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The newly-signed Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act empower the Philippine government to effectively implement its maritime laws and jurisdiction amid the conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said on Saturday.
“These laws empower us to govern our maritime zones effectively, while promoting lawful and peaceful maritime activities,” Año said.
In a statement, the National Security Adviser thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing the two vital legislations, marking “a pivotal moment in fortifying our maritime sovereignty and securing our national interests.”
Año also thanked the Senate and the House of Representatives for passing the landmark legislations which are aligned with international laws and in accordance with the Philippines’ rights and obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“This law provides a clear and robust legal framework to protect and manage our maritime resources and entitlements, ensuring their sustainable use for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Año said.
“In doing so, it further strengthens our legal standing in line with the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and international norms. Equally important is the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which enables us to regulate the passage of foreign vessels and aircraft within our archipelagic waters,” he said.
With the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, Año said the Philippines reaffirms its sovereignty over its internal waters, territorial sea, archipelagic waters, as well as its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
The legislation ensures that the country’s maritime domain remains secure and that foreign activities within its waters are effectively regulated and conducted in a manner that respects Philippine sovereignty and national security.
“It establishes vital safeguards to protect both our maritime resources and the environment, reinforcing our responsibility to uphold the sanctity of our waters and airspace. The enactment of these laws is a significant step toward securing the Philippines’ rights over its vast maritime territories, most especially in the West Philippine Sea,” Año said.
Año said the two maritime laws solidify the country’s territory while enhancing the ability of the Armed Forces in protecting our country against any infringement.
“As an archipelagic and maritime nation, our seas are crucial to our economic prosperity and national security,” Año pointed out.
“We are committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of these vital pieces of legislation,” he said. | PND
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There will be no radical shift in the alliance between the Philippines and the United States under the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, according to a geopolitical analyst on Saturday.
In a news forum, Don McLain Gill pointed out the Philippines-US alliance has become consequential to the interest of both countries.
“I don’t expect any radical shift na magkakaroon sa alliance natin particularly in the field of defense and security,” Gill said.
“The Philippine-US alliance today has become so consequential to the interest of both the United States and the Philippines,” he added.
Gil noted the Philippines and the US have also institutionalized their partnership as a hub for cooperation between and among like-minded partners with key US allies in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
He added that European countries are “increasingly” looking at the PH-US ties as a fulcrum for their interest in the Indo-Pacific.
“European countries are increasingly looking at the Philippine-US alliance as a fulcrum for their interest in the region and we have shown na because we are active stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific’s maritime domain to maintain the rules-based order there and we are more than happy to work with like-minded countries within the region and beyond,” Gill said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier congratulated Trump for winning the presidential elections in the US.
President Marcos expressed full commitment that the Philippines will continue to partner with the US, and looked forward to working with Trump.
“We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of issues that will yield mutual benefits for two nations with deep ties, shared beliefs, a common vision, and a long history of working together,” he said.
The Philippines and the US have a long history of cooperations in various fields, such as in defense and security, trade and investment, food and energy security, renewable energy, climate action, digital transformation, infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance. | PND
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The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is inviting departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national and local governments to join the annual award-giving ceremony, Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko to recognize and celebrate exemplary campaigns and executions of communications programs and projects pursuant to their mandates.
“This shall serve as a platform to showcase the best practices in government communication, encouraging agencies to adopt innovative strategies that resonate with citizens,” the PCO said in the circular.
“Through this initiative, we aim to inspire a culture of excellence and collaboration among government agencies, ultimately enhancing the public’s awareness and engagement with government programs and services.”
The categories include Public Service Campaign Award, Government Innovations Award, Outstanding Digital Campaign Award, Broadcast Excellence Award, Outstanding Public Communicator Award, and Champion of Information Integrity Award.
The PCO is issuing circular applicable to all agencies, departments, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities of the national government, local government units, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and Government Financial Institutions (GFls) to launch the campaign.
According to the government’s communications arm, the awarding ceremony, to be inaugurated this year, will cover communications campaigns, media partnerships, community initiatives, innovative outreach programs, and exemplary government performance within the same calendar year.
All submissions of entries must be sent to PCO via official announcement on its social media platforms. Entries must be submitted on or before November 22, 2024. PND
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The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed confidence the remaining guerilla fronts in the Philippines would be reduced to zero before yearend.
Citing significant decline in the number of communist-terrorist groups, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told a Palace briefing that the strength of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels has decreased significantly to 1,111 members this year from 2,200 in 2023.
“In terms of the strength of the New People’s Army, ay talagang mahinang-mahina na sila. So, they only have about 1,111 fighters left from the 2,200 last year. So, that is a big reduction in their manpower,” Brawner said.
Brawner said the number of firearms the NPA rebels possess has also dropped dramatically and their guerilla fronts have been cut from seven to four.
“And we are expecting by the end of the year, we will have finished all the guerilla fronts. We will have reduced them to zero,” Brawner said
Brawner said most of the insurgents have signified their intention to surrender and return to society.
However, Brawner said the government can’t let its guard down, stressing that combat operations will continue.
National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Undersecretary and Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. said the government is committed to remaining vigilant against terrorist groups.
“We have to continue working together to be more vigilant even if we have already severely degraded their capability to conduct violent actions, or terrorism. We have to be continuously vigilant and supportive of the different socio-economic development programs of the government,” he said.
Brawner said the government is also working to encourage members of terrorist groups to return to society.
“Magbalik na lang sila nang sa ganun, ang sinasabi namin sa kanila, malapit na ‘yung pasko at maganda, mas maganda na magbalik loob kayo and then makasama ninyo ‘yung mga mahal niyo sa buhay,” he said.
Brawner said insurgents will receive benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local integration Program (ECLIP) if they surrender. | PND
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Citing risks posed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country.
In issuing the EO 74, President Marcos said “the State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”
“…In pursuit of such duty, an unequivocal ban of POGO/IGL operations was pronounced during the State of the Nation Address on 22 July 2024.”
The EO cited the Department of Finance (DOF) study in saying that POGO activities significantly outweigh the economic and social benefits derived from the POGO industry because of the risks and negative consequences such as increased crime rates, social instability, and exploitation of vulnerable people associated with them.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Report also indicated POGOs have been identified as susceptible to money laundering, fraud, and other illicit financial activities, and therefore pose substantial threats to the integrity of the national financial system.
“The high reputational risks associated with POGO/IGL operations deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination,” the EO stated.
The President’s order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Nov. 5, will cover Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and Offshore Gaming Operations and Services.
All POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operations and other offshore gaming-related/auxiliary/ancillary services with issued licenses, permits are expected to completely cease operations, including the winding up of their affairs, on December 31, 2024 or earlier.
And to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy, Technical Working Groups (TWGs) will be created. The TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration will address the impact of the foregoing ban on the affected sectors of the economy and ensure the reintegration of displaced Filipino workers.
This will also involve the provision of assistance and safety nets which include upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure displaced workers could find new jobs.
The President also issued directives to national government agencies in response to the immediate POGO operations prohibition.
He wants the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts against illegal POGOs/GLs and other offshore gaming operations and services.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was instructed to assist the TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations in securing the cooperation of homeowners associations to ensure the non-proliferation of POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operations and services in subdivisions, condominiums and other real estate developments.
The Department of Tourism, on the other hand, was tasked to monitor tourism establishments and facilities to ensure they are not utilized for POGO/GL and other offshore gaming operations or services. |PND
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Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Friday reported that 248 overseas Filipinos are set to return home from Lebanon.
Most of them are just awaiting clearance from the Lebanese immigration, Cacdac said.
“I assured the President that all OFWs who have voluntarily asked to be repatriated are properly assisted through sheltering and safe repatriation,” Cacdac said in a message to Acting Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez.
“The President gave instructions to continue to help and protect OFWs in Lebanon, and ensure reintegration through employment and the availability of alternative job markets for OFWs who are repatriated as a result of the ongoing Middle East crisis,” he added.
A total of 290 overseas Filipinos from Lebanon returned home last October 26 via Philippine government-chartered flight.
Under the directive of President Marcos, a whole-of-government team welcomed the largest batch of repatriates composed of 233 OFWs with 13 dependents, and 21 others with 23 dependents.
Their arrival brought the number of Filipino repatriates from Lebanon to 903 OFWs and 47 dependents. They returned home through the government’s voluntary repatriation program. |PND
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The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday urged local government units (LGUs) to use the geohazard map of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) to mitigate disaster risks.
In a Malacanang press briefing, NDRRMC Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the map could also help LGUs locate areas where preemptive and forced evacuation should be enforced.
In the past three weeks, the country experienced three consecutive strong typhoons that caused massive flooding and landslides in the regions of Bicol and Calabarzon, and northern Luzon provinces.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the areas severely affected by the typhoons including the so-called “ground zero” in Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay, Batangas, where at least 20 people perished in a landslide.
In the wake of the unfortunate event, the DENR released a list of barangays prone to landslide, flood, and storm surges based on the DENR-MGB geohazard map.
“The good news is very conscious na ngayon ‘yung government agencies to take advantage of available data and scientific data to help us in the predictive analysis of what will happen,” Nepomuceno said.
“The direction is this. Mayroon tayong common geohazard map and then we will populate that with important and critical data. One of which is the one from MGB which will point out exactly what are the vulnerable areas or communities,” he added.
Aside from the MGB data, Nepomuceno said they are also using data from various government agencies such as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and foreign agencies.
He said all the data will be used by national agencies to come up with a conservative recommendation for communities.
“We would like to make sure that the LGUs will fully utilize the recommendations and the scientific data being provided to them,” he said. |PND
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured that the Office of the President will replenish the dwindling calamity fund of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
In a Palace briefing, NDRRMC Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno admitted their calamity fund is almost depleted along with the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of other government agencies responding to crises situations.
“Technically, kulang na yung QRF ng mga agencies at paubos na rin ‘yung calamity fund, yung NDRRM fund natin,” he said.
While funds are low at the moment, the President is already committed to replenish the needed funds to sustain relief operations and disaster response efforts continue, he said.
“We got of course the commitment from the president himself, that they replenish this. So, theoretically, hindi tayo magkukulang doon sa pangangailangan nating pondo, dahil ibibigay naman iyan ng Office of the President,” he said.
Nepomuceno said NDRRMC has about P300 million calamity fund available and is waiting for replenishment to continue its operations until year end.
“Kulang na kulang na iyon, kasi halos per calamity tayo, halos nag-a-average tayo ng mga between P400 to P500 million,” Nepomuceno said.
“Minsan nagsho-shoot up pa iyan because Kristine is huge, hindi bumababa sa P500 million iyong direct assistance being given by the national government,” he added. |PND
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The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday assured sufficient national government assets to support the workforce and logistics of the local government units (LGUs) affected by Typhoon Marce.
In a briefing at the Palace, NDRRMC Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said dedicated teams are deployed in Regions I, II and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
“From the AFP (Armed Forces) for regions I, II, and CAR, mayroong dedicated teams diyan na 1,210 teams, 1,364 vehicles and 88 land assets, water crafts, aircraft dedicated for that. So more than enough naman,” he said.
The Philippine Coast Guard provided 81 land assets, and 132 watercraft to assist the three regions.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is prepared to deploy 10,000 personnel for disaster response if needed.
As of Friday morning, a total of 10,795 families in Regions I, II, and CAR were severely affected by Typhoon Marce in regions I, II, and CAR.
More than 17,000 individuals are in evacuation centers—522 in Region 1, 15,631 in Region II, and 866 in CAR. | PND
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized on Friday the need to strengthen efforts to address climate change in the Philippines as the country marks the 11th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda – the strongest typhoon ever recorded to hit the country in 2013.
In a statement, President Marcos said the impact of recent typhoons, such as Kristine and Leon, serves as a reminder to the Philippines and the Filipino people of the lessons learned from Super Typhoon Yolanda.
“Our ongoing crucibles remind us that the powerful lessons brought by the strongest typhoon in history should not be lost with the passage of time. Heeding these is the best way to honor the lives lost,” President Marcos said.
“As the most disaster-prone country in the world, we cannot do otherwise. We do not have the luxury of ignorance, inaction, and complacency. Thus, we must intensify our efforts to mitigate and adapt to the challenges of climate change and urgently abate our vulnerability to disasters,” he added.
President Marcos also underscored the need to empower the communities, strengthen the local government units (LGUs), and ensure the swift delivery of relief and aid to all those in need.
The President emphasized that communities must be better prepared for typhoons and able to rebuild stronger afterward, enhancing resilience beyond previous levels.
“And after making sure that the communities brace better against typhoons, that they can build back better after, by making them more resilient than before. Calamities are teaching moments, and every one that came after Yolanda delivered a payload of lessons that instructed us how to improve our response,” he said.
“Since then, we have strengthened institutional bulwarks against calamities, which our countrymen have matched with increasing care and compassion for those affected. It is also because of this bayanihan of our race that the pain of victims is assuaged and the rebuilding of homes and livelihoods is accelerated,” he added.
The Chief Executive expressed gratitude to international communities and various organizations for their kindness and generous support for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda, which helped restore normalcy to their lives after the devastation.
“Their response reaffirmed a tenet civilization must uphold when one nation faces an emergency or an existential threat—that no man is an island, indeed. All unfulfilled commitments made in the past for Yolanda rehabilitation are responsibilities we fully assume,” he said. | PND
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