani navy
Commentary: The China made frigates make a mockery of Chinese navy capabilities as shown by Chinese made frigates purchased by Pakistan. Now that I am more informed of Chinese made ships not working makes me not fearful anymore about being at war with China’s navy. Let these Chinese made ships driven by inexperienced Chinese navies challenge war experienced US, Australia and Canada navies and see what they can do in a real war! – Ricardo B Serrano, Filipino patriot
Canada to boost PH maritime security in Indo Pacific – Melanie Joly
Taiwan prepares for Chinese invasion with hopes for peace
PCG marks West Philippine Sea territory with buoys
Comment: As predicted a few days ago, China is now again claiming WPS illegally! The question is, what BBM will do now? I hope he has guts, not like Du30. Is BBM up to China’s challenge? We’ll see if he means what he says and prove that he’ll fight like his late dad to save face. His reputation is at stake now. I might add that a showdown between Philippines, US vs China’s military is forthcoming and the only right choice left for the Philippines is to assert our sovereignty with the help of EDCA. Right is might! – Ricardo B Serrano, Filipino patriot December 7, 2022
The only viable solution to end the problem with China’s illegal claims on West Philippine Sea is a no-brainer. Courage to stand up against China by Marcos led Philippine Navy is all it takes. Philippines should emulate Malaysia and Indonesia and not submit to China’s threats. As Antonio Carpio said. “Malaysia and Indonesia successfully asserted their sovereign rights in their respective EEZs despite threats of war from China and harassment from Chinese coast guard vessels. Malaysia and Indonesia successfully asserted their sovereign rights even without an arbitral award or a mutual defense treaty with a nuclear-armed state.” – Ricardo B Serrano
Recent developments in the South China Sea: Perspective from the Philippines by Antonio Carpio (November 11, 2022)
Comment: As ex-CJ Antonio Carpio said, “Because we have now the capability to defend WPS with the support of US and Allies and EDCA vs China, the only problem is the lack of political will (courage) by the PH government. Thank you ex-CJ Antonio Carpio for being a true Filipino patriot! We need more Filipinos like you in the Philippines.
Comment: With China’s coercive gunboat diplomacy by their militia vessels swarming closer to Malampaya oil and gas exploration sites, US EDCA is obviously necessary to support the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard to confront Chinese naval vessels and prevent escalation. – Ricardo B Serrano
Beijing’s gunboat diplomacy must stop
Updates:(2023) See EDCA is constitutional (2016)
How expanded EDCA access to AFP sites could affect independent foreign policy
- China VP warns at UN of ‘strong will’ on Taiwan
- Surigao del Norte offered as EDCA site
- PH, US militaries to implement 500 bilateral engagements in 2024 — AFP
- PH, US top brass eye more Edca sites
- PH, US add 63 more projects within the 9 EDCA sites
- Brawner optimistic more EDCA projects with US will be operational next year
- US considering seeking further expansion of Philippines base access, admiral says
- PH, US diplomatic, military officials to inspect 3 EDCA sites
- Gibo: 10-dash line shows China’s expansionist policy
- China’s expansionism: Threat of force, false history and cartographic invasion
- Marcos, Kamala Harris talk South China Sea in Jakarta
- US in talks to develop PH port facing Taiwan
- PH, US mark 72nd anniversary of Mutual Defense Treaty
- OCTA survey: 54% of Filipinos in favor of expanding US military ties to address WPS issues
- New military outpost eyed to guard Philippine Rise
- Use of force, threat in WPS sabotage shared stewardship – DFA
- Gibo, AFP top brass visit EDCA sites in Isabela
- China using EDCA-Taiwan nexus as justification for WPS occupation
- Teodoro to China: Stop invasion through harassment, structure build-up in WPS
- EDCA sites boost defense posture in region – US
- Work on 14 projects at EDCA sites to begin
- Work on 3-km runway, pier in progress at Edca site
- ‘War in the horizon’: Marcos urged to reconsider EDCA amid Taiwan tensions
- EDCA sites not US bases – envoy
- US: ‘Everything we do in the Philippines is at the invitation of gov’t’
- Manalo, Canada foreign minister to tackle West Philippine Sea issue
- Amid tension with China, Philippines gets bolder
- What’s the quid pro quo for EDCA?
- PH under Bongbong Marcos: Reviving ties with US but not closing doors to China
- Top Gun feel: US, PH airmen stage drills vs WPS ‘enemy’
- EDCA: Marcos needs a ‘Goldilocks’ strategy
- On the US and China, Marcos wants the Philippines to have its cake and eat it too
- Emerging security threats, China aggression push PH to revitalize relations with US – analysts
- ‘We’re not backing down’: PH message to China is now louder
- Bilateral Defense Guidelines include AFP modernization, cyber defense
- US, PH agree attack on respective Coast Guards in S. China Sea to trigger mutual defense treaty
- Why China Should Learn To Live With U.S.-Philippine EDCA
- US to China: ‘Desist from provocative, unsafe conduct’ in South China Sea
- Philippines, US air forces to train in revival of Cope Thunder exercise
- PH, US sink target ship in Balikatan exercise off Zambales
- Philippines, US simulate coordinated operation against ship off Zambales coast
- Filipinos train on Patriot, Avenger missile systems
- Philippine gov’t urged to begin Reed Bank oil exploration
- Carpio: Marcos ‘doing the right thing so far’ in addressing West PH Sea dispute
- Analysis on EDCA, Part 2
- Taiwan preparing for when — not if — China launches military attack: minister
- AFP says it’s possible to expand EDCA sites further: We need 360° protection
- US to pursue more economic investments in areas with Edca sites – DND chief
- Roque: EDCA sites could be targets for China amid brewing war with US
- PH nod needed if EDCA sites will be used for US ops vs other countries – DFA chief
- US Military Cannot Refuel, Repair, Reload At Philippines Bases; Cannot Use EDCA To Defend Taiwan — Reports
- China Envoy Faces Backlash Over Threat to Philippine Lives in Taiwan
- US to China: Edca with PH not about any ‘third country’
- EDCA gives US two international airports to use for war with China
- Palace should urge Beijing to recall ambassador over ‘disgraceful statements’ – Hontiveros
- After China’s ‘veiled threat,’ NSC assures Philippines’ non-interference in Taiwan
- Chinese envoy alarmed over additional EDCA sites in Philippines
- China should ‘walk the talk’ in sea row – analyst
- US, Philippines agree to complete security assistance roadmap in 5 to 10 years, says US Defense Secretary
- Repeated infringement necessitates EDCA – DFA
- China stages drills off Taiwan, warns PH anew on Edca
- Will new Philippine sites for US military near Taiwan affect Manila-China ties?
- Philippines-US EDCA not aimed against any country — DND
- China: New EDCA sites may draw Philippines into Taiwan conflict
- Pentagon: New Edca sites for ‘regional readiness’
- China remark on EDCA sites smacks of hypocrisy, double standard – expert
- China’s maritime strategy: To own the oceans by adverse possession
- EDCA: To be or not to be!
- Upgraded Philippines-US Military Cooperation May Cause a Setback in China-Philippines Relations
- Philippines to announce new bases US soldiers can use: officials
- Senator Escudero statements about EDCA are spot on
- The tiny Philippine island on the frontline of the US-China battle for supremacy
- JV, Chiz reject China’s statement vs. new EDCA sites in Philippines
- China opposes joint patrols in West Philippine Sea, more EDCA sites
- How Ukraine War, Chinese Invasion Threats Are Further Boosting Military Ties Between US & Asian Nations
- China: EDCA to ‘seriously harm’ Philippine interests, peace, stability
- EDCA site Basa air base to get $24-M airstrip extension, rehab —Carlson
- Hunt for oil and gas increases risk of flashpoints in South China Sea, report says
- Will EDCA stop Chinese ‘intrusions’ into PH waters?
- ‘We are not preparing for war’: DND chief on EDCA projects
- Philippines discussing security cooperation with Singapore, Vietnam
- Japan, Australia may conduct South China Sea patrols with US, Philippines — ambassador
- Crossing the ‘laser’ thin line: A growing support for joint maritime patrols
- VERA FILES FACT CHECK: China’s foreign ministry spokesman falsely claims Ayungin Shoal is part of China
- ‘Big guns’ mulled for PCG vessels
- Carpio: PH can invoke MDT on Chinese laser ‘attack’
- Japan, Australia express serious concern over China Coast Guard laser incident
- US backs Philippines in laser dispute with China
- As region gets more tense, Philippines considers VFA with Japan
- Chinese ship blinds PH Navy with military-grade laser: Coast Guard
- PH, US, Japan mulling tripartite agreement: Marcos Jr.
- China Coast Guard ‘harassed’ Philippine counterpart, security expert says
- What will it take for the Philippines and US to expand EDCA?
- Filipino lawmakers back greater US access under defense pact
- Cong Rufus explains why EDCA expansion is a good idea
- AFP prepares for 2023 Balikatan exercises with US
- Water Wars: Japan’s Defense Buildup Signals a Shift Away from Post-WWII
- Philippines Does A 180 On US Relations, Offers More Military Bases Amid China-Taiwan Tension
- Philippines sovereignty to be upheld under EDCA – DND
- Philippines ‘draws red line’ vs China with tighter US military ties, says analyst
- Joint patrols to benefit fishermen – senators
- Why Marcos Is Inviting the US Military Back to the Philippines
- Biden’s Risky Bet on the Philippines to Counter China
- PH, US agree to restart joint maritime patrols in South China Sea
- Babe Romualdez: PH-US defense cooperation not directed vs. any country
- China to Philippines: Resist being taken advantage of, dragged into ‘trouble waters’
- Philippines, US designate 4 new EDCA sites
- As PH ‘traverses troubled waters,’ Marcos tells US involvement important
- PH needs to cooperate with US amid China aggression – analyst
- Philippines to expand US access to military bases: official
- Austin to tackle larger US military presence in Philippines
- China Coast Guard increased patrols in 2022 – US think tank
- US Defense chief Austin arrives in PH to meet with Galvez
- Will China win over South China Sea?
- US Defense chief Austin arrives in PH to meet with Galvez
- Will China win over South China Sea?
- China Coast Guard increased patrols in 2022 – US think tank
- US Defense chief Austin arrives in PH to meet with Galvez
- Will China win over South China Sea?
- US defense chief’s manila visit to focus on edca, plans to address new threat
- South China Sea: how Beijing might respond as Southeast Asia bands together on rival claims
- What must Marcos do after 2 China incursions
- Hontiveros hopes Marcos will stop compromising West PH Sea with China
- PH may conduct joint patrols in South China Sea with US, Asean, says Tolentino
- [OPINION] The rule of law as the clear path to resolve the South China Sea dispute
- PH-US patrol in West Philippine Sea ‘on the table,’ says Romualdez
- US-PH dialogue tags Subic Bay as ‘priority’ infrastructure site
- New Year, Old Moves: China, Philippines, and the South China Sea
- Philippines, US vow to boost security ties to address ‘flashpoints
- Philippines, US plan to ‘expedite’ completing EDCA projects, adding locations
- Pursuing Philippines-China Cooperation On Oil And Gas Development – Analysis
- PH working to avoid getting ‘trampled’ by US and China
- Marcos: PH walking fine line between US, China
- China coast guard ‘drove off’ Filipino fishers from Ayungin
- Marcos: PH-US ties must ‘evolve’ amid developments in South China Sea
- Fair warning
- China still optimistic on joint oil, gas exploration despite SC ruling
- Marcos: China won’t stop Pinoys from fishing
- Group urges Año to lay out West Philippine Sea security plans
- Congress hikes AFP modernization budget amid rumors of unrest
- ‘Court decision to impact PH-China oil exploration’
- South China Sea: Philippine court ruling ‘will constrain’ future oil and gas quests with Beijing
- ‘New golden age’: Marcos seeks ‘maturity’ in Philippines-China ties
- Proposed joint oil exploration at WPS seen hitting snag
- Fishers’ group rejects China’s reported partnership proposal with PH fishing villages
- Roque to SolGen: Appeal SC decision on joint exploration deal
- US, Japan recognize landmark South China Sea ruling
- PH, China still open to joint oil and gas exploration
- DFA to set parameters for future oil, gas exploration talks
- China to still push for joint exploration with PH despite court ruling vs. JMSU
- Zubiri urges oil exploration in Sulu Sea, Benham Rise
- PH military to keep policy in handling WPS under new chiefs —exec
- SC rules Arroyo-era joint exploration with China, Vietnam unconstitutional
- No deal with China on oil exploration at disputed WPS – DOE
- PHILIPPINES, CHINA TO RESUME TALKS ON EXPLORATION IN SOUTH CHINA SEA
- Marcos visit to test ‘how truthful’ China is to pledges – analysts
- China’s tiresome rhetoric
- Gatchalian doubts China ready to bend to PH demands on joint exploration
- What media missed in BBM’s trip and NAIA’s slip
- ‘Engaged public,’ quality of information important in deterring China in WPS
- Philippines should pursue Recto Bank exploration — Carpio
- Marcos must govern – and be decisive
- West PH Sea exploration with China a ‘risky’ move, fishers’ group warns
- Friend to all, enemy to none? Foreign policy experts say PH can’t be neutral
- Oil Updates — Oil rebounds after biggest drop in decades at start of year; Exxon sees oil earnings ease in Q4
- 84% of Pinoys want Philippines-US security cooperation in WPS
- ‘No compromise’ needed with China for Filipinos to fish in West PH Sea – group
- PH, China should be fully transparent on WPS oil exploration, says Pimentel
- Pacts signed with China just ‘continuation’ of past agreements, analysts say
- PH, China agree to resume oil, gas exploration in West PH Sea
- China offers talks on oil exploration deal with Philippines as presidents Xi Jinping and Ferdinand Marcos meet
- Philippine leader to broach South China Sea issue on China trip
- Marcos Jr in desperate need of China’s Belt and Road
- Canada eyes closer ties with PH as part of expanded role in Indo-Pacific
- AFP intensifying presence in West Philippines Sea
- US, Chinese jets in close encounter over South China Sea
- Philippine president to raise South China Sea issue during Beijing visit
- Philippines, China to establish direct lines to ease tensions over sea row
- PBBM to raise oil and gas exploration, direct communication on WPS in China visit
- Philippines, China to ink deal for ‘direct communication’ on West PH Sea
- Marcos state visit to China ‘very important’ to PH economy, says business group
- As Marcos visits, lessons in dealing with China
- The right and wrong ways of dealing with China
- China Challenges Philippines Over Oil, Gas, And Ocean
- Naval drills with China response to ‘aggressive’ US: Russian army chief
- DND to military: Strengthen presence in West Philippine Sea
- Philippines boosts military in disputed sea after Chinese ‘encroachment’
- China accused of new territorial grab in South China Sea
- Philippines ‘concerned’ over report on China’s construction activities in Spratlys
- US backs Philippine call for China to respect law of the sea
- China Accused of Building on Unoccupied Reefs in South China Sea
- US: Chinese vessels in Philippine EEZ in violation of international law
- Chinese embassy tells US official: Stop using South China Sea to sow discord
- Embassy says US should let Philippines, China settle ‘vessel swarming’ issue
- The will to fight for what is ours
- Chinese coast guard challenges anew PH resupply team to Ayungin Shoal
- ‘Philippines needs lethal defense capabilities in West Philippine Sea’
- Senators slam Chinese intrusion in WPS
- Standing up to China’s bullying
- PH asks European Union to help apply UNCLOS
- Marcos, Jr.: ASEAN, EU voices to boost UNCLOS enforcement amid S. China Sea row
- President must give weight to Senate reso on S. China Sea – analyst
- Chinese vessels decreased but still swarming over parts of West Philippine Sea — Wescom
- Marcos: EU support gives PH, ASEAN ‘strong position’ to negotiate South China Sea issues
- High time to assert PH rights
- DND ‘greatly concerned’ with reported swarming of Chinese vessels in WPS
- Faustino: Chinese vessels swarming West PH Sea ‘unacceptable’
- San Miguel Global: SPPC has supply contract with government
- High time to assert PH rights
- AFP vows West Philippine Sea patrols amid China boat swarm
- Philippines marks 40th anniversary of UNCLOS, the ‘constitution of the oceans’
- US sanctions hit China’s illegal fishing
- Marcos to have at least 10 bilateral meetings in Belgium – DFA
- Japan fighters in PH; first since WW II
- AFP Western Command confirms Chinese militia vessels moving closer to Palawan Video
- China taking positions to deny PH access to key WPS areas
- Wescom confirms ‘swarming’ of Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea
- Chinese militia vessels coming closer to Palawan THE ‘SWARM’ IS NEARER NOW TO OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION SITES
- Philippines needs to find ways to exploit South China Sea resources, says Marcos
- Marcos-led Philippines plays both sides in diplomatic tug of war with US and China
- Philippines will explore for oil South China Sea even without a deal with Beijing: Marcos
- Calls for more US economic engagement in Indo-Pacific region at US security forum
- US has ‘many requests’ on Edca, Bongbong Marcos says
- Marcos: US proposals for EDCA, defense treaty ‘under study’
- Philippines Commissions New Gunboats, Plans on Acquiring 15 More
- Hontiveros welcomes US support in sea row, wary of EDCA and nuclear energy offers
- [OPINION] Kamala Harris and the cultures shaping the South China Sea conflict
- US military poised to return to Subic Bay, counter China’s presence
- ‘US weapons in Philippine send strong message to China’
- [ANALYSIS] Recent developments in the South China Sea: Perspective from the Philippines
- Harris: US stands with PH vs coercion in South China Sea
- Explainer: Why US seeks closer security cooperation with the Philippines
- Carpio: Harris visit a message to China that PH will have capability to defend itself
- Harris tells Marcos: Attacks vs. PH in South China Sea will invoke US mutual defense commitments
- MDT is ‘inutile’: No US aid when PH islands occupied – Roque
- [OPINION] Kamala Harris and the cultures shaping the South China Sea conflict
- PANOORIN: Ano ang pakialam natin kay Kamala Harris?
- US Vice President Harris to visit Palawan on edge of disputed South China Sea
- US allots $66.5 million for construction of facilities in 3 Edca sites for 2023 — DND
- Carpio urges Marcos to protect Philippine oil exploration vessels in Recto Bank
- US eyes building 5 more facilities in PH under EDCA
- Chinese embassy denies ‘forceful seizure’ of rocket part near Pag-asa Island
- DND OIC says PH military capability ‘one of the weakest in the region’
- Marcos: Imperative to empower Philippines vs. terrorism, external threats
- New photos of China-made islands in Spratlys show scale of military buildup
- US, Philippines eye 5 additional sites for EDCA projects
- US eyeing to spend $70 million on Philippine military infra —Carlson
- Marcos allows Australian firm to to pursue oil exploration in PH
- Philippines hopes Cadlao oil redevelopment will revitalise upstream sector
- Philippines, US reinforce alliance with joint military drills
- US, Philippines reinforce alliance with joint military drills
- China’s False Promise: Gunboat Diplomacy, Not Win-Win Outcomes, Will Shape the South China Sea
- Del Rosario: PH need not wait for China on oil, gas exploration
- Marcos admin urged to completely shelve oil, gas exploration talks with China
- Philippines Okays Drilling in South China Sea
Malaysia and Indonesia successfully asserted their sovereign rights in their respective EEZs despite threats of war from China and harassment from Chinese coast guard vessels. Malaysia and Indonesia successfully asserted their sovereign rights even without an arbitral award or a mutual defense treaty with a nuclear-armed state.
Obviously, if the Philippines wants to keep its energy costs within reasonable levels, and if it wants to unburden its people from exorbitant energy costs, the Philippines must follow the example of Malaysia and Indonesia in asserting its sovereign rights in its own EEZ. This requires political will which the Duterte administration was in severe deficit of when dealing with China.
Hopefully, the new Marcos administration will find the courage to exercise the much-needed political will to protect the survey and drilling ships, otherwise Filipinos will be condemned to suffer even higher energy costs than what they are already experiencing today.
As far as the five ASEAN coastal states prejudiced by China’s nine-dash line are concerned, the South China Sea dispute with their common adversary – China – is a battle over the exploitation of maritime resources in the South China Sea. These ASEAN coastal states need to exploit the oil and gas in their respective EEZs for their economic development, but China is preventing them from getting the oil and gas that belong to them.
On the other hand, the dispute between China on one side, and the US and its allies on the other side, is a dispute over freedom of navigation and overflight in the EEZs and high seas of the South China Sea.
These two disputes, however, converge at the most crucial point. When the US and its allies assert freedom of navigation and overflight in the EEZs and high seas of the South China Sea, they necessarily uphold that the five ASEAN coastal states have their own EEZs, and that about 25% of the South China Sea are high seas. This debunks China’s claim that it owns all the natural resources within its nine-dash line which includes the entire high seas in the South China Sea well as large areas of the EEZs of five ASEAN coastal states.
As long as China insists on enforcing its nine-dash line, the peoples of these five ASEAN coastal states can never consider China as a true friend. Instead, they will always see China as a bully – using its military might to grab for itself the natural resources that under international law legitimately belong to the peoples of these ASEAN coastal states.
The peoples of these ASEAN coastal states will naturally support the US and its allies as the true friends who are helping them repulse the country that is bullying them to steal their natural resources. – Carpio
Related News in this website:
- EDCA is constitutional (2016)
- In war on drugs, truth is the first casualty 2016
- ITLOS ruling vs China’s claim 2016
- PH in ITLOS vs China 2016
- US-Alliance vs China (Updates) 2015
- China vs US Alliance in WPS 2015
- China’s WPS Karmic Repercusions 2015
- Blockades by China in WPS 2015
- United we will win vs China 2015
- China’s ADIZ in WPS 2014
- China vs PH Ayungin standoff 2014
- US-Asia-Pacific Alliance vs China 2014
- US, PH Japan vs China 2014
- Our geography is Our Destiny 2013
Alliance stayed strong amid challenges: Locsin, Austin reaffirm PH-US ties
NATO toughens stance on Chinese regime, says Beijing presents systemic challenge
No VFA renegotiation, US prepared to leave if accord finally abrogated – sources
VFA faces uncertainty as Duterte asks US to explain inaction in 2012 Panatag standoff
Duterte says VFA up for renegotiation
Philippine envoy confident Duterte will back revamped US defense pact
– Richard Heydarian
Aquino, Duterte, and the folly of defeatism
Jardeleza reaches out to Duterte: New baselines law key to Hague ruling
Not another six years: Group rises vs possible Duterte dynasty
Southeast Asian countries edging closer to US – Asia Times
Biden wants to meet Duterte, says Manila envoy as VFA hangs in balance
Philippines files fresh protest vs China’s incessant presence in West PH Sea
Allowing 100% foreign ownership could lead to
Chinese incursions in PH business
Backer niya China! Bayan Muna alarmed by Dennis Uy’s control of Malampaya gas field
Dennis Uy buys Shell stake, gains control of Malampaya gas field
Wuhan lab staff sought hospital care before COVID-19 outbreak disclosed – WSJ
Robredo pushes for inclusion of other countries in settling WPS row
US destroyer backs up Biden’s tough words in South China Sea
Japan, Australia back Ph in row
Carpio, Roque answer queries on fishing rights, territorial dispute in WPS
Is US engineering regime change in Philippines?
China fishing ban meant to assert control over South China Sea: analyst
We are confused and that’s dangerous, says ex-senator Biazon on WPS issue
Retired soldiers, police urge Duterte to defend West PH Sea
Pangilinan on China threat if PH digs oil in WPS, Why should we be scared?
Enrile made an incorrect assessment of PH stand on WPS issue – Makabayan solon
Following Enrile’s advice, Duterte says he will ignore critics on WPS policy
Miriam: Enrile a plunderer, criminal, womanizer
Check your facts: Trillanes disputes Enrile claims on 2012 back channel talks with China
Ex-envoy Cuisia: China was duplicitous in the Scarborough agreement
Another jet ski scam: Trillanes twits Duterte remark on keeping ships
in West PH Sea
Duterte, a virtual non-president
Legal analysts: South China Sea arbitral win of PH not a mere piece of paper
JPE to Duterte: Arbitral award not meaningless but UN powerless to enforce
Carpio: Duterte’s ‘betrayal of national interest’ over WPS an impeachable offense
‘A tragedy’: Duterte squandering Philippines huge sea row victory vs China – ex-envoy
Duterte says his jet ski promise a pure joke that stupid people believed
Mixed signals on sea row only benefit China – Lacson
Amid Roque statement, DFA says stand on Felipe Reef unchanged
US President Biden conveys condolences over death of valued friend Noynoy Aquino
Nearly 300 Chinese vessels still scattered in West Philippine Sea
Mining in Zambales alledgely linked to Chinese construction in WPS
Jet ski boast was pledge to assert sovereignty in West Philippine Sea
Philippines files protests vs China as 287 vessels swarm WPS
Duterte can’t ‘intimidate’ Biden over VFA payment demand, says Cuisia (Updated February 18, 2021)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will be at the losing end if the visiting forces agreement (VFA) between the United States and the Philippines will not be retained owing to the tack being employed by President Rodrigo Duterte, a former ambassador to the United States said.
Speaking over ABS-CBN News Channel, former Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. said US President Joe Biden is not likely to get “intimidated” to hand over payment for Duterte’s demand in exchange for the retention of the VFA.
“I don’t think he (Duterte) can intimidate President Joe Biden unlike the way he dealt with President [Donald] Trump,” Cuisia said.
“I’m sure they (US) don’t want to lose the VFA. I’m sure they want to maintain the strategic alliance with the Philippines but if we become unreasonable, I think President Biden is the type who’s gonna walk away,” he added.
Last week, Duterte demanded the US to “pay” if they want to continue its VFA with the Philippines. Palace later on explained that the President merely wanted to get a higher share of aid that the US, the country’s staunch military and economic ally, had been giving war-torn Pakistan, to the to the tune of $16 billion.
The VFA, which took effect in 1999, provides a mechanism for visiting American soldiers and serves as the foundation for military exercises and humanitarian work.
Without the VFA, the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) cannot be implemented, according to Cusia.
“They (US) would try diplomatic means to try to resolve the issue but if they cannot, then I think we will be at the losing end if they decide to walk away,” he said.
Cuisia also warned anew that the absence of the VFA may “embolden” China to continue with its “aggressive expansion” in the South China Sea
“They may in fact build a military base in Scarborough Shoal that will enable them to have complete control of the South China Sea, which of course is going to be detrimental to the Philippines and to the other countries that have claims in the South China Sea,” he said.
Cuisia also hit Malacañang’s insistence for higher aid at par with what was given by the US to Pakistan in the form of counterterrorism assistance from 2001 to 2017.
Demanding the same amount given to Pakistan is “not fair” since the latter is under a “much larger threat” of terrorism than the Philippines, he said.
“Pakistan is a different situation. They have a much larger threat in terms of terrorism, we know what the Taliban have done over the years so it’s not fair to make the comparison,” he pointed out.
“To demand that they pay about $16 billion, I think is quite unreasonable,” he also said.
Further, the former envoy said the Duterte administration should not only look at the military assistance being given by the US to the Philippines.
“We have other assistance that we’re getting from the US, not just military assistance. We have a lot of assistance in terms of education, in terms of health,” he said.
“In terms of counter-terrorism, they have been providing a lot of training for our military forces. We should look at the totality of what we’re getting from the US,” he added.
Read Duterte can’t ‘intimidate Biden over VFA payment demand, says Cuisia
- US after China water cannon attack incident: Armed attack vs Philippines to trigger defense treaty
- Everything you need to know about the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines
- Hillary Clinton fears Philippines might become a ‘subject of China’
- Ex-FDA chief Del Rosario shares Clinton’s concern over China’s influence in PH
- Del Rosario warns vs China’s proposal
- US, Philippines agree to 300 activities for 2021
- Philippines , US must clearly convey message of enforcing MDT
- PH-US treaty rests on resolve, says ex-foreign secretary
- Lorenzana: Chinese envoy told me to not touch MDT with US
- We plan to move fairly quickly: US, Philippines to restart work on shared military facilities
- US Marine Corps chief visits Philippines, cites bilateral ties
- US, Philippines to resume defense projects under EDCA military pact
- Philippines vows to ignore China maritime law, seeks US help
- PH seeks to boost ties with US
- PH joins US-led naval exercises in Southeast Asia
- US warship docks in Manila since 2019
- Reinstated VFA restores balance of power in AsPac
- PH thanks US for affirming in mutual defense pact
- US, at East Asia meet, rejects China Sea claims
- Palace: US vaccine donations to PH likely among reasons why Duterte kept VFA
- PH, US sign agreement on search and rescue ops
- Duterte diluted PH win vs China, says retired ICC judge
- Alliance stayed strong amid challenges: Locsin, Austin reaffirm PH-US ties
- Duterte fully restores troop pact with United States
- US: Fully resored VFA vital in rules-based order in Indo-Pacific
- Duterte ordered retraction of VFA termination – Lorenzana
- Carpio hits Duterte for staying faithful to Chinese propaganda line after arbitration remark
- US says China sea claims have no basis in ternational law
- Independent foreign policy? Recto says Duterte is pro-China
- No arbitration occurred, says Duterte despite PCA ruling favoring PH
- Misinformation called out: Philippines’ claim on Kalayaan Islands not erased by arbitral win
- Philippines considering addendum to US Visiting Forces Agreement
- Zarate: Oil found by China within PH EEZ is ours
- China oil? Experts verifying oil exploration equipment with Chinese markings found in Pangasinan – Lorenzana
- Lorenzana sees Duterte OK of new VFA terms
- Isn’t it about time to reject Duterte? – Ex-DFA Sec. Del Rosario
- After 5 long years of inaction, Carpio lists 5 ways to defend the West Philippine Sea
- China becoming evil empire, warns US former VP Mike Pence
- Carpio rebuts Duterte, offers at least 6 ways to enforce Hague ruling
- Philippines welcome US support for 2016 arbitral award, reaffirmation of MDT
- China continues to belittle PH court win in sea row as a piece of waste paper
- Del Rosario scores Duterte for alleged failure of leadership over West Philippine Sea
- China vessels dumping human waste in parts of West Philippine Sea, photos show
- Del Rosario citing source, says China interfered in 2016 polls to get Duterte elected
- On 5th year of arbitral victory, senators call for unflinching defense of PH maritime territory
- US reaffirms commitment to defend Philippines vs armed attack in South China sea
- Robredo marks 5th year of arbitration win vs China: Fight for rights in West PH Sea
- Five years after West PH Sea ruling, China’s presence around Philippines only growing
- Philippine military plane crash highlights country’s ageing, stretched equipment
- US delivers P48.5M in weapons to AFP
- Noynoy Aquino’s advisers bitterly divided on China arbitration case – Carpio
- PH, US working very hard to restore very important VFA – envoy
- Philippines, Japan to hold first joint air force exercises
- Threat is real: Wescom chief says PH sovereignty at stake in bid for more military assets
- Philippine Marines new war fighting paradigm: The Archipelagic Coastal Defense
- Filipino woman’s voice soon to air warning vs China, other PH EEZ intruders
- PH must educate citizens on West PH Sea arbitral victory: group
- US President Biden conveys condolences over death of valued friend Noynoy Aquino
- US State Dep’t OKs possible sale of fighter jets, missilesto PH – Pentagon
- Review of PH response sought vs China deception in WPS
- Locsin says arbitral award on SCS final, rejects attempts to undermine it
- More than 100 additional ships detected in West Philippine Sea – report
- Duterte violates constitution for failure to defend sovereignty in West PH Sea – Carpio
- AFP to continue work with US after Duterte suspends end of VFA
- AFP receives P183 million worth of weapons from US military
- Pentagon, US Embassy welcome Philippines’ decision to extend suspension of abrogation of VFA
- Locsin: Duterte extended suspension of abrogation Philippines VFA with US
- Anything you can do: G7 rivals China with grand infrastructure plan
- Independence Day: Groups protest Duterte’s surrender of West Philippine Sea to China
- Filipinos must make a united stand against China – Hontiveros
- Retired military, police urge united stance on West Philippine Sea ahead of Independence Day
- On World Oceans Day, threats to West Philippine Sea gain relevance
- Jardaleza reaches out to Duterte: New baselines law key to Hague ruling
- Lacson hints at link between US vaccine donation, VFA
- Lorenzana welcomes UK freedom of navigation ops in South China Sea
- US vows to challenge China on human rights, South China Sea issues
- Biden expands blacklist of Chinese firms off-limits to US investors
- China remiss in implementing UNCLOS obligations, says PH envoy to ASEAN
- China accuses Morrison and Ardern of gross interference on Xinjiang and South China Sea
- Philippine economy is a mess as Duterte fiddles on COVID-19
- Solon on PDP-Laban offer for Duterte to run for VP: It’s an escape plan
- Biden wants to meet Duterte, says Manila envoy as VFA hangs in balance
- 1Sambayan convener says Duterte’s run as VP mockery of constitution
- Philippines files fresh protest vs China’s incessant presence in West PH Sea
- Battleship diplomacy: Britain’s new aircraft carrier joins NATO, has message for China
- Increased patrols show Manila’s determination to assert West Philippine Sea rights – think tank
- Control of West PH sea oil seen in takeover of Malampaya project
- PH Coast Guard station upgrade in Pag-asa planned amid China threat
- PCG mulls setting up base in El Nido to intensify patrols to protect fishermen in WPS
- Dennis Uy funding Malampaya takeover with foreign loans
- DOE to review Dennis Uy’s Malampaya buyout
- Duterte still thinking about fate of VFA – Palace
- Filipinos can disregard Chinese coast guard law – Locsin
- Military used by China for territorial grab extolled in music video
- Solon wants forward naval bases in West Philippine Sea
- Philippines reiterates call for respect, adherence to int’l law during China meeting
- PH, Australia to enhance maritime security ties amid S. China Sea tensions
- Japan, Australia back PH in row
- Palace denies confusing WPS policy, says no need to convene National Security Council
- Poe backs convening NSC for PH’s stand on WPS issue
- Palace tells Filipino fishermen to snub China fishing ban in South China Sea
- Carpio: Enrile in 1992 said Mutual Defense Treaty covered South China Sea
- From assert our rights to don’t antagonize: Enrile flip-flopped on Scarborough row, says journalist
- Trillanes: Duterte weaving tales to mask incompetence in stopping China’s incursions
- Duterte’s West Philippine Sea remarks can be taken as surrendering to China – Del Rosario
- Manila protests Beijing’s unilateral fishing ban in South China Sea
- JPE to Duterte: Arbitral award not meaningless but UN powerless to enforce
- Del Rosario lists diplomatic options for PH to thwart China’s expansionist policy
- Legal analysts: South China Sea arbitral win of PH not a mere piece of paper
- Ex-envoy Cuisia: China was duplicitous in the Scarborough agreement
- Ex-ambassador Cuisia: Philippines must keep pressure on China
- Only China to blame for PH loss of Panatag, says ex-DfA chief
- Morales warns vs Sino loans
- Jet ski scam na naman yan: Trillanes twits Duterte remark on keeping ships in West PH Sea
- Nearly 300 Chinese vessels still scattered in West Philippine Sea, says task force
- Amid Roque statement, DFA says stand on Felipe Reef unchanged
- Lacson: Europena countries seek balance of power in West PHilippine Sea
- ‘A tragedy’: Duterte squandering Philippines huge sea row victory vs China – ex-envoy
- Aquino, Duterte and the folly of defeatism
- Duterte says his jet ski promise a pure joke that stupid people believed
- Duterte should retract ‘dangerous’ statements on West Philippine Sea victory – Carpio
- Duterte sees Xi as ‘personal protector’ vs mutiny – Carpio
- Carpio: Duterte’s ‘betrayal of national interest’ over WPS an impeachable offense
- Pangilinan to public: Wrangling over cancelled debate shows disunity, favors China
- Robredo blasts Duterte for ‘favoring’ China, throwing away sovereignty
- [Newspoint] Duterte, a virtual non-president
- ‘National tragedy’ to call 2016 arbitral ruling as scrap of paper – Del Rosario
- Carpio to debate anyone on West Philippine Sea ‘possession’
- No honor Duterte duwag trends after Duterte backs out of debate with Carpio
- After challenge, Duterte won’t debate with Carpio
- Carpio accepts Duterte debate challenge, dares him to resign
- Duterte says Xi Jinping warned there might be trouble over maritime row
- IBP head: Arbitral ruling binding, ‘enforceable’ piece of paper
- Alarm raised over Duterte’s ‘piece of paper’ remark on Philippines’ arbitral win
- Del Rosario hits back at Duterte for jetski promise
- Duterte: Philippine’s arbitral win over China just paper fit to be thrown in trash
- ‘Megaphone’ diplomacy needed to stand up to China’s ‘gunboat’ diplomacy – senator
- PCG issues radio challenge to Chinese vessels in Sabina Shoal
- Carpio: Duterte’s campaign promise on West Philippine Sea a ‘grand estafa’
- Philippine Foreign Secretary is a hero for talking tough to Xi Jin Ping
- DFA chief Locsin to China: ‘Get the f-out’ of Philippine waters
- Philippine protests ‘belligerent’ Chinese actions in Bajo de Masincloc
- Del Rosario: Why are Filipinos chastised for defending Philippine territory?
- Phl targets 5 second-hand warships from US
- Filipino fishers urge UN to act on Chinese incursions in West PH Sea
- PH can be cordial with other nations but not at sovereignty expense – Lorenzana
- Lacson: PH needs help of US on West Philippine Sea dispute
- Why the Philippines is standing up to China?
- Ex-DFA chief: Duterte ‘shelved arbitral win’ for Chinese investments
- Del Rosario to Duterte: Philippines lost Scarborough because of China deceit
- Duterte told about China’s control of Scarborough Shoal: Beijing breached out pull-out deal
- Carpio: Duterte main problem in WPS
- Carpio: Tell Duterte China not in possession of West Philippine Sea
- Carpio: PH needs president who puts Filipinos first instead of China
- Senators: PH must stand up to ‘illegal occupants’ in WPS
- Ex-DFA chief Del Rosario to Duterte: Reject China’s ‘narrative of war’
- Duterte considers China a ‘good friend’, owes debt of gratitude for free COVID-19 vaccines
- ‘It’s China who should leave’: Senators hit Beijing remarks vs Philippine drills in WPS
- Britain is sending a huge naval force through some of the most tense waters in Asia
- PH & US armies hold first-ever ‘training rotation’ in Fort Magsaysay
- Duterte is like Lapu-Lapu: Citing China ties, netizens find comparison is off
- China coast guard ships illegally remain in West Philippine Sea
- Lorenzana: China has no authority to stop PCG from maritime drills
- China berated for claiming jurisdiction over West PHilippine Sea
- China’s Irregular Approach to War: The myth of a purely conventional future fight
- Beijing to PH: ‘Respect China’s sovereignty rights’
- La Salle professors slam ‘failure of government’ to defend West PH Sea
- US deploys high lethal gunship to Balikatan with PH
- 11 senators file resolution ‘strongly condemning’ illegal Chinese activities in West Philippine Sea
- DFA files two new protests vs. China as 160 Chinese vessels spotted in Philippine territory
- Beijing claims Julian Felipe Reef as EU slams China
- Coast guard, BFAR conduct exercises in West Philippine Sea
- EU blames China for endangering peace in South China Sea
- Analyst: Duterte doesn’t care about the West Philippine Sea
- Carpio: Duterte’s 2016 ‘deal’ with China emboldened Chinese vessels to stay put in West Philippine Sea
- Verbal deals between PH, China ‘invalid’ – Drilon
- Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef came from same port as ship that sank Gem-Ver — think tank
- AFP eyes option to build structures in WPS to assert Philippine sovereignty
- Philippine military looks to challenge Chinese aggression in West Philippine Sea
- Why Chinese fishermen are in the WPS
- US shares PH concerns over illegal fishing, ecosystem destruction in WPS
- US ready to help in securing PH exclusive zones: envoy
- ‘One more item left’ before PH and US conclude VFA negotiations – Locsin
- Duterte has given up on PH sovereignty, Hontivero says
- Poe: Hoist PH flag, not ‘white flag of surrender’, in WPS
- Lacson: Commander-in-chief cannot ‘surrender’ on WPS issue
- Carpio to Duterte: PH ‘can’t just fold up’ in the face of China incursion
- Duterte query answered: UN could pressure China on West Philippine Sea
- US waiting for Philippines to seek help over Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea – envoy
- Duterte to China: I’ll send warships to West Philippine Sea if…
- Duterte on Philippine military: ‘If we can’t work together, what’s the point?’
- Lorenzana says PH ships, private seacrafts still free to go to West PH Sea
- West Philippine Sea is not a community pantry for China – Zarate
- [Just saying] The West Philippine Sea must be saved
- Commentary: Re-evaluating our stance, alliances vis-a-avis the West Philippine Sea
- China backs away as Philippines and US send powerful ships to West PH Sea
- Philippines revives defence pact with US as China threat grows
- Fmr Philippine Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice on Sino-Philippine Tensions
- DFA chief lauds PCG’s ‘serious patrolling’ in West Philippine Sea
- De Lima hits AFP’s ‘shaky’ loyalty to PH: urges military to stand up vs China
- WPS swarming of Chinese ships proof of expansionist ambition – research group
- ‘Worse than invasion’: China ships poach 240,000 kg of fish daily in PH seas, says group
- US comes to Philippines rescue in South China Sea
- Filipino, American troops training in case foreign attack triggers MDT
- PH to lose maritime territory larger than its total land area if it loses EEZ: Carpio
- Duterte, not subordinates, should speak up on West Philippine Sea – Carpio
- UNCLOS will collapse if Beijing succeeds in taking South China Sea — Carpio
- China claims territories without fighting, thanks to its maritime militia
- Chinese ships in West Philippine Sea meant to pressure Duterte on VFA, expert says
- Carpio on Duterte: Presidency a 24-hour job
- At least 240 Chinese ships swarming in Philippines’ EEZ: NTF-WPS
- Philippines, US to hold joint war games as tensions grow in South China Sea
- Fisher: Shades of Berlin in the South China Sea
- Senators urge gov’t: Deploy more troops, seek US help after China chases PH boat
- US warns China over moves on Philippines, Taiwan
- Beijing moutpiece warns PH military of ‘strong response’ if Chinese vessels made to leave PH EEZ
- China’s latest incursion in West PH Sea can be a repeat of Scarborough Shoal takeover: analyst
- Blinken: US stands with PH after Chinese ships spotted in Juan Felipe Reef
- DND: Philippines ready to defend West Philippines Sea sovereignty
- Whitsun Reef: The next escalation point? – 9Dashline
- Poe ‘not 100 percent sure’ China-backed Dito can guarantee no data leakage
- Drilon: SC ruling on PH’s ICC exit cites ‘limitations’ of president’s power on foreign policy
- Does the United States need a military base in the Philippines?
- US gives in to Duterte demand for military aid
- US 16B demand from US triggers anti-Chinese market disruptions
- US to help modernize Philippines military despite uncertain VFA
- US lays out list of aid to ‘satisfy’ Duterte following VFA payment demand
- Duterte may terminate VFA over nuke weapons
- Now, Duterte can’t decide on VFA abrogation; seeks public opinion
- Sotto backs keeping VFA
- South China Sea: How the US Navy aims to better home in on targets
- Duterte wants US 16 billion for VFA with American military. Fair price for a US ally in South China Sea or ‘extortion’?
- Duterte’s VFA threats: Negotiating tactic or rash outburst?
- Rebuffed by Duterte, Lacson tells him to read the constitution
- Unacceptable to tell Senate to keep mouth shut on international pacts
- Duterte demands $16 billion for hosting US troops
- Demand China payment for maritime destruction in WPS not US, Del Rosario tells Duterte
- FULL TEXT: Locsin on impact assessment of VFA termination
- US concerned China’s new coast guard law could escalate maritime disputes
- China construction continues on reef inside PH EEZ, satellite images show
- AFP bows to Duterte on VFA
- AFP to protect maritime domain despite ‘laws other countries pass’
- PH military installs more ‘sovereign’ markers in northen frontier
- Duterte claims US turning PH into an outpost
- Locsin: China’s coast guard law a test for PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty
- Robredo, Lacson ‘within their rights’ to speak on VFA issue – Hontiveros
- Robredo hits Duterte’s VFA threat: ‘Parang extortion, parang kriminal’
- Lacson to US gov’t: Not all Filipinos are extortionists
- Rethinking the US-China fight: Does China really threaten American power abroad?
- Philippines US start talks on VFA fate
- DOJ: Effects of VFA termination on EDCA, Mutual Defense Treaty have to be studied
- FULL TEXT: Locsin on impact assessment of VFA termination
- [PODCAST] Dapat nga bang ibasura na ang Visiting Forces Agreement?
- Senators question VFA termination at Supremen Court
- What will happen to PH military if the VFA is terminated?
- VFA termination a ‘national tragedy’, says Del Rosario
- PH-US military operations could ‘disappear’ if VFA scrapped – US official
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)
“Rehabilitation is the path to take.” – Ricardo B Serrano, R.Ac.
Commentary, news and updates to China vs Philippines Ayungin Standoff: After two years of negotiations between US and Philippine government’s Mutual Defense Board with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed on April 28, 2014, it is now up to the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) to junk the petitions vs EDCA and declare it as constitutional. Why is it so necessary for the SC to declare EDCA constitutional? Simply because EDCA is needed to defend West Philippine Sea, according to the Office of Solicitor General.
I personally believe that the Supreme Court must rule on the constitutionality of EDCA as soon as possible to support President Aquino’s primary constitutional duty to serve and protect the people, promote national security, upgrade the AFP’s military facilities and preposition defense assets, and improve the military’s capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).
An EDCA, an implementing agreement of the VFA, between the Philippines and USA will not only benefit the Philippines’ militarily but also economically. It is obvious that China wants to grab Philippine territories for its natural resources and with the US Armed Forces and AFP via EDCA, balance is created in the military might between the Philippines and China.
While the murder of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, a Filipino transgender, last October 11, 2014 in Olongapo City, Zambales by Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton of the US Marine Corps 2nd Battalion 9th Marines is under investigation, under the VFA’s provision that address the matter on criminal jurisdiction and custody of indicted servicemen, Philippines could ask the US to waive custody with the trial under Philippine jurisdiction, as said by DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario since it was done “in the case of a heinous crime.”
The DOJ official cited Article 5, Section 6 of the VFA, which provides that “the custody of any United States personnel over whom the Philippines is to exercise jurisdiction shall immediately reside with United States military authorities, if they so request, from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings.”
“The VFA contains specific provisions on the legal processes to ensure that justice will prevail. The Philippine government is firmly committed to attain this objective,” he added.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Coloma also said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement is unlikely be affected by the incident.
“In all of these matters, it is the national interest of the Philippines that will be upheld. As we know, there is a question that has been raised before the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the EDCA; and as you know also, for the EDCA to be fully effective, there will have to be specific implementing rules and regulations, and that is still an ongoing process,” he said.
“So, I am simply stating that the Philippines is undertaking all of these measures within the broad context of its national defense program, which is the framework for the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement,” Coloma said (PH to insist on custody).
The killing of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude in Olongapo City has given the Philippine government more reason to review the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, Malacañang spokesperson Coloma said on Thursday, October 16, 2014.
A lawyer clarified that the Philippines has the automatic jurisdiction over a US serviceman involved in a crime in the country, a report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho aired on Monday, October 21, 2014, said.
President Benigno Aquino III on Monday, October 21, 2014 dismissed calls to repeal the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) forged by the country with the United States following the murder of a Filipino transgender allegedly committed by a US Marine.
That the Philippines has to ‘request’ for custody is an anomaly given that the Philippines has the right to have custody once a criminal case has been filed in court.
Both the Philippines and the US agree on US Marine Pemberton’s detention at Camp Aguinaldo. They will share custody of Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, says the AFP chief General Catapang. The US embassy insists it has the ‘right to retain custody’ of Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton despite his transfer to Camp Aguinaldo. The Philippines concurs.
A majority of senators want a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, with the objective of amending certain provisions of the treaty, particularly on criminal jurisdiction and custody.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Wednesday defended the Visiting Forces Agreement, saying that the pact is the reason why the Philippines has jurisdiction over the murder of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude by suspect United States Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton.
The prosecuting panel is to decide by mid-December whether there is probable cause to charge the American with murder, punishable under Philippine law by life imprisonment.
Justice Secretary De Lima said the transfer of Pemberton Wednesday was a signal that the 19-year-old US serviceman was already put under the custody of Philippine authorities.
Who has legal custody of US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude?
The custody question cropped up yesterday as the Philippines and United States are now at loggerheads over who has the legal custody of Pemberton – whom President Aquino said has been getting “special negative treatment” or even “worse treatment” than a Filipino implicated in a similar crime.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima clarifies that while the Philippines is moving to clarify guidelines in implementing the military agreement with the US, it isn’t necessarily open to amending the treaty.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg defended the controversial Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) on Thursday, October 23, by claiming it helps in investigating an American serviceman’s alleged involvement in a transgender Filipino’s death.
The Philippine government is drawing up implementing rules for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), including provisions on custody of US servicemen.
The Philippine government is determined to keep its military agreements with the United States despite public outcry over the murder of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude allegedly by an American serviceman.
President Aquino said the Philippines needs the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) as well as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US to boost the country’s capability in addressing various challenges on security, territorial integrity, and disaster response. He assured that the government continues to uphold the national interest in forging these defense accords with its strategic ally.
Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario declared Friday October 24, 2014 that neither the Philippines nor the United States was keen on renegotiating the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement, amid fresh calls for abrogation of the agreement in the wake of the killing of a Filipino transgender woman allegedly by an American soldier.
American forces are guarding Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, yet a ring of Filipino troops surrounds them. The seemingly redundant security effort around the suspect in a Philippine murder case reflects Manila’s uneasy ties with Washington, its former colonial master.
The United States is open to talks on reviewing the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), especially for the purpose of joint clarification and based on mutually agreed premises, Ambassador Philip Goldberg said yesterday October 25, 2014.
Goldberg said he sympathized with the slain transgender Jeffrey Laude but the rights of Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton of the US Marines, the suspect in the killing, must also be respected. See Pemberton’s release awaited, Pemberton paid P4.6M civil damages with his salary – lawyer and Pemberton deported, flown out of PH
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin says terminating the Visiting Forces Agreement ‘will have an adverse effect‘ on the country’s defense posture.
Recycling of sexual energy
heals sexual behavior problems
Now that EDCA between AFP and USAF is being planned (Monday, October 13, 2014) in full force as a strong military deterrent to China’s coercive actions in the West Philippine Sea that is endangering Philippine maritime security, the AFP bases are now accessed by US forces as part of their planned increased rotational presence in the Philippines.
While there was a senators petition and 2nd party list petition to block EDCA in the Supreme Court, Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board, co-chaired by the AFP Chief and US Pacific Command commander Admiral Samuel Locklear, will continue the planning so when SC issues a positive ruling for EDCA it would be executed immediately.
Mutual Defense Board is the consulting body for EDCA. There will be a process for selecting bases for rotating US troops and equipment, there will also be an approval process.
There were three petitions filed and hopefully nullified in the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality and EDCA’s benefit for the country.
The national government is ready to defend EDCA. “We believe this is constitutional. We are prepared to defend the EDCA before the Supreme Court,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said on earlier interview.
A new round of joint military exercises by Philippine and American forces in Palawan and Luzon is a “soft launch” for the activities planned under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a progressive lawmaker Terry Ridon claimed.
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno disclosed that the Supreme Court (SC) is set to hear legal questions on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) on November 18.
EDCA is a 10-year defense agreement that allows for an enlarged rotational presence of American troops in the Philippines. Under the agreement, US military personnel will have access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and pre-position equipment, aircraft and vessels.
The rich mineral and energy resources (estimate worth running into the billions of dollars) present along our 200 mile EEZ has likewise attracted strong interests from China, resulting in the current conflicting historical 9-dashed line claim and wholesale reclamation in the Kalayaan Islang Group (KIG) and the Spratley Island Group (SIG) and other areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
South China Sea: Still no evidence of historical Chinese claims
If not properly managed, these conflicts could undermine the peace and stability of the WPS. Likewise, our EEZ borders make it vulnerable to illegal maritime activities, such as: terrorism, piracy, poaching, human, drugs and firearms trafficking, money laundering, and migration.
South China Sea row endangers Philippine maritime security
These maritime threats pose a significant threat to the freedom of navigation within our national waters and regional commerce. Freedom of navigation within our territory is essential not only for the local economy but also for the global economy. It is also in the interest of the state that aforementioned territorial disputes are settled in a peaceful manner so as not to disrupt the global commerce and trade. See China will snub int’s tribunal ruling on sea row with Philippines
China reef development a prelude to Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
The Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) provides for enhanced defense cooperation between the US and the Philippines to maintain and develop the individual and collective capacities of the Philippines and the United States to resist armed attack. It also supports the goal of improving interoperability.
More importantly, the EDCA aims to address the AFP’s “short-term capabilities gaps, promoting long-term modernization, and helping maintain and develop additional maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.”
This will be achieved through increased rotational presence of US troops and “security cooperation exercises; joint and combined training activities; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities; and such other activities as may be agreed upon by the Parties.”
Despite the concerns of some party list sectors, 90 percent of Filipinos strongly support the agreement and its stated goals. In our humble opinion, our national security and sovereignty should be non-negotiable and we should fully support the decision of our leaders in the government regarding the urgent necessity of EDCA.
EDCA needed to defend West Philippine Sea
Government lawyers on Friday, October 10, 2014, asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petitions seeking to nullify the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which gives the US greater access to military bases in the country.
In a 32-page consolidated comment, the Office of the Solicitor General told the high court that President Benigno Aquino III entered into the 10-year agreement to “promote national security interests.”
“Under Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, the President, as head of State and chief representative of government, has the prime duty to serve and protect the people,” read the pleading of the nine-member OSG panel.
Acting Solicitor General Florin Hilbay said the President also approved the EDCA to implement pre-existing treaties, including the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
“What the EDCA does is to enhance the existing contractual security apparatus between the Philippines and the US, set up through the MDT and the VFA. It is the duty of the Honorable Court to allow this security apparatus enough breathing space to respond to perceived, anticipated, and actual exigencies,” he said.
Hilbay pointed out that the agreement is significant in addressing the country’s external and internal security concerns.
Inviting the Supreme Court to consider the “international platform of politics” as well as “recent events within Philippine territory,” Hilbay argued that the EDCA is one of the security measures necessary “to achieve a minimum credible defense to the manifold security concerns in the West Philippine Sea.”
The court, he said, “should not render the President helpless or impair his ability to set up a national security apparatus in the face of clear, present, and verified reports of activities that endanger the integrity of the Philippine State.”
It also reminded the high tribunal about the separation of powers and how the judiciary has “invariably maintained a deferential attitude to executive decisions on matters of national security.” It said the judiciary shared the President’s job “to uphold national security and protect national territory.”
“In any case, the exercise of the authority to uphold national security has barely any limitations, for the President must be given the widest latitude in balancing the nation’s limited options and calibrating his responses to ensure their maximum intended effect,” the OSG said.
“Judicial deference to decisions relating to national security is also required by the principle of separation of powers,” it said.
Two new activities
EDCA expands existing cooperation activities to include two new activities. The US military can build military facilities and preposition defense assets in “agreed locations” that have yet to be determined by the two countries.
Critics argue that this is de facto basing, which is not allowed in the Constitution. But the Filipino negotiators maintained the necessary provisions were put in place to make sure that Filipino officers have access to facilities that the Americans are going to build. This was an issue that caused an impasse during the negotiations.
The OSG said EDCA will not only improve the country’s defense posture in the West Philippine Sea, it will also improve the military’s capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).
“The country’s experience with Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) last November 2013 has made us acutely aware of the need to develop HADR capability to provide immediate response to disaster-stricken areas. Moreover, this experience underscores not only the fact that disaster response requires more than the immediate rescue of survivors, but also that grave calamities require international effort,” it said.
Coming Soon: Supreme Court’s constitutional decision on EDCA
Is EDCA constitutional? according to EDCA
Yes. EDCA provides that the access and use of AFP facilities by the US military will be “at the invitation of the Philippines and with full respect for the Philippine Constitution and Philippine laws.”
The constitutional provision which prohibits the establishment of “foreign military bases… or facilities” in the country except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate does not apply to EDCA.
The defining features of “foreign military bases” – extraterritoriality, exclusivity in use and foreign ownership – will not be applicable in the Agreed Locations.
On the other hand, the entry of US military troops for military exercises and other approved activities is already allowed under the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which is a treaty concurred in by the Senate and upheld by the Supreme Court.
The provisions of EDCA, an executive agreement, are consistent with the Philippine Constitution, laws, and jurisprudence.
See SC activates site for audio live streaming of oral arguments on EDCA
SC sets EDCA debate on November 18
SC set to hear oral arguments on EDCA
EDCA talks to proceed only after SC rules on deal
It was Aquino’s duty to sign pact with US, argues SolGen
Gov’t tells SC: EDCA constitutional
SC asked to junk petitions vs EDCA
SolGen to SC: EDCA needed to defend West Philippine Sea
Philconsa backs US-PH defense deal amid China actions
“What other viable peaceful options do we have to resolve China’s fanatical expansion agenda with invasive armed aggression?” – Ricardo B Serrano
[Video] Aquino: Philippines will stick up for its territorial rights
See What is Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)?
SC activates site for audio live streaming of oral arguments on EDCA
SC sets EDCA debate on November 18
SC set to hear oral arguments on EDCA
VFA didn’t kill Jennifer Laude – DFA
Scrap VFA? It’s part of Philippine defense strategy
US denies shaky security commitments with Philippines
Govt rules out VFA scrapping, changes
PH, US want VFA to work, not amend it
US open to talks on review of VFA
US Marine says no basis for Laude murder charge
Pemberton in Philippine camp confidence-building move
Del Rosario: No renegotiation of VFA
FAQs: Olongapo murder case reveals uneasy US-Philippines ties
We need defense deals with US – PNoy
Philippines drafting new rules custody
US envoy: VFA makes Laude probe quick, successful
Philippines reviewing unclear provisions of VFA
Senators favor review, not scrapping of VFA
AFP to report ‘misbehavior’ of Laude’s German boyfriend
Confusion mars Pemberton custody
Despite transfer, US retains custody of Marine
PH military detains US Marine over Laude murder
Why PH must assert sole custody of US Marine
PH has primary custody over US servicement involved in crimes in the country – lawyer
Aquino won’t terminate VFA after Olongapo slay
Goldberg: US-Philippines alliance to overcome challenges
Laude slay no basis for VFA review, Palace insists
Laude case not reason to kill VFA – Belmonte
US to produce Marine sought over Jennifer Laude murder
Jeffrey ‘Jennifer’ Laude severely beaten; calls to show suspect; subpoena served
4 US Marines summoned to testify on Olongapo slay
Without VFA, PH won’t have jurisdiction over Laude case – DFA
AFP on VFA, Laude issues: Why burn the whole house if only one corner has leak?
Is Laude a he or a she? Even SC is confused
Murder complaint filed vs US Marine
Transgender murder must not derail US ties: Philippines
PH wants custody of US Marine in Olongapo slay
Olongapo slay suspect admitted ‘he did something wrong’ – mayor
EDCA, Olongapo murder, and the old case of Daniel Smith
US stops departure of ships after transgender’s slay
PH-US Mutual Defense Board meets Tuesday as militants renew call vs informal basing
PH, US military execs to discuss EDCA today, October 13, 2014
It was Aquino’s duty to sign pact with US, argues SolGen
Gov’t tells SC: EDCA constitutional
SC asked to junk petitions vs EDCA
SolGen to SC: EDCA needed to defend West Philippine Sea
Coming up: PH, US meeting on EDCA details
EDCA and the Constitutionality of the MDT
US, Philippines to discuss US troops deployment
AFP to continue planning for EDCA
China reef development a prelude to Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
PHIBLEX, a presursor of EDCA, solon claims
EDCA meant to check China, says think tank
Beijing: Ph-US defense pact anti-China
South China Sea row endangers Philippine maritime security
Government set to defend EDCA before Supreme Court
New chief gov’t lawyer says EDCA is their most important case
DFA’s Del Rosario grilled over EDCA
Philconsa backs US-PH defense deal amid China actions
News Updates on US-PH alliance vs CCP (Updated):
Philippines more tempting target for China in sea showdown
China seen risking naval confrontation with Spratly claimants
David vs Goliath in the South China Sea: The Philippines vs China
Philippines pushes arbitration in China sea row
Leyte landings: Heroes and Inspirations
The South China Sea and Joint Defense Procurement
China’s aircraft carrier trouble – spewing steam and losing power
PH, Vietnam to cooperate amid sea row
Philippines’ letter to UN chief on sea row sent
Germany backing arbitration on South China Sea on meeting
American Strategy in the 21st Century: Maritime Power and China – Part 2
Expanding Johnson South Reef: What is China’s plot?
Taiwan considers permanent armed ships for disputed South China Sea island
Indonesian president joins South China Sea fray in parting move
Why is the US Navy practicing for war with China?
China’s human rights record worsening – US report
Obama promise to PH troops echoed at end of PH-US war games
War games boost PH territorial defense capability
No role for a third party in resolving South China Sea dispute: China tells India, US
60% of US navy, air force deployed in Asia Pacific by 2020
Japan, US revising defense plans with eye on China
US helps families near Mayon Volcano
China builds military airstrip on disputed island
Joining forces in South China Sea defense procurement
Maritime affairs expert separates facts from fiction on Scarborough Shoal
PH, US marines conduct exercises near China-held reef
Analysis: US works on Asia ties amid Mideast focus
Bangsamoro creation will arrest ISIS spread – Palace
PH not giving up on Pagasa island claim
Military to rely on navy for deliveries to Pagasa island
PH suit vs China on sea row not bad idea
UN Tribunal called a leveling ground in rows between small and powerful nations
Nations increasingly having to grapple with gray-zone incidents
South China Sea: Lots of oil, lots of uncertainty
Int’l writers hit Beijing for cultural genocide
US lifts 40-year arms ban to boost Vietnam sea defense
Gazmin: Chinese ships haven’t bothered Philippine troops in Ayungin Shoal
The price AFP needs to pay to become heavyweight military
Aquino orders halt in construction of defense structures in Pag-asa
Philippines to receive $17 M for upgrade of law enforcement
US slams Beijing’s wholesale reclamation
Top DOD official: US will respond if Japan-China dispute escalates
News Updates on CCP vs Hong Kong:
Hong Kong Occupy Central Updates: Live Strean and Blog
Xi Jinping averts Tiananmin-style Massacre in Hong Kong
Hong Kong democracy protesters digging in for long haul
Beijing meeting considers imposing martial law on Hong Kong
Hackers breached Hong Kong police, Chinese government networks to support protesters
Malacanang: No travel ban on Hong Kong
Will China crush the Hong Kong protests?
West Phillipine Sea Primer
The following videos by Ricardo B Serrano are about sea row disputes between China and Philippines in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea):
See my commentaries, news and updates at:
China vs Philippines Ayungin Standoff
CCP, an outlaw vs US Alliance
US-Asia Pacific Alliance vs China
US, Philippines and Japan vs China
Our Geography is our Destiny
My predictions three months ago:
I personally believe that the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of EDCA to support President Aquino’s primary constitutional duty to serve and protect the people, promote national security, upgrade the AFP’s military facilities and preposition defense assets, and improve the military’s capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).
I believe that regardless of a favorable outcome of the Philippine’s memorial submission to ITLOS, China will still use threats of force, intimidation, coercion and gunboat diplomacy because China will disregard the arbitration outcome and a tribunal can’t stop China from bullying its neighbors posing a complicated challenge to the region’s peace and security unless a necessary boost in military hardware upgrade capability in the Philippines is attained together with a US asia-pacific alliance, sanctions and a strong international support to militarily confront or deter China’s armed invasion collectively thereby upholding the rule of international law, unimpeded trade and freedom of navigation. What other viable peaceful options do we have to resolve China’s fanatical expansion agenda with invasive armed aggression?
With China’s disregard to UN arbitration and international law’s UNCLOS by its illegal declaration of sovereignty to all of South China Sea with its unilateral attempts to assert its bogus 9-dash line claims through its show of intimidation or force in the Philippines and Vietnam, will the group of G-7 still remain silent to China’s military intentions or act on its mandate to oppose China’s actions now?
Since the problem is a state of unpreparedness – the lack of military capability of the AFP now, I believe that a viable alternative or contingency measure to the current sea dispute situation between China and the Philippines would be for the G-7 allies to provide the AFP with the necessary training and credible number of military hardware such as warships, missiles, fighter planes, and drones, on loans, to counter Chinese invasion of Philippine reefs and shoals.
Well trained and credible armed Filipino soldiers have done their own fighting before against internal terrorists, in the Korean war and in WW2 and as first defenders before other nations will intervene, AFP will fight these Chinese invaders and outlaws again with a credible military hardware upgrade to protect its sovereignty and prevent further loss of more rich natural resource Philippine territories to China.”
China keeps on saying that ASEAN claimants must adhere to the Code of Conduct (COC) but at the same time China simply violates that rule and says that it has the right to do whatever it wants in the Spratley’s.
China keeps on building structures and even doing reclamation works despite repeatedly stressing that all claimants must adhere to the COC, which includes stopping any development of any uninhabited area.
In this sense, China is fooling everybody including the US and the global community just like how it stole Mischief Reef.
The Philippines must be reminded of China’s “talk and take strategy”.
It fooled President Noynoy when Noynoy agreed to the withdrawal of ships from Scarborough. Eventually, the Philippine ships were called back to port but the Chinese simply laughed at President Noynoy for believing the Chinese.
Now, that the US has maintained the position of not intervening (unless a war breaks out) then China will probably pursue its objective.
Our only chance is the economic sanctions and making the US and its allies support that sanction. PNoy must work with the US in building a new trade pact that will replace whatever will be lost when we slap China with economic sanctions. Treat ASEAN as one solid economic bloc that will replace the lost Chinese market.
Definitely, we will enforce an enhanced sanction when the UN tribunal announces the decision. Let the US and the rest of the G7 plus EU support that effort.
Traits of the Communist Party – evil, deceit, incitement, unleashing the scum of society, espionage, robbery, fighting, elimination, and control.
Ricardo B Serrano, R.Ac.
From my experience as a Classical Chinese medical practitioner for over 30 years, most of my rehabilitation clients who have drug and alcohol addictions also have PTSD, sexual addictions and sexual behavior problems.
Acupuncture, herbs, acupressure with meditation and Qigong instructions have greatly assisted my rehabilitation clients and have been transformed into Self-realized individuals after their rehabilitation through Classical Chinese Medicine. They have tried conventional western therapies without success.
I believe that rehabilitating rather than condemning foreign servicemen who committed sexual crimes in the Philippines is the path to take. Future sexual crimes can be avoided by foreign servicemen through the availability of drug-free natural therapies such as Classical Chinese Medicine with Qigong instructions.
I also believe that US-PH EDCA with its implementing Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) should be reviewed rather than scrapped because the Philippines needs it to defend West Philippine Sea from China’s creeping incursions in the Philippine territories with joint military capability of US servicemen and military hardware.
Fanaticism and extreme measures by politicians and militants to scrap EDCA with VFA should be discouraged and replaced with common sense and respect for Filipino’s foremost constitutional right in protecting our territorial sovereignty from China’s creeping invasion rather than being fixated in the sexual crime of one US servicemen to a Filipino citizen which should be legally handled solely.
Recycling of sexual energy heals sexual behavior problems.
I believe that the root behavioral problem of not only US Marines or any US servicemen but also other male soldiers from other countries doing crimes against women, transgender, bisexual or children is their own unguarded thoughts – that their worst enemy is not their opponent but their own unguarded thoughts.
Recycling of sexual energy (Jing Qi) through meditation and Qigong heals sexual behavior problems and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).
My six books on meditation and Qigong offer a solution to this sexual behavioral problem for healing and spiritual awakening. Peace be with you!
See Soul Affirmation and Meditation on Three Hearts
His seven books covered thoroughly in You Hold the Keys to Healing together with Workshops will show you how to know who you really are thereby healing holistically and returning to oneness. When you experientially know who you really are, the truth will set you free. See Oneness with Shiva
Master Pranic Healer Ricardo B Serrano, R.Ac. integrates pranic healing with Enlightenment Qigong forms, acupuncture, herbs and acupressure. He is a certified Qigong teacher trained by Pan Gu Shen Gong Master Ou Wen Wei, Sheng Zhen Gong Master Li Junfeng, Qi Dao Master Lama Tantrapa, Primordial Wuji Qigong Master Michael Winn, Zhan Zhuang Qigong Master Richard Mooney, Pranic Healing Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, Master Nona Castro and Mang Mike Nator. He is also a certified Merkabah teacher trained by Merkabah Master Alton Kamadon.
Ricardo B Serrano’s Hawaiian Name is Nalani: Nalani means “Serenity Of The Skies” in Hawaiian! You truly are someone who is able to find peace in the small pleasures of everyday life! You don’t take anything for granted and are able to focus your energy on appreciating all you have around you!
His seven books Return to Oneness with Shiva, Return to Oneness with the Tao, Return to Oneness with Spirit, Meditation and Qigong Mastery, Keys to Healing and Self-Mastery, Oneness with Shiva, and The Cure & Cause of Cancer comprise altogether his Master Pranic Healer thesis for the Integral Studies of Inner Sciences.
Meditation and Qigong Books and DVDs to experience healing and spiritual awakening:
The Meditation and Qigong Mastery book is ready to order at https://www.createspace.com/3680248
Return to Oneness with the Tao book is ready to order at https://www.createspace.com/3686484
Return to Oneness with Spirit through Pan Gu Shen Gong book is ready to order at https://www.createspace.com/3686468
Keys to Healing and Self-Mastery according to the Hathors book is ready to order at https://www.createspace.com/3715274
Return to Oneness with Shiva book is ready to order at https://www.createspace.com/3881891
Oneness with Shiva book is ready to order at https://www.createspace.com/4116335
The Cure & Cause of Cancer book is ready to order at https://www.createspace.com/4153673
To order the Maitreya (Shiva) Shen Gong & Omkabah Heart Lightbody Activation DVDs with shipping, cost $60, please click the Paypal button below:
Recent Comments