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PH, US, JAPAN UNDERSCORE NEED FOR PEACEFUL, SECURE INDO-PACIFIC By Charles Dantes
perous Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by shared values such as deTHE Philippines, United States, and mocracy, the rule of law, and human Japan underscored the importance of rights during a virtual trilateral meetfostering a peaceful, secure, and pros- ing between the leaders of the three
countries on Monday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed their commitment to deepen
trilateral cooperation, particularly in closely to sustain the gains that we have economic, maritime, and technologi- made in enhancing and deepening our cal areas ties,” Mr. Marcos said. “I am confident that our three counThe meeting followed the adoption tries will continue to work together Next page
NMC slams escalatory acts of China in WPS
GAG ORDER ISSUED ON SOTTO-YAP CASE NEWS / A4
‘PROBE PNP DRUG RAIDS SINCE 2016’ NEWS / A3
By Charles Dantes
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 333 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
1.8m INC members push for peace, unity
THE National Maritime Council (NMC) condemned the continued illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) even while incumbent and former lawmakers are urging the administration to bring the matter up for international adjudication. On Monday, the NMC recounted how two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, identified as CCG 5901 -dubbed “The Monster” for its sheer size -- and CCG 3304, were detected operating unlawfully in the waters Next page
‘Peaceful assembly bedrock of democracy’ By Rex Espiritu, Rachelle Tonelada, Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz, Ram Superable and Joel Zurbano
HOUSE IN SESSION. Speaker
A
PPROXIMATELY 1.8 million members of Iglesia ni Cristo participated in peace rallies nationwide yesterday, the Philippine National Police said. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the bulk of the attendees -- as much as 1.6 million -- gathered at the Quirino Grandstand. Crowds wearing white shirts and carrying banners calling for unity flocked to the site in Manila. Fajardo said the event remained relatively peaceful, with no untoward incidents reported. “We thanked the participants for heeding our call to keep the rally peaceful. So far, the event had been orderly,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna added. Across the country, among the key sites of the INC rallies were the Sports Complex in Ilagan City, the Provincial Capitol in Palawan, Sawangan Park in Legazpi City, Freedom Grandstand in Bacolod
Martin Romualdez delivers his message at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives as Congress resumes session Monday afternoon. Ver Noveno
Speaker vows to pursue probe to bring down rice, power prices By Maricel V. Cruz
SHOW OF FORCE. The number of Iglesia Ni Cristo members at the ‘National Rally for Peace’ swells to almost 1.5 million at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday, according to the Philippine National Police. Norman Cruz
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Co removed as Appropriations head; solon cites health issues
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This decision, made with a heavy heart, is driven by pressing health concerns. – James Deakin
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co
HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed to pursue investigations aimed at eventually bringing down prices of rice and other food items as well as electricity rates. “Good governance demands transparency and accountability. This chamber is the vanguard of that principle. In the coming weeks, we will hold oversight hearings to ensure that the people’s money serves the people’s needs,” he told his colleagues as
By Maricel V. Cruz REP. Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol partylist was removed as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. At the resumption of the session on Monday after a monthlong Christmas break, Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos moved to declare the position vacant. The chairmanship of the Committee on Appropriations is one of the most powerful positions in Congress. Co was the committee head since the start of the 19th Congress in July 2022. There was no successor announced on the floor. In a statement, Co said he was relieved over his removal as House appropriations chief, citing health concerns. “I have always served at the pleasure of the majority. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the immense Next page
Lack of campaign funds not basis for nuisance bets By Pot Chavez and Vito Barcelo
to declare him or her as nuisance, the conflate financial capacity requirement Supreme Court said in a ruling pub- with the bona fide intention to run for public office.” WHETHER or not a candidate has suf- lished Monday. In granting a petition, the SC said It added that the imposition of having ficient financial resources to mount a credible campaign should not be a basis the Commission on Elections “cannot Next page
TRILATERAL COMMITMENT. President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru hold a virtual meeting where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas such as economic growth, emerging technologies, climate action, clean energy, and regional security.