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Look out for China ‘Trojan horses’ Apply visa curbs on all Chinese nationals, solon urges DFA By Rio N. Araja
HE Department of Foreign Affairs should expand its policy of stricter controls on Chinese nationals applying for a visa to include students, businessmen and workers, and must be “on the lookout for Trojan horses,” a senior lawmaker on Sunday said.
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“I am urging the DFA and our dip- whether they are businessmen, tourlomatic posts in China to apply these ists, workers, or students,” Cagayan de stricter rules on all China’s nationals Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said. applying for whatever type of visa, Next page
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 87 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024
PCG vessel guards Escoda shoal from possible reclamation
ISLAND-BUILDING. Chinese vessels were monitored in Sabina (Escoda) shoal undertaking activities which the Philippine Coast Guard warned could be a prelude to islandbuilding activities. Screengrab from GMA
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of its largest patrol vessels to keep a close eye on the reported illegal activities of China on Escoda Shoal—a sandbank located just 75 nautical miles from the coastline of Palawan. In a news release on Sunday, Malacañang said this was done to intensify the Philippines’ vigilance in the area amid China’s brazen attempt at creating artificial islands by destroying coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). According to PCG spokesman for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela, two smaller patrol vessels—BRP Cabra and BRP Malabrigo— have also been doing rotational deployment in the same area to help the government document Beijing’s alarming expansionist agenda. Tarriela said that they have monitored a total of 34 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels on Escoda Shoal with the People’s Liberation Army Next page
Marcos forms special committee House to begin plenary debates on rice law amendments to promote, protect human rights By Rio N. Araja
By Vince Lopez PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of a “Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination” to carry out Administrative Order No. 22 which aims to enhance the mechanisms for the promotion
and protection of human rights in the Philippines. The special committee is chaired by the Executive Secretary and cochaired by the Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the De-
THE House of Representatives will begin plenary debates this week on a bill amending the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), a critical measure aimed at substantially reducing rice prices to
ease the financial stress of millions of ordinary Filipino consumers. Speaker Martin Romualdez said the legislative chamber would double its effort to hasten the plenary discussions and secure the bill’s approval on second reading by Wednesday, May 15.
“We recognize the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by consumers due to high rice prices. Through these plenary debates, we are taking decisive action to bring about meaningful change and ease the financial strain Next page
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MOM LIZA’S DAY. The First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos celebrates Mother’s Day with a photo with the President and her three sons. PCO
PBBM to First Lady Liza: A heartfelt appreciation compassion and sacrifices this Mother’s Day. In the post on all of his social mePRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dia pages on Sunday, President Marcos expressed his heartfelt appreciation to honored all mothers for their sacrifices all mothers, including his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, for their Next page
By Vince Lopez
PYROMUSICAL AT SM MOA. SM Mall of Asia welcomes the return of the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, the biggest and brightest show in the world. Remarkable displays of fireworks and music from the Philippines and the Netherlands captivated audiences on May 11 and will be held every Saturday until June 8, 2024.
Pacquiao to ally with Partido Federal for 2025 polls Pacquiao also said he will run under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ParFORMER senator Manny Pacquiao will tido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP). Mr. Marcos earlier introduced Pacstage a comeback in next year’s elections quiao as “magbabalik na senador” as part of the administration’s slate.
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
when he acknowledged the former eight-division world boxing champ at the distribution of financial aid to fisherfolk and farmers in General Next page
MOTHER’S DAY MESSAGES We take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the selfless sacrifices they make every day to nurture and care for their families. Their love and guidance pave the way for brighter futures and stronger communities. —Vice President Sara Duterte
Thank you for your patience and selflessness, and for building loving homes and loving communities for all of us. Saludo kami sa inyo! (We salute you!) —Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri
Mothers are the foundation of every Filipino family… They offer wisdom in quiet moments and resilience when faced with challenges, profoundly shaping both our lives and our communities. —House Speaker Martin Romualdez
HEART SUFFERS MISCARRIAGE SHOWBIZ / C2