Tag: Press Statement

Statement on water cannon attack vs PCG and military supply ship

The continuing acts of harassment and provocation by the Chinese Coast Guard against the Philippine Coast Guard are a matter of great concern. Just last June 30, PCG ships experienced a similar aggressive action during a regular operation to re-supply marines stationed in Ayungin Shoal. The reported incident of blocking and using water cannons is…
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Statement on the tagging of Rep. Teves et al. as terrorists

The pursuit of justice and accountability for acts of terrorism must be carried out with utmost respect for human rights and due process to uphold the principles of a just and democratic society. It is crucial to ensure that any measures taken by the government to combat terrorism do not infringe upon individuals’ fundamental rights…
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Statement on the lifting of the state of public health emergency in the country

This move signifies a positive step forward in our nation’s fight against the pandemic and the collective efforts of the government and the Filipino people in managing and containing the spread of the virus. It is likewise a strong indication that we are on the road to recovery. While we celebrate this development, we must…
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On the appointment of Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner as the next AFP chief

The law signed by President Marcos Jr. last May 17, Republic Act No. 11939, provides for a maximum tour of duty for three consecutive years for the AFP Chief of Staff “unless sooner terminated by the President.” RA 11939 amended the previous law, RA 11709, which prescribed fixed terms for the key officials of the…
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On the adoption of the new governance brand Bagong Pilipinas

It is expected that any new initiative will be subject to scrutiny and varying opinions. However, it is important to recognize the intentions and potential of adopting the new governance brand. I understand that some individuals have expressed reservations about the branding itself. It is essential to note that the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance…
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On the 7th anniversary of The Hague’s historic ruling favoring the Philippines over China in the maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea

On this day, we commemorate the Arbitral Tribunal ruling that unequivocally upheld our country’s rights and claims over certain areas in the West Philippine Sea, while rejecting China’s expansive maritime claims. It was not only a victory for the Philippines but also a triumph for international law and the principle of sovereignty. Seven years have…
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Official statement on the Jad Dera issue

Heads should indeed roll. Higit pa sa dagok na idinulot nito para masira ang imahe ng NBI, mas nakakaalarmang isipin na may mga ganitong pangyayari at isang high-profile detainee ang nakakalabas pala ng kanilang pasilidad. I understand that both the chief security and the head of the NBI detention facility have already been suspended due…
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Official statement on the tourism campaign fiasco

Mistakes happen but it is how we respond and rectify them that truly matters. The Department of Tourism’s prompt response and responsible handling of the situation deserves recognition. The DOT exemplified accountability and commitment to learning from this incident. By swiftly acknowledging the gaffe and taking immediate steps to rectify it, the DOT, under the…
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Official statement on the Vietnam-banned ‘Barbie’ movie

This is not a first as there had been similar cases in the past such as the movies titled “Uncharted” and “Abominable” that have been pulled out from our cinemas because of a brief glimpse of the unilaterally declared nine-dash line of China. Kung dati ay nagawang ipa-ban ng Movie and Television Review and Classification…
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Statement on the reported aggression of China Coast Guard vessels and militia vs Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels

We have yet to receive confirmation either from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) or the Department of National Defense (DND) regarding the June 30 incident. Nonetheless, I am deeply concerned about the reported acts of aggression against the PCG vessels as this violates our sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as endangers the safety and…
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