SINGAPORE – China can use its artificial islands in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) for “public service” in the Asia-Pacific, experts said Monday, July 18.

Zheng Yongnian, director of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, said China "can take the initiative because China is a big country."

During an ongoing conference in Singapore on the South China Sea, experts like Zheng suggested using China’s artificial islands for the following purposes:

• Boosting disaster response
• Improving environmental protection measures
• Helping in search and rescue operations
• Predicting the weather 
• Creating measures for navigational safety

Experts said China has been building artificial islands to assert de facto control over the South China Sea. In June 2015, data from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative showed that China’s artificial islands add up to around a third of the city of Manila.

Zheng said, "I think that China should open these facilities not only for ASEAN countries but also for other powers, because freedom of navigation is in the interest of all parties here."

Zheng made this comment on the sidelines of the "Think Tank Seminar on the South China Sea and Regional Cooperation and Development" in Singapore, a gathering sponsored by the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

'We are a community'

Zheng's statement comes as China pushes for regional cooperation in the South China Sea, especially after Manila won a historic case against Beijing. (READ: Philippines, China urged to help each other in disasters)

The Philippines’ recent legal victory invalidated China’s expansive claim over the South China Sea, parts of which the Philippines claims as the West Philippine Sea. 

Senior Colonel Zhang Junshe, also a senior research fellow at the Military and Academic Institute of the Chinese Navy, agreed with Zheng.

On China’s artificial islands, Zhang said: "I think the main purpose is to provide more public service to the international world, to the international society, but of course there is limited defense use. We have to improve the living and working conditions for the people on these islands."

Zhang cited the need to cooperate because the Asia-Pacific region is home to many natural disasters, "and also sometimes there is piracy in this area."

One example, he said, is when a Chinese ship joined the search for Malaysia Airlines MH370 in the South China Sea. 

Zhang explained: "We know that the South China Sea, actually, is a semi-enclosed sea. Actually, all the countries around the South China Sea, we are a community. We should help each other." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte "will not honor" international agreements binding the Philippines to limit its carbon emissions.

"You are trying to stifle us in an agreement na ganito lang kayo (that you will stay this way)...That’s stupid. I will not honor that. Sabi niya (He said), you signed. That was not my signature," said the Philippine president during a meeting with Philippine Olympics athletes on Monday, July 18, in Malacañang Palace.

Duterte was referring to an instance in which he was asked by an ambassador if the Philippines would be able to limit its carbon emissions – carbon dioxide spewed by economic sectors like industrialization, transportation, agriculture, waste management, and more.

"Kaya galit ako sa ambassador. Gusto ko sipain. (That's why I'm mad at this ambassador. I want to kick him.) He was reminding me about these emissions, carbon footprints. Yes, we are a signatory there and 'will you able to contain your emissions?' Sabi ko (I said), 'No. I cannot tell,'" he said.

Watch his entire speech here:

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Duterte did not specify which international agreement signed by the Philippine government the ambassador was referring to.

But most likely, it was the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to which the Philippines pledged support during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) held in France last December. (READ: PH on Paris climate pact: Monumental feat for humanity)

The climate deal has been hailed as the first universal, legally-binding agreement on climate change. It has been signed by 175 countries who, through the deal, pledge to reduce the amount of carbon they emit and to ensure their citizens are prepared for the effects of global warming. (READ: Full text of the Paris agreement)

The Philippines has promised to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by the year 2030, with aid from the international community.

Unfair agreement?

But Duterte seems convinced that the climate agreement seeks to limit the economic growth of developing nations that have pledged to support it.

He repeated arguments of climate justice activists that such requirements on carbon emissions are unfair because the wealthy nations of today were never limited by such impositions when they were industrializing.

"Sabi ko (I said), 'You do not do it that way Mr Ambassador. You who have reached your peak and along the way spewed a lot of contaminants and emissions and went ahead in destroying the land, good for you. We are here, we have not reached the age of industrialization. We are on the way,'" said Duterte, narrating his conversation with the envoy.

The Philippine president called the limits on carbon emissions "kalokohan (nonsense)" and added, "I will not follow."

Duterte claimed climate change agreements are another way by which developed countries are able to "dictate the destiny" of poorer nations.

"That is how very constrictive our lives are now. It’s being controlled by the world. It's being imposed upon us by the industrialized countries. They think they can dictate what the destiny [is for] the rest of the nations," he said.

He compared these countries to "oligarchs" who "enjoy the fat of the land and they don't really bother to pay taxes."

PH climate pledge

His statement comes two weeks after he promised, in his inaugural speech, that the Philippine government under his administration will honor international agreements it has signed.

"On the international front and in the community of nations, let me reiterate that the Republic of the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations," he had said.

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a historic international deal that seeks to limit global warming to below 2ºC (3.6ºF), with the aim of containing it below 1.5ºC (2.7ºF), above pre-Industrial Revolution levels.

Failure of countries to reach this goal would lead to irreversible climate change by the next century. (See Rappler's climate change microsite)

The agreement was the product of over two decades of negotiations by delegations of signatory countries, including the Philippines. In fact, the Philippines is among the most influential developing countries who helped craft the landmark pact. (READ: PH after Paris agreement adoption: Tired but victorious)

The pledge to reduce Philippine carbon emissions by 70% was a pledge submitted by the Philippine government, not an imposition by a developed country.

Part of the Philippines' Nationally-Determined Contribution (NDC), the figure was arrived at by experts and heads of agencies of the Philippine government under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

After the signing of the deal, countries like the Philippines need to ratify the agreement through legislative action. With President Duterte's view on the matter, it's not clear how Congress will move forward.– Rappler.com 

YANGON, Myanmar – Continuing fighting is undermining Aung San Suu Kyi's drive for lasting peace in Myanmar, rebel leaders warned Monday, July 18, as they cautiously welcomed her new civilian-led government's landmark talks.

Suu Kyi has made peace a flagship policy of her new government, which took over in March after decades of brutal junta rule.

She has strived to reach a ceasefire with a number of ethnic minority militias that have battled the national army for decades.

On Sunday she held talks with rebel leaders to try to encourage a handful of remaining militias to sign a ceasefire agreement before a peace conference planned for the end of August.

But while rebel negotiators said the talks were "positive" they warned that little progress could be made with fighting still underway in some areas.

"There are still many groups fighting with the army on the ground," Khu Oo Reh, the head of the rebels' Delegation for Political Negotiation, told reporters in Yangon on Monday, saying the planned August peace conference date meant time was running out to reach an agreement.

"Although our country got independence, we haven't enjoyed the taste of independence yet. So we can say that we are still struggling and fighting for a second independence," he added.

Myanmar has been scarred by ethnic conflicts ever since independence from Britain in 1948, with minority groups battling for greater autonomy against a central government that they believe has long ignored and abused them.

Suu Kyi has vowed to overturn that painful legacy.

However, conflicts continue to rage in several areas between ethnic minority armed groups and the army, which operates beyond the reach of civilian government, particularly in northern Kachin and eastern Shan states.

Some 240,000 people have been displaced nationwide due to unrest and communal conflict.

Both Myanmar's military – which is backed by helicopters and fighter jets – and rebel groups have a long history of rights violations linked to the decades of conflict, including the use of child labour and drug trafficking.

But Suu Kyi's ability to rein in the military is limited.

Under the junta-era constitution the crucial interior, home and border ministries are still controlled by the army, giving the generals huge sway over whether the peace process is a success.

More than a dozen rebel factions also plan to hold their own talks later this month in Kachin, with Sunday's meeting seen as a stepping stone towards persuading the hold-out groups to embrace the peace process. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Broadcast giant ABS-CBN Corporation again lost in its case against the estate of the late Roberto Benedicto, a crony of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The Court of Appeals (CA) junked ABS-CBN's appeal and upheld an earlier ruling by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC), which said that the network failed to prove its claims against Benedicto.

ABS-CBN had accused Benedicto of operating RPN-9 using ABS-CBN's studios and equipment "to justify wrong, protect fraud, defend crime, and defeat public convenience."

The studios and equipment were leased from 1973 to 1980 through a "fraudulent" agreement signed in June 1973, said the network. It added that there were veiled threats of potential government confiscation.

ABS-CBN was seeking P11.157 million as "reasonable" rental from Benedicto's estate. It also maintained that it sent a demand letter to RPN-9, contrary to the Manila RTC's findings.

In its ruling, however, the CA said that RPN-9's usage of ABS-CBN's facilities was grounded on Proclamation No. 1081, which declared martial law in the Philippines.

The court said that "with legal basis derived from a pronouncement with the force of law, there is no reason ... to declare RPN's entry, occupancy, and operation of ABS-CBN's studios, facilities, and equipment as fraudulent, forceful, and illegal."

The CA added that the rental was formalized in the lease agreement, which ABS-CBN "freely" consented to.

"ABS-CBN therefore cannot, in the same breath, aver that RPN's actuations in the execution of the lease agreement were fraudulent, or that the contract was more a 'cover-up ploy' than real and to insist on enforcing the rental obligation therein." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – One runway at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) had to be closed on Monday, July 18, for emergency repairs.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced on social media that an "emergency runway closure" was implemented on runway 06/24 due to a soft spot on the runway that could damage aircraft using it.

Flight diversions should be expected "until on or around 10 pm today," added MIAA.

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As of 6:20 pm, Cebu Pacific has released an advisory on its affected flights:

Monday, July 18

• 5J 583/588 Manila – Cebu – Manila
• 5J 557/556 Manila – Cebu – Manila
• 5J 589        Manila – Cebu
• 5J 969/972 Manila – Davao – Manila
• 5J 973/974 Manila – Davao – Manila
• 5J 981/982 Manila – Davao – Manila
• 5J 703/704 Manila – Dipolog – Manila
• 5J 014/015 Manila – Dubai – Manila
• 5J 022        Manila – Doha
• DG 6245/6246 Manila – Caticlan – Manila
• DG 6055/6056 Manila – Busuanga – Manila

Tuesday, July 19 

• 5J 590                  Cebu – Manila
• 5J 023                  Doha – Manila
• 5J 039/040           Manila – Sydney – Manila

Cebu Pacific and Cebgo passengers who were supposed to travel from Monday, July 18 (4 pm) to Tuesday, July 19 (11:59 pm) can do either of the following without any penalties:

• rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from original departure date
• opt for full refund or travel fund

Philippine Airlines also released an advisory asking passengers to call the PAL reservations trunkline (885-8888) to check on the status of their flights.

MIAA, meanwhile, said the public can call the following numbers for flight updates:

• Terminal 1 – 877-1765
• Terminal 2 – 877-1109 local 2882
• Terminal 3 – 877-7888 local 8144
• Terminal 4 – 551-4119

A recent Facebook post showed the effects of the damaged runway on aircraft, as debris from the runway apparently punched through a wing flap on one aircraft. 

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday, July 18, called for the passage of a law that would establish special education (SPED) centers in all public schools.

Speaking during the launch of UNICEF's photo exhibit featuring children with disabilities (CWDs), Robredo underscored the importance of the measure that has languished since the 13th Congress.

"It is prohibitively expensive for poor families to give a good education to children with special needs. The ability to get a good education early on in life will mean the difference between exclusion and inclusion. If this bill is passed, we would have given inclusivity a big boost," said the Vice President, herself a former lawmaker.

Rappler reported in 2014 that only 620 out of 34,000 public elementary schools nationwide have either a SPED center or at least a SPED program. There is also a shortage of SPED teachers with only 6,000 handling 239,000 pupils with special needs.

Rehabilitating CWDs during early childhood is crucial since providing them with "good care and development during this time increases their chances of becoming healthy and productive adults and lessening the future cost of education, medical care, and social spending," said UNICEF Department Representative Julia Rees. (READ: The invisible kids of the streets) 

"Early childhood intervention can fulfill the rights of children with disabilities in promoting rich and fulfilling childhoods and prepare them [for] meaningful participation in adulthood," she also said during Monday's launch.

Inclusive environment

Aside from pushing for laws that would establish an inclusive environment for CWDs, Robredo also said that as housing chief, she would build communities that are friendly to persons with disabilities. (READ: Local governments urged to prioritize programs for PWDs) 

"If we design communities with those who have special needs in mind, I am positive that everyone will benefit, and we would be literally reshaping our world to become a better one," she said.  

She also vowed to empower CWDs in the priority areas of her office, which include hunger and food security, universal healthcare, rural development, education, and people empowerment.

Around 8.1% of Filipino children between 0 and 18 years old have disabilities. This is equal to roughly 3 million kids based on local estimates cited by UNICEF.

UNICEF, for its part, is working with several government agencies to promote the rights of CWDs:

• Department of Health – establishment of Regional Rehabilitation Centers
• Early Childhood Care and Development Council – development of a System for Early Identification, Prevention, Referral, and Intervention for development disorders and disabilities in early childhood
• Department of Social Welfare and Development providing – disability grant for households with CWDs

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has ordered all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) to retain 6 to 9 units of Filipino subjects in their general curriculum, in compliance with a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court in 2015.

In a memorandum signed by CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan on Monday, July 18, HEIs were instructed "to comply and implement" two CHED memorandums issued in 1996 and 1997 that require the inclusion of Filipino subjects in the general education curriculum:

• CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) 59 series of 1996 - 9 units of Filipino for Language and Literature
• CMO 4 series of 1997 - 6 units of Filipino for Humanities

"All concerned are hereby enjoined to comply and implement the above requirement…during the pendency of the Supreme Court TRO," the latest CHED memorandum read.

CHED on Monday also told heads of HEIs as well as the commission's central and regional office directors that "failure to comply may be construed as a direct or indirect violation of the TRO with possible sanctions by the Supreme Court."

The order comes more than a year after the High Court stopped the implementation and enforcement of another memorandum, CMO 20 series of 2013, "insofar as it excluded from the curriculum for college the course Filipino and Panitikan as core courses."

CMO 20 introduced a new general curriculum that initially did not include Filipino subjects and other "remedial courses" as these will be devolved to senior high school – the additional two years added to basic education because of the K to 12 program.

Although the new general education curriculum won't be implemented until school year 2018-2019, advocates of the Filipino language already brought the issue to the SC in April 2015, in a bid to stop what they called an "attack against the national language."

The TRO was issued just a week after groups filed a petition against the curriculum before the SC. 

Tanggol Wika or Alyansa ng mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wikang Filipino (Alliance of Defenders of Filipino), one of the groups that opposed the new curriculum, thanked CHED for following the SC. 

But the group also slammed the commission for taking more than a year to act on the TRO.

"We hope that the Supreme Court's final decision makes the retention of Filipino and Literatura permanent. This small victory is a step in the right direction," Tanggol Wika spokesperson David Michael San Juan told Rappler in a text message.

"We hope that colleges/universities will follow the new memorandum and instantly revive/resurrect all Filipino and/or Literature Departments that were abolished because of the K to 12," he added. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Climate change is taking its toll on countries' labor productivity, as a recent study revealed that in Southeast Asia alone, "as much as 15% to 20% of annual work hours may already be lost in heat-exposed jobs."

This figure may double by 2030 as global warming continues, according to one of the 6 papers assembled by the United Nations (UN) University and launched on Tuesday, July 19.

"One feature of climate change is the increasing heat exposure in many workplaces where efficient cooling systems cannot be applied," said author Tord Kjellstrom of the Health and Environment International Trust in New Zealand.

"Current climate conditions in tropical and subtropical parts of the world are already so hot during the hot seasons that occupational health effects occur and work capacity for many working people is affected."

The study, which cited estimated gross domestic product (GDP) losses for 43 countries, warned that the global economic cost of reduced productivity due to heat stress may be more than $2 trillion by 2030.

For low- or middle-income country-members of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) like the Philippines, productivity losses could be as high as $85 billion in 14 years' time.

The CVF is composed of 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The study said some of the lowest paid jobs – heavy labor, low-skill agricultural, and manufacturing – are the most susceptible to productivity losses due to heat stress

In the Philippines, available data suggests the cost of labor productivity loss due to excessive heat can reach 5.9% of the country's GDP by 2030.

This situation, the study said, is "typical" of Southeast Asian countries: the decline in GDP by 2030 will be more than double the estimated 2.8% GDP lost to heat stress in 2010.

'Decisive action' needed

"It is very important to develop and apply adaptation measures now to protect people from the disasters that current climate and slowing changing climate brings," Kjellstrom said.

More than adaptation, however, he said the world now must take "decisive action" to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases.

"Failure will cause the frequency and intensity of disasters to worsen dramatically beyond 2050, and the situation at the end of this century will be especially alarming for the world's poorest people," he added.

While there is a need for cooling systems, especially in indoor workplaces, the study pointed out that many jobs cannot be cooled, requiring instead reduced work during the hottest part of the day.

"The changed work hour distributions can be seen as a part of 'climate change adaptation,' but the likely loss of economic output needs to be considered as an important 'side-effect' of this type of adaptation," the study noted.

The study also suggested that employers provide sufficient and easy access to drinking water in all hot workplaces.

For their part, workers and supervisors should learn about the symptoms of severe heat strain and how to respond during emergencies to protect workers at early stages of heat stroke.

The 6 research papers launched on Tuesday highlight the rising cost – both in money and in health – of extreme weather events. These papers are published in a special issue of the Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health.

Kjellstrom's paper "Impact of Climate Conditions on Occupational Health and Related Economic Losses: A New Feature of Global and Urban Health in the Context of Climate Change" said the most effective way to protect health and economic progress is still through the global mitigation of climate change.

In April 2016, 175 countries signed the Paris climate deal which has been hailed as the first universal, legally-binding agreement on climate change.

The Paris deal sets the goal of limiting global warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius. Signatories through the deal, pledged to reduce the amount of carbon they emit, and to ensure their citizens are prepared for the effects of global warming. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The camp of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday, July 19, hailed the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that acquitted her of plunder.

Voting 11-4, the SC granted Arroyo's plea to drop the case against her, setting in motion the former president's release from hospital arrest. (READ: Timeline: Gloria Arroyo – from plunder to acquittal)

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, the legal spokesman of Arroyo's husband, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, said in a statement that justice has been served.

"[The SC's] ruling today has validated what we have been saying for 6 years now: that the charges against [Arroyo] are nothing more than disingenuous attempts at political persecution by a corrupt and inept Aquino administration intent on covering up its gross lack of accomplishments by harassing its political opponents," Topacio said.

Topacio added that the coming into power of the Duterte administration will usher in a new period, away from what he called the "unrelenting prosecution and defamation perpetrated by the previous regime." (READ: Gloria Arroyo for Duterte?)

"The dawn of a new administration has brought about new hope for great positive change, which includes freedom from false and malicious accusations and unceasing lies and disinformation," the lawyer said.

"We all join the new government in its fight against criminality, corruption, and its economic and political reforms that will surely usher in a new golden age for our country and people."

Two weeks after President Rodrigo Duterte won the May 9 elections, he had said that he was ready to grant pardon to Arroyo.

Back then, the President said: "Si Arroyo to my mind should also be released kasi 'yung lahat ng na-demanda in connection with the sweepstakes expenditure ng intelligence fund nasa labas na. Si Arroyo lang ang nandiyan."

(Arroyo should also be released because all of those charged with her in connection with the sweepstakes expenditure on the intelligence fund are already free. It's only Arroyo who remains under arrest.)

However, Duterte said, Arroyo refused his offer to grant her pardon as this would require her to admit to the crime of plunder.

Arroyo, now representative of the second district of Pampanga, has been detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City since October 2012.

She was charged over the alleged misuse of P366 million in Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) intelligence funds from 2008 to 2010. – Rappler.com

BEIJING, China – Beijing will "never" stop building in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) prematurely, a top military official has vowed, despite an international ruling that its actions were illegal.

The pushback came as China launched war games in waters in the strategically vital region, where diplomatic tensions are high.

"We will never stop our construction on the Nansha Islands halfway," Wu Shengli, the commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy, told US counterpart Admiral John Richardson, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Nansha is China's name for the Spratlys, where Beijing has rapidly turned reefs into artificial islands with facilities capable of military use, including extensive runways.

The reef system has multiple claimants in the region.

"The Nansha Islands are China's inherent territory, and our necessary construction on the islands is reasonable, justified and lawful," Wu added.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague last week ruled that there was no legal basis for Beijing's claims to much of the South China Sea, embodied in a "nine-dash line" that dates from 1940s maps and stretches close to other countries' coasts.

Its extensive decision also said that China's construction on Mischief Reef had "violated the Philippines' sovereign rights with respect to its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf".

Manila – which lodged the suit against Beijing – welcomed the decision but China dismissed it as a "piece of waste paper".

Wu said Beijing would not be intimated over the issue, adding: "Any attempt to force China to give in through flexing military muscles will only have the opposite effect."

Despite Chinese objections, the European Union weighed in on the subject at a regional summit last weekend, with President Donald Tusk telling reporters the bloc "will continue to speak out in support of upholding international law", adding that it had "full confidence" in the PCA and its decisions.

China pressured countries in the ASEAN bloc of Southeast Asian nations not to issue a joint statement on the ruling, diplomats said.

The US, Japan and Australia, amongst others, have urged Beijing to fall into line and respect the tribunal's ruling.

'Flexing military muscles'

An area off the east coast of China's island province of Hainan will host military exercises from Tuesday to Thursday (July 19-21), China's maritime administration said on its website, adding that entrance was "prohibited".

The area of sea identified is some distance from the Paracel islands and even further from the Spratlys.

Beijing held military drills in the South China Sea just days before the international arbitration court ruling, state media reported.

A combat air patrol was mounted over the sea recently and these would become a regular practice in future, an air force spokesman said separately.

Bombers, fighters and other aircraft were sent to patrol islands and reefs including Huangyan Dao – the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal – spokesman Shen Jinke was quoted by the official Xinhua news agency as saying.

Scarborough Shoal is disputed with the Philippines and is seen as a particular flashpoint.

In a separate message on its website, the maritime administration said last week that 4 out of 5 lighthouses built atop islands and reefs in the sea have been activated, and a fifth would be put into use soon. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Chinese government says it is willing to cooperate with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in cracking down on illegal drugs.

In a statement released on Tuesday, July 19, the Chinese embassy in Manila expressed "China’s willingness for effective cooperation" in the campaign against illegal drugs.

"China has expressed explicitly to the new administration China’s willingness for effective cooperation in this regard, and would like to work out a specific plan of action with the Philippine side," reads the statement released by embassy spokesperson Lingxiao Li.

China said it recognizes the Duterte administration's firm stance on eradicating the problem of drugs in the Philippines.

"China fully understands that the Philippine government under the leadership of H.E. President Rodrigo Duterte has taken it as a top priority in cracking down drug-related crimes," says the statement.

The Asian superpower, however, reminded the Duterte administration that it too "has been firm and severe in drug control and in punishing all drug criminals in accordance with laws regardless their nationalities."

It called illegal drugs a "common enemy of mankind" and said fighting drug-related crimes is a "shared responsibiluty of all countries."

China's statement comes after Duterte said he would confront China on why Chinese drug lords are able to run drug-trafficking operations in the Philippines.

The Philippine president had previously announced the names of 3 Chinese nationals he accused of being top drug lords.

Duterte said he would talk to China about the drug problem after issues like the West Philippine Sea dispute have been settled.

While China appears willing to cooperate in tackling drugs, it has been harsh in condemning a recent ruling of an international court that nullifies its claims in the West Philippine Sea. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines said Tuesday, July 19, that direct talks with China over their maritime dispute were unlikely to start anytime soon due to Beijing's refusal to accept an international tribunal ruling on the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

The UN-backed tribunal said last week there was no legal basis for China's claims to most of the strategic, resource-rich waters. Beijing has staunchly rejected the verdict.

"At this point in time, I am not sure whether negotiations can be pursued," Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said Tuesday.

Yasay and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed the possibility of bilateral talks on the sidelines of an Asia-Europe summit in Mongolia last weekend but made no headway.

"Let the dust settle some more and let's see how we can open up the road for this kind of negotiation," the Filipino official said in an interview with the ABS-CBN network.

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled Beijing had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights to exploit resources in waters up to 340 kilometers (230 miles) beyond its coast, called its exclusive economic zone.

The fish-rich Scarborough Shoal, which lies about 230 kilometers from the Philippine coast, is a "traditional fishing ground" that should be open to Filipino, Chinese and other fishermen, the tribunal said.

China seized the shoal in 2012 after a brief stand-off with the Philippine navy. Manila lodged suit at the tribunal the following year.

China is prepared to discuss Filipino access to the Scarborough Shoal but warned "if you will insist on the ruling... then we might be headed for a confrontation," Yasay said.

President Rodrigo Duterte's "first and foremost" priority is to regain access to the Scarborough Shoal for Filipino fishermen, Yasay said.

"Let's do it one step at a time. Let's manage it on that basis," Yasay said.

"We have asked China to exercise restraint and sobriety in this regard, that we maintain the status quo for now in terms of not taking aggressive actions... not coming out with any provocative statements," he added.

Duterte said last week that he would send former president Fidel Ramos to China to start talks on the ruling.

Beijing, which justifies its extensive claims by saying it was the first to have discovered, named and exploited the sea, has said that the tribunal ruling cannot be the basis of any discussions.

In the long term, Yasay said Manila had not ruled out the possibility of giving China a role as a contractor when the government moves to exploit the resources, including natural gas, in its exclusive economic zone. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philipppines (UPDATED) – The chief legal counsel of President Rodrigo Duterte said "it's about time" that the Supreme Court acquitted and ordered the release of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"It's about time. All the respondents have been released, di ba?," Panelo told reporters on Tuesday, July 19, after the Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling acquitting Arroyo. (READ: Timeline: Gloria Arroyo – from plunder to acquittal)

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza also said he "rejoiced" over the decision. "We see that justice has been served with the decision of the SC. Personally, I rejoiced over this decision," said Dureza, who had served under Arroyo.

Dureza said he congratulated Arroyo in a phone conversation on his way to Malacañang Palace. 

Panelo explained that since Arroyo was charged with conspiracy and practically all her co-accused had been released, it was only just a matter of time for her to be freed as well.

"Ang conspiracy kasi, the act of one is the act of all. The reverse is true. The innocence of one is the innocence of all," Panelo said.

After winning the elections in May, Duterte said he would grant Arroyo pardon. Tuesday's Supreme Court decision renders that plan moot.

Some of Duterte's key campaign supporters are former officials of the Arroyo administration. – Rappler.com

CLEVELAND, USA (UPDATED) – Donald Trump faced an embarrassing plagiarism scandal Tuesday, July 19, that tarnished his wife Melania's primetime speech to a Republican National Convention already roiled by an opening day rank-and-file revolt.

It was a rough start to the 4-day buildup to Trump's presidential nomination, one designed for maximum media exposure for the Republican standard bearer and his supporters.

With millions watching on TV at home, Melania Trump delivered a defense of her husband and his bid to be the next president of the United States before thousands of cheering convention delegates.

But unmistakeable similarities between a passage in her speech about her guiding values and one in a speech given by Michelle Obama at the 2008 Democratic convention soon came to light.

A senior Trump communications adviser, Jason Miller, acknowledged in a statement that Melania Trump's team of writers "in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking."

However, Paul Manafort, Trump's campaign chief, denied there was any "cribbing of Michelle Obama's speech."

"I mean, she was speaking in front of 35 million people last night. She knew that. To think that she would be cribbing Michelle Obama's words is crazy," he said on CNN.

The development came after a chaotic start to the Republican gathering in Cleveland, which erupted in jeers from Trump opponents after their bid to hold a roll call vote on convention rules was quashed.

"We deserve to be heard, this is the people's convention!" said Diana Shores, a delegate from Virginia, while pro-Trump delegates tried to drown out the rebels with shouts of "Shame! Shame!"

On Tuesday, the convention holds a state by state roll call vote, with each delegation confirming the winner in their primary election.

Although a routine procedure, it too could be the scene of further disruptions by anti-Trump factions.

But Trump fans insist delegates heed the will of the grassroots of the party and make him the Republican nominee without equivocation.

The billionaire won a thumping victory in a series of statewide party elections, garnering more than 13 million votes – the most of any Republican nominee ever.

This was meant to be Trump's moment – the point at which he sealed Republican divisions and marched the party toward November's election and the White House.

Making a surprise cameo appearance at the gathering in Cleveland to introduce his wife, the bombastic tycoon showed confidence that belied the day's spasm of public division.

"We're going to win so big," said Trump. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to present the next First Lady of the United States."

Ahead of the convention he had tried to assuage conservative critics and bring the party together by naming Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate.

First the lady

But it was Trump's Slovenian-born wife Melania, until now only a minor presence in the campaign, who stepped up as his chief advocate on the convention's opening day.

She took the stage with all the allure of a former model and in a strong accent made the case for Americans to entrust Trump with the presidency.

"Donald is, and always has been, an amazing leader," said the 46-year-old. "Now, he will go to work for you."

"He does not give up," she said of her husband, portraying him as a loving father and successful businessman who would be a strong and compassionate president.

She also sought to put a more human face on a candidate many voters see as brash and egotistical.

"Donald intends to represent all the people, not just some of the people. That includes Christians and Jews and Muslims. It includes Hispanics and African-Americans and Asians and the poor and the middle class."

Plagiarism

No sooner had the speech been delivered, though, than it was overshadowed by the plagiarism controversy.

In a passage that appeared to be lifted from Michelle Obama's speech 8 years ago, Melania discussed her parents' influence on her.

"My parents impressed on me the values: that you work hard for what you want in life. That your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise. That you treat people with respect. They taught me to show the values and morals in my daily life. That is the lesson that I continue to pass along to our son," Melania Trump said.

"And we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow. Because we want our children in this nation to know that the only limit to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them."

In her 2008 speech, Michelle Obama had said:

"And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them.

"And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children – and all children in this nation – to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them."– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 19, ordered the “immediate release” of former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Arroyo from hospital detention.

Voting 11-4, the SC acquitted Arroyo and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board member Benjamin Aguas of plunder involving their alleged misuse of PCSO funds.

SC Spokesman Theodore Te, in a press conference, read the partial judgment of the High Court.

“Wherefore, the Court GRANTS the petitions for certiorari; ANNULS and SETS ASIDE the resolutions issued in Criminal Case No. SB-12-CRM-0174 by the Sandiganbayan on April 6, 2015 and September 10, 2015; GRANTS the petitioners’ respective demurrers to evidence; DISMISSES Criminal Case No. SB-12-CRM-0174 as to the petitioners Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aguas for insufficiency of evidence; ORDERS the immediate release from detention of said petitioner; and MAKES no pronouncements on costs of suit.”

Arroyo, who is sick, has been detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City for 4 years while her co-accused in the plunder case had long been allowed by the anti-graft court to post bail.

Laurence Arroyo, counsel for the former president, said: "Here, the Supreme Court granted the petition overturning the denial of the demurrer. Ibig sabihin, the SC found that mahina nga ebidensya and as a consequence noon, the accused is acquitted. (This means the SC found that the evidence is weak and as a consequence of that, the accused is acquitted.) So it's an acquittal in effect."

Given the immediacy of the decision, lawyer Arroyo said they wre eyeing the release of the former president within the day.

However, the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan's Judicial and Records Division closed at 4:30 pm, without the SC sheriff serving the decision. 

"The Court has not officially received a copy of the SC decision. As soon as it officially receives it, the Court will comply with the directive of the SC," Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje Tang told Rappler in a text message.

Arroyo's lawyer said he would be back to the High Court tomorrow at 9 am to wait for the decision's release.

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Te said there was still no advice on when the decision would be served. 

After getting the hard copy of the decision, Arroyo said they will ask the sheriff of the anti-graft court to order his client’s release from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. – with a report from Patty Pasion/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – It appears that the acquittal of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was not a total surprise to Senator Leila de Lima, who said the possibility crossed her mind in August 2015 when then-senator Juan Ponce Enrile was granted bail.

De Lima, the justice secretary when Arroyo was charged with plunder and placed under hospital arrest in 2012, said on Tuesday, July 19, that the Supreme Court (SC) ruling was "disappointing."

The senator, who is an ally of former president Benigno Aquino III and a member of the Liberal Party (LP), also questioned the timing of the ruling – which, she clarified, she has yet to read in full.

"Ang top of mind reaction ko lang, what's happening? (My top of mind reaction is, what's happening?) These are trying times... Why did they have to wait for the change in administration to issue that ruling?" De Lima told reporters.

"And it also crossed my mind actually noon (before). Remember when the Supreme Court also granted bail to former senator Enrile? So it crossed my mind. Sabi ko, baka ang isunod nila (I said they might act next on) the case of the former president because we are seeing here situations when the Supreme Court seems to assume the role now of trier of facts."

De Lima said the SC should leave it up to the Sandiganbayan to assess the facts of cases. (READ: DOJ: Amal Clooney petition doesn't boost Arroyo case)

"Kasi 'yung Sandiganbayan several times na 'yan ni-reject that plea for bail and then demurrer to evidence," added the former justice chief.

(The Sandiganbayan rejected Arroyo's plea for bail several times, and then the demurrer to evidence.)

De Lima said she would go over the majority opinion and the dissenting opinions before commenting further on the SC ruling. (READ: TIMELINE: Gloria Arroyo – from plunder to acquittal)

In a statement sent to media after the interview, De Lima reiterated her dismay, saying that the decision was handed down "at a time when anti-corruption efforts in the Philippines have been receiving accolades from all over the world."

"While we have yet to ascertain and assess the full effect of this decision, I am 100% sure that this is demoralizing or disheartening to most of us, to say the least, as it delivers a huge blow to all our initiatives," added the senator in the statement.

The Arroyo camp, meanwhile, has said that their legal victory proves that the Aquino administration was merely "harassing its political opponents" to cover up "its gross lack of accomplishments."

The former president, now representative of the second district of Pampanga, will walk free after nearly 4 years in detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

President Rodrigo Duterte's chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo welcomed the SC decision, saying, "It's about time."– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thanked the Supreme Court justices as well as President Rodrigo Duterte for "allowing due process to take its course totally unhampered."

In a statement on Tuesday, July 19 after the High Court ruled 11-4 to dismiss the plunder case against her, Arroyo said: "Keep the faith in the justice system."

The former president was charged in 2012 before the anti-graft Sandiganbayan over the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds during the latter part of her administration. (READ: Timeline: Gloria Arroyo – from plunder to acquittal)

"First and foremost, to God Almighty be all the glory and praise. Through His kindness and mercy, justice and righteousness have once again prevailed over injustice and wrongdoing," said Arroyo, who on Tuesday afternoon waited for her release orders at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City, where she is being held.

Arroyo sent her "heartfelt appreciation" to Duterte for allowing her case to "take its course totally unhampered." (READ: Panelo, Dureza praise SC verdict on Arroyo)

She also thanked the SC justices "for finally stopping the persecution that had unjustly gone through for the last 5 years."

Arroyo is suffering from multiple cervical spondylosis or the wearing off of the bones.

Accept verdict

On Tuesday, Arroyo called on the public to accept the truth now that she has been acquitted.

“With the High Tribunal rendering a final decision on this unfortunate episode, I sincerely hope that everyone will respect and recognize the truth that has been established,” said Arroyo, who also thanked her supporters for their "unending" moral support.

“It is my fervent hope that nobody else will suffer the persecution that had been levied on me through self-serving interpretation and implementation of the law. And that the disregard of truth for which I was made to suffer be dealt with accordingly at the soonest possible time,” she added.

One of her legal counsels Estelito Mendoza, who was also former solicitor general, said Arroyo feels "beyond vindication, beyond joy" because of the SC ruling. 

"What is significant about it is that she did not have to present any evidence, which means from inception, there was no basis for her to be imprisoned and detained," Mendoza told reporters.

"Her charge has been used as a political matter every time the president (former President Benigno Aquino III) explains his achievements. Her imprisonment is cited as one of its primary accomplishments," he added.

No revenge

Mendoza also said he doubts if Arroyo is thinking of revenge.

"Well, I don't think we should talk about getting back at anybody. That is not the way it should be. Remember what our father says, 'Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,'" said the veteran lawyer.

"I think GMA [Arroyo] will follow that mandate. She is a good Christian, and unfortunately, even good Christians go through a calvary," he added. 

Mendoza said Arroyo is joined by her relatives as well as close friends and associates inside the VMMC while waiting for her release order. – Rappler.com

BERLIN, Germany – A hand-painted flag of the Islamic State (ISIS) group has been found among the belongings of the 17-year-old Afghan refugee who attacked train passengers with an axe and a knife, authorities said on Tuesday, July 19.

The flag was found in the room of the man who seriously wounded 4 people and injured several others on a regional train in the city of Wuerzburg, Bavaria state interior minister Joachim Herrmann told ZDF public television.

The teenager was shot dead by police as he tried to flee.

Earlier, Herrmann had said the assailant had arrived as an unaccompanied minor in Germany and had lived at first in a shelter and then more recently with a foster family in nearby Ochsenfurt.

A spokesman for the interior ministry had said it was "quite probable that this was an Islamist attack", adding that the assailant had shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest).

However he stressed that the investigation was ongoing and that the teenager appeared to have acted alone.

The attack happened around 9:15 pm (1915 GMT) on Monday on the train running between Treuchlingen and Wuerzburg in Bavaria. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte went on national television just to defend Acting Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr amid public criticism and even a rumor that he will be relieved of his post.

"I would like to arrest a few rumors going around that Secretary Yasay of the Department of Foreign Affairs is on his way out. I would like to assure the secretary that he is in good company and there's no truth to the rumor that there is a plan for his ouster, far from it actually," said Duterte in a video message released by Radio Television Malacañang on Tuesday, July 19.

Duterte said all of Yasay's pronouncements originate from him.

"Yasay speaks for me. Everything he says in public, both national and international, comes from my guidance and he has my backing and full support," said the Philippine president.

"I said I have placed my entire trust in him to take care, as being the spokesman for foreign affairs. Sana matapos na 'yang haka-haka (I hope the speculations stop)," Duterte added. 

Duterte said Yasay only accepted his offer to be acting foreign secretary on condition that he would only serve for a few months. Yasay supposedly wants to return to teaching in the United States.

"I would like the Philippines to know that I personally pleaded with Secretary Yasay to join my government because he is competent and honest, and he knows his business," said Duterte.

Yasay came under fire, especially on social media, for his seemingly "gloomy" reaction to the historic ruling on the West Philippine Sea that favors the Philippines.

Some interpreted his seemingly non-celebratory mood as a signal of the Duterte administration's friendliness toward China. It also fuelled speculation that Duterte would not use the favorable ruling to maximum advantage. (READ: PH-China ruling: Why Yasay wasn't smiling)

Yasay was also criticized for previous statements which he has had to clarify.

This includes a statement he made during an interview with Agence France-Presse that the Philippines is willing to share resources in the West Philippine Sea. 

This drew flak online, with critics saying the Duterte administration is set to give up the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea. It also prompted Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to say the Philippine Constitution bans "joint development" within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Yasay's comments during the first Duterte Cabinet meeting fueled concerns the new administration is afraid of China.

Yasay, a former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, has had no previous experience in the DFA. – Rappler.com

This page will be updated as lawmakers release their statements on the ruling.

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers are weighing in on the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that acquitted former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of plunder.

On Tuesday, July 19, the SC granted Arroyo's plea to drop the case against her and ordered her immediate release from detention.

Senator Leila de Lima, the justice secretary when Arroyo was charged and placed under hospital arrest, has expressed disappointment over the ruling. (READ: TIMELINE: Gloria Arroyo – from plunder to acquittal)

Below are the reactions of other legislators to the SC decision.

Senator Francis Escudero:

"I respect the decision of the Court as everyone else should, whether they agree with it or not. Respect for the rule of law demands nothing less. I don't think the statements of President Duterte have anything to do with it as I believe in the independence of the Court. I cannot comment on the prosecution given that I am not too learned about the day to day arguments both sides made before the Court."

Senator Panfilo Lacson:

"She has suffered enough, having spent 6 years in detention under an extremely difficult physical condition. Even for purely humanitarian consideration, I support the SC ruling to free her and accord her some comfort for the remaining years of her life which are not really that many considering her age. As I have repeatedly said, while I will never forget who they are, I have forgiven all my tormentors for the past 9 years under her administration, living or dead."

Senator Risa Hontiveros (one of the petitioners against Arroyo in 2011):

"It's a sad day for justice.

"The case we filed is strong. In fact, it was one of the two PCSO plunder cases admitted by the Office of the Ombudsman under Conchita Carpio Morales, and subsequently filed before the Sandiganbayan. The Ombudsman also confirmed that the said funds were converted, misused, and illegally transferred.

"I am shocked with the high court's ruling, but we will not lose hope. Tuloy ang laban para sa katarungan (The fight for justice continues)."

Senator Joel Villanueva:

"It is what it is, we have to respect the rule of law. That is how our justice system works. It would be interesting for me to read the court decision first before commenting on it."

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV:

"The release of GMA is one of the campaign promises of President Duterte. At least, he didn't need to do much to fulfill this one."

– Rappler.com