Philippine Embassy in Lisbon Pays Tribute to Filipino Seafarers in NCCA´s Photo Contest

Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal Photo Contest: " KAPIT SA GILID "

06 February 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon reported that pictures of Filipino seafarers taken by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. won First Place in the recently concluded NCCA Photo Essay Contest for Overseas Filipinos in celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos last December 2012.

The formal announcement of winners was made by NCCA Chairman Felipe M. De Leon last 18 December 2012 at the SSS Auditorium during the National Forum on Migration. The winning photos and the other qualified entries were exhibited from 18 December 2012 to 4 January 2013 at the SSS, POEA and the OWWA.

Mr. Villanueva´s 4 entries captured the NCCA´s theme of "A Day in the Life of an Overseas Filipino" and included very unique photos of seafarers displaying the Filipino´s excellence, ingenuity, patience and hard work as they perform daily their challenging and sometimes risky duties onboard ships. Through his photos, Mr. Villanueva intended to highlight the sacrifices and contribution of Filipino seafarers who comprise more than a fourth of the total number of seafarers in world.

They were taken during the Embassy´s Akyat-Barko campaign for the OAV registration last year where Post´s OAV Team headed by Mr. Villanueva, was able to visit more than 50 ships and registered close to 6,000 Filipino seafarers to be able to vote in the coming May 2013 National Elections.

Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Philippe J. Lhuillier lauded the achievement of Mr. Villanueva and considers it as recognition of the DFA´s contribution in raising awareness of the Filipino Diaspora through public diplomacy. 

Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal Photo Contest: " PINOY INIHAW "

Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal Photo Contest: " SHOELACE  "

Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal Photo Contest: " SI KUYA AT SI LOLA  "

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North Borneo Standoff Malaysia vs Sultanate of Sulu: Philippines Send 5 naval ships

A Philippine Navy ship patrols the Sulu Sea near the port of Sulu province southern Philippines/EPA

"Going there with arms is not the way to resolve this. When you brandish arms naturally the other side has only one way to respond to such a challenge,'' Philippines president Benigno Aquino reportedly said in his first public comment on the incident. He urged the gunmen to give up peacefully.

Lahad Datu Standoff: Philippines naval ships in Tawi-Tawi waters to help stabilise situation

LAHAD DATU: Six Philippines naval ships have been deployed to the seas of Sulu and Tawi Tawi to prevent possible spill over from the standoff between Malaysian forces and the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan's gunmen.

The ships are only conducting patrols within the waters of Tawi Tawi islands, less than half-hour speed boat ride from the seaside village of Tandau where the Sulu group has been holed up since Feb 9.

Philippines navy spokesman Lt Comm Gregory Fabic was quoted as telling the media in Manila that the naval vessels would not dock in Sabah waters but were there to help make the situation stable.

He stated that there were also no instructions given for the evacuation of the Sulu group led Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram, the brother of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.

``We are hoping that this will be resolved peacefully. If they are retreating, we are not there to help them because we need instructions if they can be picked up,'' Fabic was quoted as saying.

``If there are conflicts, we cannot help them. We will (only go there) if it is resolved peacefully and are given instructions to repatriate them,'' Fabic added.

The Sulu group of about 100 have insisted on staying put in Tanduo although a Friday deadline for them to be deported is looming.

The Malaysian security forces, who have thrown a tight land and sea cordon around the group, are reportedly in a position to deport the group anytime but are holding back pending efforts to resolve the standoff through negotiations without bloodshed.

Meanwhile, Philippines president Benigno Aquino reportedly said in Manila that the Sulu gunmen, who claimed that North Borneo was part of the Sulu Sultanate, should give up peacefully.

``Going there with arms is not the way to resolve this. When you brandish arms naturally the other side has only one way to respond to such a challenge,'' Aquino was quoted as saying in his first public comment on the incident.

Aquino also stated that his government had been talking to all parties, including the Sultan's family, to find a peaceful solution.

Philippines Foreign secretary Albert del Rosario stated in a separate statement that Aquino had ordered his government authorities ``to do everything'' possible to try and urge them to peacefully withdraw and to do this as quickly as possible.  (http://bit.ly/139brbN )

The Star Online

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Why the D.C. lawyer suing China for the Philippines still thinks he can win

When the government of the Philippines announced last month it was taking China to court over territorial claims in the South China Sea, it was seen by some as a surprising but savvy move -- a first step toward establishing some sort of law and order in East Asia's waters, which, up until now have been a sort of aquatic Wild West, with nations planting flags on rocks, roping off shoals, and building up tiny reefs to stake their claims.

The hearing was to determine the validity of China's claims to a wide swath of ocean that encompasses waters near the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, among other countries. Manila even generated some buzz by hiring D.C. lawyer Paul Reichler to argue its case, a man who's made his name as a "giant-slayer" in the world of international law for his often-successful track record of suing the U.S. Russia, and Britain on behalf of countries like Nicaragua, Georgia and Mauritius.

Then, on Tuesday, China made clear it had no plans to participate in any international court arbitration. Though the hearing will go on without China's participation, the decision, some may think, doesn't bode well for hopes that China might abide by a ruling that doesn't go its way.

Still, Reichler, who was hired by the Philippines last year, thinks the rising power could come around.

"They're very smart people," he said in an interview last week. "And I think they might come to understand that in the long run their best interests are served by being a responsible member of the international community."

Reichler's faith in the power of international law to wrangle even the largest of powers comes from his success suing the United States. He took America to The Hague on behalf of the Sandinista government of Nicaragua in the 1980s, over U.S. support of the Contras, and won -- an effort that earned him the ire of figures like John McCain. As a result of the victory - and the international pressure that accompanied it -- he says, Congress cut off funding for Contra support.

"It's a very high cost to prestige to be branded as an international wrongdoer and then not comply," he said.

The decision not to take part in the arbitration is "unfortunate," Reichler said in an email (China has long said it doesn't want to its territorial conflicts "internationalized").  "They had an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the international legal order, to show respect for its procedures, and to agree to be bound by its rules. Had they seized this chance, they would have proven that they are not only a great power, but a responsible one."

But the pressure on Beijing to comply with an unfavorable ruling - even if it doesn't participate - will still be there, Reichler said.

"To me, China has always denounced imperialism, denounced unilateralism, has denounced violations of the U.N. Charter," he said. "This is an opportunity for China to really show its true colors." (http://atfp.co/YElmQS)

Foreign Policy 

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Emboldened Philippines facing China; nets all strategies to trap the dragon

The Philippines is not just economically a rich resource country but also rich of educated and nationalistic individuals pressuring the government for both local and international politics issues with ample of rooms to be use in collecting strategies to contain the oil hungry giant neighbor by either using soft legal pressures or by international pressures.

The continues rising of nationalism from the mass and educated individuals pushing the government to move forward using legal and force to defend the territory is not just a hard challenge for the Aquino administration but also a sort of experiment in using the rusting wand on how to invoke the real power of international law that could be beneficial to the country if or otherwise a pitfalls which is closely monitored by the worry neighboring countries.

Who would ever believe that the Philippines is already brain-drained for the continuous migrations of their professionals to the other countries  if those people are still so noisy protesting and pushing the government virtually and feeding the netizens with their genuine ideas how to resist the bully of the giant neighbors which is becoming more visible to the global community? Migrated Filipinos remained compact with their feeling to be remained attached to the country even abroad and doing their part as Filipinos to back up the government's aimed in preserving the national pride.

With the communist china's aggressive move towards claiming the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, the Philippines could use the collective strategies to face the giants but the experiment on how effective are the available strategies remained uncertain. Anyhow, the Philippines is not scarce of resources to face china as there are ample of rooms of strategies queued like fish on the net to ensnare the illegal move of the dragon.

According to Richard Javad Heydarian, a foreign affairs analyst focusing on Iran and international security; the Philippines is using carrots and sticks to contain china. While the neighbors are excited how this ant could trap the dragon, it serves for them also as a new level of a learning factor how to deal the same issues when China swing its direction towards the wary neighbors.

Political analysis written by Richard Javad Heydarian for the article "Philippines takes new aim at China" published in the Asia Times enumerates the moves of the Philippines toward the aggressive moves of china.

Asia Times: After a year of failed multilateralism and bilateral brinkmanship, the Philippines has abandoned hope of pressing China into a compromise on territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While Manila's recent decision to submit its case for United Nations mediation ups the diplomatic ante, Beijing's out-of-hand rejection of the move indicates tensions could rise before they wane. [1]

After a year of diplomatic deadlock at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the chairmanship of Cambodia, one of China's staunchest regional allies, few expect a swift and decisive multilateral resolution under Brunei's more neutral leadership in 2013 considering the significant divisions that have opened inside the 10-member grouping.

Based on the proceedings and outcomes of regional summits and gatherings held last year, Manila has come to realize the extent to which China is willing to use its multiple levers of influence to thwart any efforts at forging a unified regional response to the maritime disputes. Beijing has consistently insisted that the disputes should be settled exclusively through bilateral mechanisms.

At the same time, the economic stakes driving the disputes are rising. The US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) recently estimated that the South China Sea could hold as much as 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in proven and probable reserves. The EIA also projected significant undiscovered hydrocarbon deposits in the Spratly islands, specifically around the contested Reed Bank. [2]

If true, huge untapped oil and gas deposits within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) would represent an economic boon. The Philippine economy is currently only 60% energy self-sufficient, with the 40% shortfall covered by oil and coal imports from neighboring and Middle Eastern countries. [3]

Yet China's rising assertiveness and increasing willingness to challenge Japan and the United States - both Philippine strategic allies - indicates to some analysts that China has designs on securing that potential energy bonanza for its own economic and energy security. Chinese and Philippine vessels skirmished around Reed Bank in March 2011, signaling Beijing's willingness to use limited coercion in disputes where energy resources are at stake.

China's showdown with Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea and its People's Liberation Army's (PLA) alleged role in recent cyber attacks against US targets [4] has by association stirred anxieties in the Philippines. Manila maintains strategic partnerships with both Tokyo and Washington, ties that President Benigno Aquino is bidding to deepen to close its yawning defense gap with China.

Aquino's government has recently prodded the two powers to provide an extensive package of military aid, training and advanced hardware. The Philippines has effectively joined in a budding regional arms race through its pursuit, both through direct purchase and foreign military aid, of fighter jets, anti-ship missiles, patrol boats and naval helicopters to bolster its South China Sea claims.

Still, the Philippines has no intention of going head-to-head with its giant neighbor any time soon. Instead, Manila's has adopted a two-pronged strategy that aims to deter further Chinese aggression by internationalizing the disputes through the United Nations while strengthening its defensive capabilities through deepened ties with powerful allies.

High stakes

While the Philippines has not been prone to the nationalistic outbursts seen in some neighboring countries, including China, Japan and Vietnam, Aquino's administration increasingly views its territorial disputes through a lens of national pride, geostrategic interest and domestic calculation. After decades of negligence and strategic hibernation, Manila has awoken to the depth of its national interests in the South China Sea.

This recognition comes amid a discernible national mood swing. The Philippines is now among the world's 10 fastest growing economies, with gross domestic product expected to grow by over 6% this year. Decades of political paralysis and endemic corruption have simultaneously galvanized civil society and youth groups, with many energized by Aquino's promise of political change.

Faced with those fast rising popular expectations, Aquino's government has astutely tapped into this grass roots dynamic. At the same time, a rising sense of national pride has put an even higher political and economic premium on securing the potential wealth of energy resources in the contested territories the Philippines claims in the South China Sea.

According to the most recent EIA report:

"The majority of current reserves exist in shallow water basins on the boundaries of the sea … however, the Spratly Island territory may contain significant deposits of undiscovered hydrocarbons…The US Geological Survey estimates anywhere between 0.8 and 5.4 (mean 2.5) billion barrels of oil and between 7.6 and 55.1 (mean 25.5) trillion cubic feet of natural gas in undiscovered resources. Evidence suggests that most of these resources are likely located in the contested Reed Bank at the northeast end of the Spratlys, which is claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam." [5]

The Philippines has sought to explore and develop hydrocarbon resources around the Reed Bank since first discovering natural gas there in 1976. The US-based Sterling Energy and UK-based Forum Energy won exploration concessions for the area from Manila in 2002 and 2005 respectively. [6] However, the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration bowed to Chinese pressure and suspended exploration concessions granted to foreign interests in the area. She opted instead for joint exploration with Beijing and Hanoi under the 2006 Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) in the disputed area.

By standing up to China in defense of sovereign claims, the Aquino government aims not only to boost its domestic popularity but also avoid criticism from millions of politically active and increasingly nationalistic netizens. His government's policy stands in stark contrast with the Arroyo administration, which was widely viewed as subservient to China and tainted by corruption-ridden bilateral business deals.

Carrots and sticks

The Aquino administration has implemented a sometimes contradictory strategy by encouraging both a revitalized US military presence in the region while also attempting to appease China through diplomatic overtures. The strategy has been predicated on the assumption that a delicate combination of deterrence and diplomacy will neutralize Beijing's expansive territorial claims.

However, Manila may have failed to fully appreciate the significance of China's rising tide of popular nationalism, territorial assertiveness, and aggressive naval expansionism. Contrary to Philippine expectations, neither rising economic interdependence between China and Southeast Asia nor China's leadership transition from Hu Jintao to Xi Jinping has calmed Beijing's territorial assertiveness.

Manila also failed to anticipate China's anxiety about growing military cooperation between the US and regional allies and strategic partners such as the Philippines. That cooperation and occasional tough talk from Washington on freedom of navigation issues in the South China Sea has indirectly emboldened the Philippines and Vietnam to push their claims vis-a-vis China.

Just days after former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton expressed her country's opposition to any "unilateral actions that would seek to undermine Japanese administration" of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, the Philippines took its South China Sea claims against China to UN arbitration. In the previous month, Vietnam's new Law of the Sea took effect, which, among other things, emphasized the primacy of international law in deciding territorial disputes.

The Philippines is well aware that China will refuse to submit its claim of "indisputable sovereignty" to any international arbitration panel. Indeed, there is no guarantee that international arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) will result in a decisive resolution of the disputes.

In this sense, the Philippine decision to internationalize the dispute should be viewed as a move to exert further pressure on Beijing by emphasizing to the international community the perceived unilateral and provocative character of China's territorial claims. That includes China's controversial "nine-dash line" map, which covers practically all features in the disputed waters.

In addition to a number of European parliamentarians, [7] top US officials such as the newly-installed Secretary of State John Kerry [8] have already expressed their support for the Philippines' decision to resolve the disputes through international law.

The other stick in Manila's new strategy is a military build-up. In 2012, Aquino sought an additional US$1.8 billion in defense spending, primarily to refurbish the country's armed forces through the acquisition of ten attack helicopters, two naval helicopters, two light aircraft, one frigate and air force protection equipment. [9] His government also extended the 1995 Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act, which promises 15 additional years of sustained investment in the country's defense capabilities. [10]

In that direction, the Philippines is set to acquire 12 FA-50 fighter jets from Korea [11], three AW109 Power light twin helicopters [12], two anti-submarine choppers, [13] the US's high endurance cutter USCGC Dallas [14], and possibly Harpoon anti-ship missile systems for its flagship BRP Del Pilar and BRP Alcaraz vessels. [15]

Japan and the US have also backed the Philippines' bid to develop a "minimum deterrence" capability vis-a-vis China. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is now finalizing his country's first major military aid package in recent history, with the Philippines set to be its biggest beneficiary. The Philippine Coast Guard is set to acquire from Japan next year 10 new 40-meter multi-role response vessels through a soft loan grant. [16]

In addition to tripling its military aid to the Philippines in 2012, the US has stepped up its military presence in the country through more rotational visits of its warships, nuclear submarines and military personnel - a trend that is expected to rise in the coming years in light of the US's announced "pivot" towards Asia. [17]

As Brunei assumes the chairmanship of ASEAN, the Philippines' strategy is to use new sticks to convince China to take the carrot of a multilateral dispute-settlement mechanism, specifically the adoption of a legally-binding code of conduct for the South China Sea.

Judging by China's defiant reaction to the Philippines' petition for UN arbitration in their disputes, there is a risk instead that Beijing views Manila's new two-way strategy as more stick than carrot and responds with reciprocal hard measures.

Notes:
1. China insists again on bilateral talks on South China Sea dispute with PHL, GMA News, Feb 20
2. See here
3. See here 
4. Chinese Army Unit Is Seen as Tied to Hacking Against US, New York Times, Feb 18 
5. See here 
6. Ibid.
7. EU solons back rules-based resolution to PH-China row, Journal Online, Feb 17
8. Kerry backs PH position to solve sea disputes under int'l law, Inquirer Global , Feb 14
9. See Philippine Defense Spending, GlobalSecurity.org 
10. Aquino signs revised AFP Modernization Act, Philippine Star, December 11, 2012
11. Philippines to buy 12 fighter jets from South Korea, February 2, 2013
12. Philippines To Buy Three Naval Helicopters, Agence France Presse, Dec 27, 2012
13. Military to buy 2 anti-submarine choppers, Philippine Star, November 19, 2012
14. 2nd warship's arrival delayed, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dec 3
15. AFP Eyeing Anti-Ship Missiles, Manila Bulletin, Feb 18, 2013
16. Japan grants PH 'soft loan' for 10 patrol boats, Manila Standard, Feb 14, 2013
17. Philippines eyes greater US military presence, Agence France Presse, Oct 10, 2012

Richard Javad Heydarian is a foreign affairs analyst focusing on Iran and international security. He is the author of the upcoming book The Economics of the Arab Spring: How Globalization Failed the Arab World, Zed Books, 2013. He can be reached at jrheydarian@gmail.com.

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USA said: China’s marine surveillance operation a “full-time maritime sovereignty harassment organization.”

U.S. Naval intelligence officer Captain James Fanell of the Pacific Fleet : likens China's position to "What's mine is mine and we'll negotiate what's yours," he said

Philippines to Forge Ahead with Sea Dispute Arbitration

The Philippines says it will continue to pursue international arbitration in its territorial dispute in the South China Sea with China, despite Beijing's rejection. Philippine authorities say they do not need China's consent to take the issue to the United Nations.

Officials with the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs say the 1982 U.N. treaty that both countries signed allows Manila to go into arbitration alone. DFA Ocean Concerns Assistant Secretary Gilberto Asuque says international arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is compulsory.

"The process has started. It cannot be disrupted.  The actions of China cannot interfere with the completion of the process because there is nothing in UNCLOS that says you can disrupt or interfere with the process," said  Asuque.

The Philippine arbitration filing says China violates the UNCLOS-designation of a country's exclusive economic zone, which is 370 kilometers from its coastline. It also calls China's centuries-old claim to practically the entire South China Sea illegal.

It also calls China's centuries-old claim to practically the entire West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) illegal.

On Tuesday, China's ambassador to Manila sent the notice of the arbitration back to the Philippines. Then at a news briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said the filing was "factually flawed." He also says it goes against the non-binding agreement between the 10 member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China to settle sea-related disputes among themselves.

He says The Philippines' actions make numerous historical and legal errors, including false criticism of China. He says China cannot accept it.

Futile filing?

But how would one-party arbitration work, exactly? Professor Myron Nordquist of the Center for Oceans Law and Policy at the University of Virginia calls the situation "quite bizarre."

"For one thing, it is doomed to failure because if the party won't consent to the arbitration there is then no enforcement," said Nordquist. "How would they expect a country that didn't want to have a dispute settled by third parties to feel in any sense bound by a decision where they didn't even participate?"

However, Nordquist says the filing is not entirely futile, especially because Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims in the resource-rich sea.

"It's accomplishing one of its purposes, which is to bring attention to this and politically to give the Filipino government the argument that 'Hey, we tried to solve this peacefully and you wouldn't play,'" he said.

Carl Thayer of Australia's University of New South Wales tells VOA the tribunal may be able to move forward without Chinese participation. He says the Philippines hopes a favorable decision would give it a moral victory.

"It's [a case] that not only has the legal side, but also has a strong moral suasion. If the tribunal ruled even partly in the Philippines' favor, it would deflate China's claims and give more legality and international cover to the Philippines."

In recent years, the Philippines' list of diplomatic protests of alleged intrusions by China into its exclusive economic zone has grown. And, it continues to try to forge diplomatic alliances in the region to strengthen its case. The militarily weak country has also renewed ties to its Mutual Defense Treaty ally, the United States, which is closely watching developments in the area.

US concerns

U.S. Naval intelligence officer Captain James Fanell of the Pacific Fleet gave a blunt assessment last month of China's increasing activities in east and southeast Asian waters.

Fanell spoke at a defense conference in California. He calls China's marine surveillance operation a "full-time maritime sovereignty harassment organization."

He says you do not see incidents or controversies around the platform off the Chinese coast.  Therefore, he likens China's position to "What's mine is mine and we'll negotiate what's yours," he said.

Fanell says the United States remains neutral in territorial disputes and that China needs to be a guarantor of East Asian maritime security.

China has consistently opposed any move by the Philippines to internationalize its grievances, while frequently saying that they both should work, one-on-one, toward peace and stability in the region. (http://bit.ly/1574GWx)

VOA

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MALAYA Blamed President Aquino for Neglecting North Borneo to Stand-off

BIZARRE BORDER DRAMA Heavily armed Malaysian policemen stand guard at a roadblock in Bakapit, about 50 kilometers from Lahad Datu in Sabah where some 100 reportedly armed Filipinos, later identified as descendants and the security forces of the Sultan of Sulu, have landed. Malaysia's authorities say their security forces have surrounded the Sulu group. Photo courtesy of Malaysia's The Star/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

MALAYA: Who's to blame for 'Sabah standoff'?

Malaya Business Insight: Details Published on Thursday, 21 February 2013 00:00 Written by NESTOR MATA

'What's happening in Sabah is the consequence of decades of neglect by the government to pursue a legitimate claim to the territory.'

WHAT'S called the "Sabah standoff" between Malaysian special forces and a band of followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III of Sulu is really the latest in a long series of attempts to claim what used to be North Borneo, a territory owned by the Sultanate of Sulu and ceded to the Philippine government long, long ago..

The very first time the Philippine claim came into being was during the administration of then President Diosdado Macapagal, who raised the issue before the United Nations soon after the formation of the Federation of Malaysia that included the North Borneo territory, renamed "Sabah," in 1963.

Macapagal claimed that the territory was "ceded" to the Philippine government by the Sultanate of Sulu, but the people in Sabah opted in a UN-supervised referendum to join Malaysia. Succeeding administrations of Presidents Ferdinand E. Marcos, Corazon C. Aquino, Fidel E. Ramos, Joseph "Erap" Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also tried but failed to pursue the "Philippine claim to Borneo."

And when President Noynoy Aquino came to power, he neglected the Borneo claim, seemingly unaware of the existence of the Sulu sultanate, and even left it out during the peace negotiations between his administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that eventually crafted last year the so-called "framework government," which, significantly, was sealed in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of Malaysia's top officials.

It's no wonder that Sultan Kiram dispatched a contingent of 1,000 followers, led by Rajah Mudah Agbimuddin Liram to that remote town of Lahad Datu in Sabah, which he called "our home." He and other heirs of the Sulu sultanate, in fact, have been receiving yearly rentals from the Malaysia government for occupying that territory. As shown by historical records, it was gifted to the Sulu sultan by the Sultan of Brunei for helping him quell a rebellion in his kingdom in 1704. Then, in 1878, the Sultan of Sulu leased the land to the British North Borneo Company, but, without informing the Sultanate, turned it over to the Federat5ion of Malaysia.

Now, according to news reports, the Sabah standoff has "infuriated" President Aquino, that he suspected it's a plot to "sabotage" his "peace initiatives" to end the long simmering conflict in Mindanao between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

His peace negotiators must have whispered to him that Kiram's action was instigated by Nur Misuari, chieftain of the National Liberation Front (MNLF), along with Aquino's uncle, former Tarlac Congressman Peping Cojuangco, aunt Margarita Cojuangco, now a senatorial candidate under the banner of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), and Norberto Gonzales, former national security adviser of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

If anyone is to blame for what could end up in a bloody clash between Kiram's group and the Malaysian special forces, the fault lies in Noynoy Aquino, not in anyone else!

***

They say that the Philippine claim to Sabah is "dormant." That's because Aquino and his foreign policy officials, especially his so-called "peace negotiators," have ignored the fact that that territory is now in the hands of Malaysia instead of the Philippines.

The best proof of ownership is the fact that to this day Malaysia continues to pay the Sultanate of Sulu the equivalent of $1,500 as "lease payments," a virtual acceptance that the Malaysian government does not own the territory. Not only this, the same territory had long been ceded by the Sultanate to the Philippine government, and the failure of the present administration to assert its right of ownership over it ever since President Aquino came to power three years ago.

As other political commenters have noted, why isn't the Grand Pooh-bah of Malacañang Palace defending the Sulu Sultanate's territorial claim over Sabah, which is also the legitimate claim of the Philippine government, with the same ardor as he has given the ancestral claim of the Filipino Muslims to parts of Mindanao as their homeland?

Shouldn't the President protect those men of Sultan Kiram in Sabah?

***

Quote of the Day: "Men love their country, not because it is great, but because it is their own!" – Senica

Thought of the Day: "Love of country is like love of woman – he loves best who seeks to bestow on her the highest good." – Anonymous

MALAYA Business Insight 

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Philippines on 'right track' over China challenge for a diplomatic blow

Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario (left) delivers a statement on territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Photo: EPA

The Philippines said Wednesday it was on "the right track" in seeking to have a UN tribunal strike down China's claims to most of the West Philippines Sea, after the Chinese government rejected the process.

President Benigno Aquino's chief aide, Rene Almendras, said the government expected China to ignore the plan to bring the matter up at the United Nations and stressed the case could still proceed without Beijing' approval.

"We will follow the process whether they agree to it or not," Alemndras told reporters.

"Of course, we are of the opinion that we are on the right track... we would not have started it if we did not think that we would have enough basis to file all these issuances."

The Philippines announced last month it had applied for its dispute with China over the South China Sea to be arbitrated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a 1982 treaty signed by both countries.

The Philippines wants the tribunal to declare Chinese claims to most of the sea, which is believed to sit atop vast natural resources and is home to rich fishing grounds, as unlawful.

But China says it has sovereign rights over nearly all of the West Philippine Sea, even waters approaching the coasts of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations.

On Tuesday China announced it had rejected the Philippines' call for UN arbitration, insisting on bilateral negotiations with its less powerful neighbor.

Although China has recently sent ships into the West Philippine Sea to enforce its claims and established a local government to rule over the contested waters, it warned the Philippines not to increase tensions.

"The Philippine side (should) keep its word not to take any action that magnifies and complicates the issue," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters in Beijing.

Under the UN convention's rules, the arbitration can proceed even if China declines to participate.

China can choose to ignore any eventual ruling by the tribunal. Nevertheless, a UN verdict that its claims were unlawful would be a diplomatic blow. (http://on-msn.com/XMxJbE)

MSN News

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China returns Philippine notice on U.N. suit - ITLOS case will proceed without China in Feb 22

Hong-Lei

By VERA Files

China yesterday announced that it returned the Philippine notification of its suit filed at a United Nations arbitral handed to the Chinese ambassador in Manila last Jan 22, a Xinhua report said.

The report carried by China.org.cn said "The Chinese government has rejected a Philippine move to take their dispute regarding sovereignty issues in the South China Sea to the United Nations for arbitration, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday."

It quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei saying,"Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing had an appointment with officials from the Philippines' Foreign Ministry on Tuesday and returned a note and related notice after expressing China's rejection."

The Department of Foreign Affairs issued this statement: "The Department received this afternoon from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing a Note Verbale stating that China rejects and returns the Philippines' Notification and Statement of Claim.

"The Department stresses that China's action will not interfere with the process of Arbitration initiated by the Philippines on January 22, 2013. The Arbitration will proceed under Annex VII of UNCLOS and the 5-member arbitration panel will be formed with or without China."

"In its Note Verbale, China reiterated its often stated position that it has indisputable sovereignty over the entire South China Sea encompassed by its 9-dash line claim. This excessive claim is the core issue of the Philippines' arbitration case against China."

"The Philippines remains committed to Arbitration which is a friendly, peaceful and durable form of dispute settlement that should be welcomed by all."

Xinhua quoted Hong as saying that "The note and related notice not only violate the consensus enshrined in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), but are also factually flawed and contain false accusations."

The report said, "China is committed to addressing the dispute through bilateral talks, Hong said, noting that the consensus in the DOC states that disputes should be solved through talks between the nations directly involved.

Hong reiterated that China has sufficient historical and jurisprudential evidence to support its claim to the Nansha islands, which are located in the South China Sea, and their adjacent waters, the report also said.

"China hopes the Philippines will honor its commitment by not taking any action that could complicate the issue, positively respond to China's proposal to establish a bilateral dialogue mechanism on maritime issues and work to solve the issue through bilateral negotiations," Hong said.

Under the UN arbitral court rules, China has until Feb. 22 to appoint an arbitrator. If it fails to do so, the case will proceed and the president of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), Japanese ex-diplomat and jurist Shunji Yanai, will appoint an arbitrator on behalf of China from a list of arbitrators to be provided by the UN Secretary General.

Following is the official transcript of Hong's briefing which was conducted in Chinese:

Chinese Spokesperson Hong Lei's remarks on China returned the Philippines' Notification on the submission of South China Sea issue to international Arbitration

Q: It is said that China has returned the Philippines' Notification on the submission of South China Sea issue to international Arbitration, please confirm.

A: China's position on the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear. China's sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters is supported by abundant historical and legal evidence. Meanwhile, bearing in mind the larger interest of China-Philippines relations and regional peace and stability, China has remained committed to resolving the disputes through bilateral negotiations, and has made every effort to maintain stability and to promote regional cooperation in the South China Sea. To resolve the disputes through negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned is also the consensus between China and ASEAN countries as stipulated in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The Philippines' Note Verbale and the attached Notification not only runs counter to the consensus, but also contains many grave errors both in fact and in law, and includes many false accusations against China. China firmly opposes to this.

On Feb. 19, Ambassador of China to the Philippines Ma Keqing met with officials of Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, and stated that the Chinese side rejected and returned the Philippines' Note Verbale and the attached Notification.

The Chinese side hopes that the Philippine side keeps its word, not to take any action that magnifies and complicates the issue, responds positively to China's proposals on establishing a bilateral regular consultation mechanism on maritime issues, resumes the operation of the Confidence Building Measures Mechanism(CBMs) as established between the two countries, and reverts to the right track of settling the disputes through bilateral negotiations.

(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for "true.") (http://bit.ly/153aWyx)

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Philippines receives the complete 8 Sokol helicopters from Poland

SWIDNIK, Poland, (UPI) -- The Philippines air force has received the last two of eight Sokol twin-engine, multipurpose helicopters from PZL-Swidnik of Poland.

The helicopters were ordered from AgustaWestland in 2010 and were transported to the Philippines aboard a large Russian-made cargo plane.

"It gives me a great pleasure to complete the handover of the Sokol helicopters produced in Swidnik to the customer," said Nicola Bianco, managing director of PZL-Swidnik S.A. "The delivery from Lublin Airport is an important milestone and for sure in the future we'll cooperate further with Lublin Airport in connection with PZL-Swidnik operations."

The Philippines air force pilots flying the Sokol were trained at the company facility in Poland.

The Sokol has a cruise speed of 148 miles per hour, a range of 463 miles and a service ceiling of more than 16,000 feet.

For the Philippines, they are equipped with a four-axis autopilot, EFIS system and night-vision goggle compatible cockpit. It can transport as many as 11 troop's passengers in its cabin or can lift as much as 4,630 pounds with an external cargo hook. (http://bit.ly/13d4OAV)

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DFA commends book store for pulling out China-made globes

The Philippine government has commended the country's largest book and school and office supplies retailer for "demonstrating its patriotism" in pulling out China-manufactured educational globes from its shelves.

In a letter addressed to Cecilia Ramos Licauco, vice president for purchasing of National Book Store Inc., Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said even President Aquino was "delighted and proud" of the bookstore chain's "selfless and patriotic action."

"As a major provider of educational products in the Philippines, National Book Store plays a valuable role in enriching the knowledge of young Filipinos. I was highly encouraged by your management's decision to withdraw the China-manufactured educational globes from your retail stores following our discussion on the misinformation contained in these globes on China's contentious nine-dash line encompassing virtually the entire West Philippine Sea. Your resolve in immediately implementing this decision reflected your company's strong sense of nationalism and above economic profit," Del Rosario said in his letter dated February 15, 2013.

The DFA chief also told Licauco that the arbitral proceedings initiated by the Philippines against China on the nine-dash line is entering a "critical juncture".

"It is vital that the Filipino people stand in unity to defend 'what is ours' on accordance with the Philippine Constitution. I believe that National Book Stores' example will inspire Filipinos to express their patriotism in their own individual capacities," Del Rosario added.

The education globes showed Beijing's claims to a large part of the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea.

In January, the Philippines initiated arbitration to resolve the dispute between it and China regarding a number of areas in the South China Sea.

The Philippines said it took China before an Arbitral Tribunal under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) "to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the dispute over the West Philippine Sea."

Both the Philippines and China signed the UNCLOS.

 

The Philippines has been claiming that Scarborough Shoal, which triggered a standoff between Manila and Beijing in April, is within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines as provided for under the UNCLOS. China, on the other hand, has been claiming the territory on the basis of historical claims.

Del Rosario has said the Philippines asserts that China's so-called nine-dash line claim that encompasses virtually the entire South China/West Philippine Sea is contrary to UNCLOS and thus unlawful.

The DFA chief has added that Manila is hoping that the arbitration tribunal will direct China to respect the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its EEZ, continental shelf, contiguous zone, and territorial sea over the West Philippine Sea.

Arbitration has been defined both by the 1899 and 1907 Hague conventions as "the settlement of differences between judges of their own choice and on the basis of respect for law."

An arbitration tribunal may be composed of a single arbitrator or a collegiate body. Contracting parties would have to shoulder arbitration costs.

As for the cost  of the proceedings that the Filipino people would have to pay for, Del Rosario said "one can not put a price in the concerted effort of the Filipino people and government in defending our patrimony, territory, national interest and national honor."

He said the arbitration proceedings may last between three and four years.

Meanwhile, Zhang Hua, Deputy Chief of Political Section and Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy,  has said the "disputes on South China Sea should be settled by parties concerned through negotiations."

"This (settlement of disputes through negotiations) is also the consensus reached by parties concerned in the DOC (The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea)," Zhang  has said in a text message. (http://bit.ly/W754ym)

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