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PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will bring home $4 billion, or P220 billion worth of investment deals from his visit to Germany.On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry held the Philippine-Germany business forum in Berlin where eight different types of agreements, three letters of intent (LOI) from different German companies, two memoranda of agreement (MOA), and three memoranda of understanding (MOU), covering various sectors, were signed.The LOIs were for the development of a partner hospital to become a training center to support the training needs of other lower tier hospitals, Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub and “spoke model” to address the strategic target of an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines, and for the strategic and digital partnership in healthcare with the Department of Health (DOH) with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare in the Philippines, ensuring safety, quality, accessibility and affordability.Through a memorandum of agreement the Philippine government and a German company will embark into a Public Private Partnership to rehabilitate, reclaim, and recultivate degraded farm lands in the Philippines, while another MOA is aimed at expanding potential collaborations in mobility solutions, software services, manufacturing, factory automation, logistics services, energy, security, safety systems for buildings, consumer appliances, and healthcare.Marcos also witnessed the signing of MOU for the establishment of fully integrated solar cell manufacturing facility in the country, manufacturing facility that will modify automobiles into high-end 1 of 1 version and armor protected cars, as well as manufacture military grade armored personnel carriers for the Asian market and data centers that will host a digital insurance platform that will serve the Philippines and Asean region as the group’s main expansion outside of the European Union.In his speech, Marcos expressed gratitude to the German business leaders for participating in the event.He touted the Philippines as the “best choice for investments,” as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure efficient support to foreign investors through purposeful reforms of key legislative amendments.“Together with you as our strategic partner, we can make these investments happen in the Philippines. I invite esteemed German business leaders to continue to keep in mind the Philippines as a reliable partner that can support your market expansion and your operations,” he said.“We prioritize the ease of doing business, exemplified by efforts to simplify tax payments and to streamline regulations, showcasing our unwavering support for businesses,” he added.Marcos noted the amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA), Foreign Investments Act (FIA), Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), and Renewable Energy (RE) Act, which “mark a new era for strategic investments.”He added the streamlined business registration, infrastructure development and the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (Create Act), which made the Philippines one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.The President also highlighted other government efforts such as the overhaul of fiscal incentive structures and responsive policies and the public-private partnership (PPPs), which all play pivotal roles in promoting private sector participation.Marcos also cited the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund, “which underscores the government’s dedication to financing priority projects and driving socioeconomic impact.”The chief executive also said that the Philippines is turning to Germany to further foster strong business partnerships and collaboration particularly in renewable energy being European Union’s biggest economy both in Gross Domestic Products and population and a global force in technology and innovation.He said he is always elated by the interest of German companies to support the country’s commitment to sustainability and climate resiliency.“To further support these investments, we have put in place several energy transition policies including investment enablers designed to incentivize energy efficiency,” said Marcos.“We are also working on developing programs that will support and facilitate the efforts to decarbonize our economy. I have high hopes that we can welcome the opportunity for greater cooperation on climate change and energy transition,” he added.He noted that the Philippines is positioning itself as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing by attracting sustainability-driven strategic investments powered by renewable energy.Marcos said the country recognizes that there are complementarities to be explored in critical minerals, and it is open to having a dedicated dialogue with German companies on the sustainable processing of green metals to be supported by strong adherence to high labor and environmental standards.With the recent global challenges, the President underscored the dangers of limited sourcing, or concentrating supplies in a single country, as he urged for the urgent need to diversify production locations and explore alternative materials to de-risk and minimize disruptions in supply chains.“Moreover, the transition to a low-carbon or net-zero scenario has further propelled the de-risking trend,” Marcos said.“The Philippines and Germany both have aspirations for de-risked and diversified production and market value chains, which future-proofs our economies from the geo-political vagaries of our times,” he added.Marcos also expressed gratitude to the Filipino community in Berlin for their unwavering support as they contributed to the government’s efforts to secure foreign investments through their invaluable work.“You are the envoys, para kayong mga ambassador lahat ng ating kultura. You exemplify the values of family, faith, honesty, hard work, compassion, and solidarity wherever you go,” Marcos told the Filipino community gathering.“Your presence in host countries fosters, hindi lamang dito sa Germany kundi lahat ng ating mga kababayan na nagtatrabaho sa iba’t-ibang bansa at -- the host countries foster goodwill and understanding. It strengthens the bonds between our two nations. It enriches the global community,” he added.Marcos vowed that his administration will continue to work hard and match their contributions by reforms and programs under the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.Marcos was the first Philippine president to address German business leaders in 10 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Philippine-Germany diplomatic relations. (TPM/SunStar Philippines) Philippines sports and recreation Philippines WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the country's defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea.A day after President Joe Biden convened a trilateral summit involving himself, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the U.S. and Filipino foreign and defense ministers and national security advisers met to discuss strategic and military issues.Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and national security adviser Jake Sullivan hosted their Philippine counterparts at the State Department.“Today’s meeting reflects the growing and deepening cooperation between our countries on a broad array of issues and of course our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” Blinken said in brief opening remarks. “We very much welcome this opportunity to pursue that cooperation, that collaboration and of course we stand with the Philippines in our iron-clad defense commitments including the Mutual Defense Treaty.”Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo echoed those remarks. “We attach a lot of importance to this meeting especially in light of recent developments in the South China Sea, especially China’s escalation of its harassment,” he said. "We are determined to assert our sovereign rights, especially within our exclusive economic zone.”Austin later hosted Marcos at the Pentagon, where they discussed ways to deepen military cooperation, including by increasing the frequency of joint patrols in the South China Sea. Austin noted that the Pentagon’s budget request for 2025 includes $128 million for 36 projects at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, which would more than double the amount it has invested since the program began 10 years ago.“This visit here to the Pentagon reaffirms once again the strength of the relationship between the United States and the Philippines in the face of all of the threats and challenges that we have had to face together,” Marcos said. He said he hoped the agreements reached Thursday “will make the safety, the peace and the stability of the South China Sea a reality.”On Thursday at the summit, Biden said the U.S. treaty obligations to its Pacific allies, like Japan and the Philippines, were “ironclad.” “Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty,” Biden said.The White House billed the first trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines as a potent response to China’s attempts at “intimidation” and said it would send a message that China is “the outlier in the neighborhood,” according to an administration official.The U.S. and the Philippines have had a mutual treaty in place for more than 70 years. Biden’s vigorous reinforcement of the American commitment comes in the midst of persistent skirmishes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed South China Sea.Relations between China and the Philippines have been repeatedly tested by confrontations involving the two nations’ coast guard vessels there. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan.The so-called “gray-zone” harassment by China has included shining military-grade lasers at the Philippine Coast Guard, firing water cannons at vessels and ramming into Philippine ships near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both Manila and Beijing claim. In 1999, Manila intentionally ran a World War II–era ship aground on the shoal, establishing a permanent military presence there.Chinese officials have bristled at criticism over their actions in the South China Sea and blamed the U.S. for exacerbating tensions.Spokeswoman Mao Ning of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Second Thomas Shoal — a primary source of contention with the Philippines — as well as the Senkaku Islands and said its actions in the South and East China Seas are justified, lawful and beyond reproach.“We firmly oppose relevant countries flexing muscles and acting like bullies in the South China Sea,” she said. “Relevant countries, out of selfish interests, join countries outside the region and serve as their pawns to contain China. Our message to these countries: recent history tells us that eventually pawns will easily be abandoned.”Biden, a Democrat, has made improving relations with the Philippines a priority since Marcos became the country’s president in June 2022. The relationship has had ups and downs over the years and was in a difficult place when Marcos took office. Human rights groups said Marcos’ predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.Marcos, the son and namesake of the country’s former dictator, said as a candidate he would look to pursue closer ties with China. But he has increasingly drifted toward Washington amid concerns about China’s coercive action. (AP)

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the country's defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea.A day after President Joe Biden convened a trilateral summit involving himself, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the U.S. and Filipino foreign and defense ministers and national security advisers met to discuss strategic and military issues.Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and national security adviser Jake Sullivan hosted their Philippine counterparts at the State Department.“Today’s meeting reflects the growing and deepening cooperation between our countries on a broad array of issues and of course our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” Blinken said in brief opening remarks. “We very much welcome this opportunity to pursue that cooperation, that collaboration and of course we stand with the Philippines in our iron-clad defense commitments including the Mutual Defense Treaty.”Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo echoed those remarks. “We attach a lot of importance to this meeting especially in light of recent developments in the South China Sea, especially China’s escalation of its harassment,” he said. "We are determined to assert our sovereign rights, especially within our exclusive economic zone.”Austin later hosted Marcos at the Pentagon, where they discussed ways to deepen military cooperation, including by increasing the frequency of joint patrols in the South China Sea. Austin noted that the Pentagon’s budget request for 2025 includes $128 million for 36 projects at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, which would more than double the amount it has invested since the program began 10 years ago.“This visit here to the Pentagon reaffirms once again the strength of the relationship between the United States and the Philippines in the face of all of the threats and challenges that we have had to face together,” Marcos said. He said he hoped the agreements reached Thursday “will make the safety, the peace and the stability of the South China Sea a reality.”On Thursday at the summit, Biden said the U.S. treaty obligations to its Pacific allies, like Japan and the Philippines, were “ironclad.” “Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty,” Biden said.The White House billed the first trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines as a potent response to China’s attempts at “intimidation” and said it would send a message that China is “the outlier in the neighborhood,” according to an administration official.The U.S. and the Philippines have had a mutual treaty in place for more than 70 years. Biden’s vigorous reinforcement of the American commitment comes in the midst of persistent skirmishes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed South China Sea.Relations between China and the Philippines have been repeatedly tested by confrontations involving the two nations’ coast guard vessels there. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan.The so-called “gray-zone” harassment by China has included shining military-grade lasers at the Philippine Coast Guard, firing water cannons at vessels and ramming into Philippine ships near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both Manila and Beijing claim. In 1999, Manila intentionally ran a World War II–era ship aground on the shoal, establishing a permanent military presence there.Chinese officials have bristled at criticism over their actions in the South China Sea and blamed the U.S. for exacerbating tensions.Spokeswoman Mao Ning of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Second Thomas Shoal — a primary source of contention with the Philippines — as well as the Senkaku Islands and said its actions in the South and East China Seas are justified, lawful and beyond reproach.“We firmly oppose relevant countries flexing muscles and acting like bullies in the South China Sea,” she said. “Relevant countries, out of selfish interests, join countries outside the region and serve as their pawns to contain China. Our message to these countries: recent history tells us that eventually pawns will easily be abandoned.”Biden, a Democrat, has made improving relations with the Philippines a priority since Marcos became the country’s president in June 2022. The relationship has had ups and downs over the years and was in a difficult place when Marcos took office. Human rights groups said Marcos’ predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.Marcos, the son and namesake of the country’s former dictator, said as a candidate he would look to pursue closer ties with China. But he has increasingly drifted toward Washington amid concerns about China’s coercive action. (AP) Can I play on my mobile devices? THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has asked the proponent of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project to secure its approval first before resuming civil works on Capitol-owned lots. Chairman Victorino Manalo, in a letter addressed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) dated Monday, March 25, 2024, requested Transportation Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc to submit two documents for the NCCA’s assessment and approval. The letter was posted on the official social media page of the Cebu Provincial Government on Wednesday, March 27. In the letter, Manalo asked Lontoc to submit an Archeological Impact Assessment (AIA) and development plans for the project to ensure that the CBRT complies with the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, or Republic Act 10066, and the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The AIA is required by Section 30(d) of RA 10066 and the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Memorandum Circular 005, series of 2014. The project’s development plan includes mitigation activities to protect the sight line with regard to built heritage, as required under Section 37 of the general provisions of the GAA. “In the meantime, we enjoin the DOTr not to conduct any work or changes in the area, especially excavation works, until we approve your AlA and development plans,” Manalo said. The Provincial Government met with NCCA officials recently to formally express concerns over the potential impact of the CBRT on the visual sight lines and buffer zones of the Cebu Capitol building. Meanwhile, CBRT implementers have started complying with the NCCA requirements. CBRT project manager Norvin Imbong, in a text message to SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, said the DOTr has coordinated with the University of San Carlos (USC) to help formulate the AIA. However, they will find out only on Monday, April 1, if USC can assist them, he said. Joint meetingImbong said their team will also have a joint meeting with the NCCA and the Philippine Historical Commission on Tuesday, April 2, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila to discuss the matter. He said he will know by then if there are other requirements they need to comply with.Rama’s clarificationIn a statement on Wednesday, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving heritage sites, while emphasizing the positive impact of the CBRT project.Rama said he had to say this so “neighbors, especially the politicians, will fully understand.”The mayor said he already raised the Capitol’s concern in a meeting with DOTr officials in Manila and the financing agencies, World Bank and French Development Agency. He also clarified that filing the complaint against Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia before the Office of the President had nothing to do with her stance to protect the Capitol building and its buffer zone. It was because of her “meddling” in suspending CBRT construction on Capitol-owned lots, he said.“We agree that we must protect the Capitol. There is no dispute there. The issue is the governor’s meddling, ordering the suspension of the CBRT. She has no right to do so. This is the reason why we have brought the issue to President (Ferdinand) Marcos (Jr.),” Rama said. Rama said the government is only striving to provide the public with “spacious, comfortable and safe transportation” through the BRT.Last February, the governor issued a cease and desist order (CDO) to the contractor of the first package of the CBRT project and directed it to cease civil works on a bus station with a leaf-like structure in front of the Capitol building along Osmeña Blvd. Rama responded by filing a complaint against Garcia before the Office of the President over her “meddling” in the CBRT project. Rama asked the President to “discipline and suspend Governor Garcia.”DelaysLast Monday, March 25, Imbong said they continued to work on other parts of the CBRT despite the governor’s CDO, which applies only to civil works on Capitol property. However, he said the CDO would probably delay the project anew, adding that the first package may not be operational in July as committed earlier. The CBRT project has been marred by several delays since its targeted implementation in 2016. It was only on Feb. 24, 2023 that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. finally led its groundbreaking ceremony. The DOTr also moved the completion date of the project from 2025 to 2027 due to design changes. A priority project of the Marcos Jr. administration, the CBRT has a budget allocation of P28.78 billion funded through a loan package from the World Bank and French Development Agency with the National Government. Package 1 of the CBRT covers a distance of 2.38 kilometers from the Cebu South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso Ave. to the front of the Capitol building along Osmeña Blvd. Interviewed on Wednesday at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), Governor Garcia urged the CBRT proponent to expedite civil works in front of the bus terminal. Garcia said the project has already inconvenienced southern commuters. “Mayta mahuman na nang pagkubkob sa CBRT (I hope they will finish the excavation for the CBRT). Hinay kaayo ang turnaround sa atong mga buses (The turnaround of our buses has been really slow) and it affects the waiting time of our passengers,” she said. Garcia said they are thinking of transferring the CSBT to the Talisay City side of the Cebu South Coastal Road and converting the facility into an integrated multi-modal bus and ferry terminal that can also accommodate jeepneys and taxis. However, she said the Province is waiting for a private firm to submit an unsolicited proposal to build the facility. / EHP, JJL

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THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has asked the proponent of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project to secure its approval first before resuming civil works on Capitol-owned lots. Chairman Victorino Manalo, in a letter addressed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) dated Monday, March 25, 2024, requested Transportation Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc to submit two documents for the NCCA’s assessment and approval. The letter was posted on the official social media page of the Cebu Provincial Government on Wednesday, March 27. In the letter, Manalo asked Lontoc to submit an Archeological Impact Assessment (AIA) and development plans for the project to ensure that the CBRT complies with the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, or Republic Act 10066, and the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The AIA is required by Section 30(d) of RA 10066 and the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Memorandum Circular 005, series of 2014. The project’s development plan includes mitigation activities to protect the sight line with regard to built heritage, as required under Section 37 of the general provisions of the GAA. “In the meantime, we enjoin the DOTr not to conduct any work or changes in the area, especially excavation works, until we approve your AlA and development plans,” Manalo said. The Provincial Government met with NCCA officials recently to formally express concerns over the potential impact of the CBRT on the visual sight lines and buffer zones of the Cebu Capitol building. Meanwhile, CBRT implementers have started complying with the NCCA requirements. CBRT project manager Norvin Imbong, in a text message to SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, said the DOTr has coordinated with the University of San Carlos (USC) to help formulate the AIA. However, they will find out only on Monday, April 1, if USC can assist them, he said. Joint meetingImbong said their team will also have a joint meeting with the NCCA and the Philippine Historical Commission on Tuesday, April 2, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila to discuss the matter. He said he will know by then if there are other requirements they need to comply with.Rama’s clarificationIn a statement on Wednesday, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving heritage sites, while emphasizing the positive impact of the CBRT project.Rama said he had to say this so “neighbors, especially the politicians, will fully understand.”The mayor said he already raised the Capitol’s concern in a meeting with DOTr officials in Manila and the financing agencies, World Bank and French Development Agency. He also clarified that filing the complaint against Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia before the Office of the President had nothing to do with her stance to protect the Capitol building and its buffer zone. It was because of her “meddling” in suspending CBRT construction on Capitol-owned lots, he said.“We agree that we must protect the Capitol. There is no dispute there. The issue is the governor’s meddling, ordering the suspension of the CBRT. She has no right to do so. This is the reason why we have brought the issue to President (Ferdinand) Marcos (Jr.),” Rama said. Rama said the government is only striving to provide the public with “spacious, comfortable and safe transportation” through the BRT.Last February, the governor issued a cease and desist order (CDO) to the contractor of the first package of the CBRT project and directed it to cease civil works on a bus station with a leaf-like structure in front of the Capitol building along Osmeña Blvd. Rama responded by filing a complaint against Garcia before the Office of the President over her “meddling” in the CBRT project. Rama asked the President to “discipline and suspend Governor Garcia.”DelaysLast Monday, March 25, Imbong said they continued to work on other parts of the CBRT despite the governor’s CDO, which applies only to civil works on Capitol property. However, he said the CDO would probably delay the project anew, adding that the first package may not be operational in July as committed earlier. The CBRT project has been marred by several delays since its targeted implementation in 2016. It was only on Feb. 24, 2023 that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. finally led its groundbreaking ceremony. The DOTr also moved the completion date of the project from 2025 to 2027 due to design changes. A priority project of the Marcos Jr. administration, the CBRT has a budget allocation of P28.78 billion funded through a loan package from the World Bank and French Development Agency with the National Government. Package 1 of the CBRT covers a distance of 2.38 kilometers from the Cebu South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso Ave. to the front of the Capitol building along Osmeña Blvd. Interviewed on Wednesday at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), Governor Garcia urged the CBRT proponent to expedite civil works in front of the bus terminal. Garcia said the project has already inconvenienced southern commuters. “Mayta mahuman na nang pagkubkob sa CBRT (I hope they will finish the excavation for the CBRT). Hinay kaayo ang turnaround sa atong mga buses (The turnaround of our buses has been really slow) and it affects the waiting time of our passengers,” she said. Garcia said they are thinking of transferring the CSBT to the Talisay City side of the Cebu South Coastal Road and converting the facility into an integrated multi-modal bus and ferry terminal that can also accommodate jeepneys and taxis. However, she said the Province is waiting for a private firm to submit an unsolicited proposal to build the facility. / EHP, JJL Can I play on my mobile devices? PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will bring home $4 billion, or P220 billion worth of investment deals from his visit to Germany.On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry held the Philippine-Germany business forum in Berlin where eight different types of agreements, three letters of intent (LOI) from different German companies, two memoranda of agreement (MOA), and three memoranda of understanding (MOU), covering various sectors, were signed.The LOIs were for the development of a partner hospital to become a training center to support the training needs of other lower tier hospitals, Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub and “spoke model” to address the strategic target of an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines, and for the strategic and digital partnership in healthcare with the Department of Health (DOH) with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare in the Philippines, ensuring safety, quality, accessibility and affordability.Through a memorandum of agreement the Philippine government and a German company will embark into a Public Private Partnership to rehabilitate, reclaim, and recultivate degraded farm lands in the Philippines, while another MOA is aimed at expanding potential collaborations in mobility solutions, software services, manufacturing, factory automation, logistics services, energy, security, safety systems for buildings, consumer appliances, and healthcare.Marcos also witnessed the signing of MOU for the establishment of fully integrated solar cell manufacturing facility in the country, manufacturing facility that will modify automobiles into high-end 1 of 1 version and armor protected cars, as well as manufacture military grade armored personnel carriers for the Asian market and data centers that will host a digital insurance platform that will serve the Philippines and Asean region as the group’s main expansion outside of the European Union.In his speech, Marcos expressed gratitude to the German business leaders for participating in the event.He touted the Philippines as the “best choice for investments,” as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure efficient support to foreign investors through purposeful reforms of key legislative amendments.“Together with you as our strategic partner, we can make these investments happen in the Philippines. I invite esteemed German business leaders to continue to keep in mind the Philippines as a reliable partner that can support your market expansion and your operations,” he said.“We prioritize the ease of doing business, exemplified by efforts to simplify tax payments and to streamline regulations, showcasing our unwavering support for businesses,” he added.Marcos noted the amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA), Foreign Investments Act (FIA), Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), and Renewable Energy (RE) Act, which “mark a new era for strategic investments.”He added the streamlined business registration, infrastructure development and the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (Create Act), which made the Philippines one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.The President also highlighted other government efforts such as the overhaul of fiscal incentive structures and responsive policies and the public-private partnership (PPPs), which all play pivotal roles in promoting private sector participation.Marcos also cited the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund, “which underscores the government’s dedication to financing priority projects and driving socioeconomic impact.”The chief executive also said that the Philippines is turning to Germany to further foster strong business partnerships and collaboration particularly in renewable energy being European Union’s biggest economy both in Gross Domestic Products and population and a global force in technology and innovation.He said he is always elated by the interest of German companies to support the country’s commitment to sustainability and climate resiliency.“To further support these investments, we have put in place several energy transition policies including investment enablers designed to incentivize energy efficiency,” said Marcos.“We are also working on developing programs that will support and facilitate the efforts to decarbonize our economy. I have high hopes that we can welcome the opportunity for greater cooperation on climate change and energy transition,” he added.He noted that the Philippines is positioning itself as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing by attracting sustainability-driven strategic investments powered by renewable energy.Marcos said the country recognizes that there are complementarities to be explored in critical minerals, and it is open to having a dedicated dialogue with German companies on the sustainable processing of green metals to be supported by strong adherence to high labor and environmental standards.With the recent global challenges, the President underscored the dangers of limited sourcing, or concentrating supplies in a single country, as he urged for the urgent need to diversify production locations and explore alternative materials to de-risk and minimize disruptions in supply chains.“Moreover, the transition to a low-carbon or net-zero scenario has further propelled the de-risking trend,” Marcos said.“The Philippines and Germany both have aspirations for de-risked and diversified production and market value chains, which future-proofs our economies from the geo-political vagaries of our times,” he added.Marcos also expressed gratitude to the Filipino community in Berlin for their unwavering support as they contributed to the government’s efforts to secure foreign investments through their invaluable work.“You are the envoys, para kayong mga ambassador lahat ng ating kultura. You exemplify the values of family, faith, honesty, hard work, compassion, and solidarity wherever you go,” Marcos told the Filipino community gathering.“Your presence in host countries fosters, hindi lamang dito sa Germany kundi lahat ng ating mga kababayan na nagtatrabaho sa iba’t-ibang bansa at -- the host countries foster goodwill and understanding. It strengthens the bonds between our two nations. It enriches the global community,” he added.Marcos vowed that his administration will continue to work hard and match their contributions by reforms and programs under the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.Marcos was the first Philippine president to address German business leaders in 10 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Philippine-Germany diplomatic relations. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)

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PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will bring home $4 billion, or P220 billion worth of investment deals from his visit to Germany.On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry held the Philippine-Germany business forum in Berlin where eight different types of agreements, three letters of intent (LOI) from different German companies, two memoranda of agreement (MOA), and three memoranda of understanding (MOU), covering various sectors, were signed.The LOIs were for the development of a partner hospital to become a training center to support the training needs of other lower tier hospitals, Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub and “spoke model” to address the strategic target of an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines, and for the strategic and digital partnership in healthcare with the Department of Health (DOH) with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare in the Philippines, ensuring safety, quality, accessibility and affordability.Through a memorandum of agreement the Philippine government and a German company will embark into a Public Private Partnership to rehabilitate, reclaim, and recultivate degraded farm lands in the Philippines, while another MOA is aimed at expanding potential collaborations in mobility solutions, software services, manufacturing, factory automation, logistics services, energy, security, safety systems for buildings, consumer appliances, and healthcare.Marcos also witnessed the signing of MOU for the establishment of fully integrated solar cell manufacturing facility in the country, manufacturing facility that will modify automobiles into high-end 1 of 1 version and armor protected cars, as well as manufacture military grade armored personnel carriers for the Asian market and data centers that will host a digital insurance platform that will serve the Philippines and Asean region as the group’s main expansion outside of the European Union.In his speech, Marcos expressed gratitude to the German business leaders for participating in the event.He touted the Philippines as the “best choice for investments,” as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure efficient support to foreign investors through purposeful reforms of key legislative amendments.“Together with you as our strategic partner, we can make these investments happen in the Philippines. I invite esteemed German business leaders to continue to keep in mind the Philippines as a reliable partner that can support your market expansion and your operations,” he said.“We prioritize the ease of doing business, exemplified by efforts to simplify tax payments and to streamline regulations, showcasing our unwavering support for businesses,” he added.Marcos noted the amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA), Foreign Investments Act (FIA), Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), and Renewable Energy (RE) Act, which “mark a new era for strategic investments.”He added the streamlined business registration, infrastructure development and the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (Create Act), which made the Philippines one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.The President also highlighted other government efforts such as the overhaul of fiscal incentive structures and responsive policies and the public-private partnership (PPPs), which all play pivotal roles in promoting private sector participation.Marcos also cited the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund, “which underscores the government’s dedication to financing priority projects and driving socioeconomic impact.”The chief executive also said that the Philippines is turning to Germany to further foster strong business partnerships and collaboration particularly in renewable energy being European Union’s biggest economy both in Gross Domestic Products and population and a global force in technology and innovation.He said he is always elated by the interest of German companies to support the country’s commitment to sustainability and climate resiliency.“To further support these investments, we have put in place several energy transition policies including investment enablers designed to incentivize energy efficiency,” said Marcos.“We are also working on developing programs that will support and facilitate the efforts to decarbonize our economy. I have high hopes that we can welcome the opportunity for greater cooperation on climate change and energy transition,” he added.He noted that the Philippines is positioning itself as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing by attracting sustainability-driven strategic investments powered by renewable energy.Marcos said the country recognizes that there are complementarities to be explored in critical minerals, and it is open to having a dedicated dialogue with German companies on the sustainable processing of green metals to be supported by strong adherence to high labor and environmental standards.With the recent global challenges, the President underscored the dangers of limited sourcing, or concentrating supplies in a single country, as he urged for the urgent need to diversify production locations and explore alternative materials to de-risk and minimize disruptions in supply chains.“Moreover, the transition to a low-carbon or net-zero scenario has further propelled the de-risking trend,” Marcos said.“The Philippines and Germany both have aspirations for de-risked and diversified production and market value chains, which future-proofs our economies from the geo-political vagaries of our times,” he added.Marcos also expressed gratitude to the Filipino community in Berlin for their unwavering support as they contributed to the government’s efforts to secure foreign investments through their invaluable work.“You are the envoys, para kayong mga ambassador lahat ng ating kultura. You exemplify the values of family, faith, honesty, hard work, compassion, and solidarity wherever you go,” Marcos told the Filipino community gathering.“Your presence in host countries fosters, hindi lamang dito sa Germany kundi lahat ng ating mga kababayan na nagtatrabaho sa iba’t-ibang bansa at -- the host countries foster goodwill and understanding. It strengthens the bonds between our two nations. It enriches the global community,” he added.Marcos vowed that his administration will continue to work hard and match their contributions by reforms and programs under the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.Marcos was the first Philippine president to address German business leaders in 10 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Philippine-Germany diplomatic relations. (TPM/SunStar Philippines), check the following table to see what categories most online casinos in the Philippines fit in.

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the country's defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea.A day after President Joe Biden convened a trilateral summit involving himself, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the U.S. and Filipino foreign and defense ministers and national security advisers met to discuss strategic and military issues.Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and national security adviser Jake Sullivan hosted their Philippine counterparts at the State Department.“Today’s meeting reflects the growing and deepening cooperation between our countries on a broad array of issues and of course our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” Blinken said in brief opening remarks. “We very much welcome this opportunity to pursue that cooperation, that collaboration and of course we stand with the Philippines in our iron-clad defense commitments including the Mutual Defense Treaty.”Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo echoed those remarks. “We attach a lot of importance to this meeting especially in light of recent developments in the South China Sea, especially China’s escalation of its harassment,” he said. "We are determined to assert our sovereign rights, especially within our exclusive economic zone.”Austin later hosted Marcos at the Pentagon, where they discussed ways to deepen military cooperation, including by increasing the frequency of joint patrols in the South China Sea. Austin noted that the Pentagon’s budget request for 2025 includes $128 million for 36 projects at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, which would more than double the amount it has invested since the program began 10 years ago.“This visit here to the Pentagon reaffirms once again the strength of the relationship between the United States and the Philippines in the face of all of the threats and challenges that we have had to face together,” Marcos said. He said he hoped the agreements reached Thursday “will make the safety, the peace and the stability of the South China Sea a reality.”On Thursday at the summit, Biden said the U.S. treaty obligations to its Pacific allies, like Japan and the Philippines, were “ironclad.” “Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty,” Biden said.The White House billed the first trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines as a potent response to China’s attempts at “intimidation” and said it would send a message that China is “the outlier in the neighborhood,” according to an administration official.The U.S. and the Philippines have had a mutual treaty in place for more than 70 years. Biden’s vigorous reinforcement of the American commitment comes in the midst of persistent skirmishes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed South China Sea.Relations between China and the Philippines have been repeatedly tested by confrontations involving the two nations’ coast guard vessels there. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan.The so-called “gray-zone” harassment by China has included shining military-grade lasers at the Philippine Coast Guard, firing water cannons at vessels and ramming into Philippine ships near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both Manila and Beijing claim. In 1999, Manila intentionally ran a World War II–era ship aground on the shoal, establishing a permanent military presence there.Chinese officials have bristled at criticism over their actions in the South China Sea and blamed the U.S. for exacerbating tensions.Spokeswoman Mao Ning of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Second Thomas Shoal — a primary source of contention with the Philippines — as well as the Senkaku Islands and said its actions in the South and East China Seas are justified, lawful and beyond reproach.“We firmly oppose relevant countries flexing muscles and acting like bullies in the South China Sea,” she said. “Relevant countries, out of selfish interests, join countries outside the region and serve as their pawns to contain China. Our message to these countries: recent history tells us that eventually pawns will easily be abandoned.”Biden, a Democrat, has made improving relations with the Philippines a priority since Marcos became the country’s president in June 2022. The relationship has had ups and downs over the years and was in a difficult place when Marcos took office. Human rights groups said Marcos’ predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.Marcos, the son and namesake of the country’s former dictator, said as a candidate he would look to pursue closer ties with China. But he has increasingly drifted toward Washington amid concerns about China’s coercive action. (AP) Philippines sports and recreation . here is how to register at an online casino site in the Philippines:

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will bring home $4 billion, or P220 billion worth of investment deals from his visit to Germany.On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry held the Philippine-Germany business forum in Berlin where eight different types of agreements, three letters of intent (LOI) from different German companies, two memoranda of agreement (MOA), and three memoranda of understanding (MOU), covering various sectors, were signed.The LOIs were for the development of a partner hospital to become a training center to support the training needs of other lower tier hospitals, Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub and “spoke model” to address the strategic target of an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines, and for the strategic and digital partnership in healthcare with the Department of Health (DOH) with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare in the Philippines, ensuring safety, quality, accessibility and affordability.Through a memorandum of agreement the Philippine government and a German company will embark into a Public Private Partnership to rehabilitate, reclaim, and recultivate degraded farm lands in the Philippines, while another MOA is aimed at expanding potential collaborations in mobility solutions, software services, manufacturing, factory automation, logistics services, energy, security, safety systems for buildings, consumer appliances, and healthcare.Marcos also witnessed the signing of MOU for the establishment of fully integrated solar cell manufacturing facility in the country, manufacturing facility that will modify automobiles into high-end 1 of 1 version and armor protected cars, as well as manufacture military grade armored personnel carriers for the Asian market and data centers that will host a digital insurance platform that will serve the Philippines and Asean region as the group’s main expansion outside of the European Union.In his speech, Marcos expressed gratitude to the German business leaders for participating in the event.He touted the Philippines as the “best choice for investments,” as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure efficient support to foreign investors through purposeful reforms of key legislative amendments.“Together with you as our strategic partner, we can make these investments happen in the Philippines. I invite esteemed German business leaders to continue to keep in mind the Philippines as a reliable partner that can support your market expansion and your operations,” he said.“We prioritize the ease of doing business, exemplified by efforts to simplify tax payments and to streamline regulations, showcasing our unwavering support for businesses,” he added.Marcos noted the amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA), Foreign Investments Act (FIA), Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), and Renewable Energy (RE) Act, which “mark a new era for strategic investments.”He added the streamlined business registration, infrastructure development and the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (Create Act), which made the Philippines one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.The President also highlighted other government efforts such as the overhaul of fiscal incentive structures and responsive policies and the public-private partnership (PPPs), which all play pivotal roles in promoting private sector participation.Marcos also cited the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund, “which underscores the government’s dedication to financing priority projects and driving socioeconomic impact.”The chief executive also said that the Philippines is turning to Germany to further foster strong business partnerships and collaboration particularly in renewable energy being European Union’s biggest economy both in Gross Domestic Products and population and a global force in technology and innovation.He said he is always elated by the interest of German companies to support the country’s commitment to sustainability and climate resiliency.“To further support these investments, we have put in place several energy transition policies including investment enablers designed to incentivize energy efficiency,” said Marcos.“We are also working on developing programs that will support and facilitate the efforts to decarbonize our economy. I have high hopes that we can welcome the opportunity for greater cooperation on climate change and energy transition,” he added.He noted that the Philippines is positioning itself as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing by attracting sustainability-driven strategic investments powered by renewable energy.Marcos said the country recognizes that there are complementarities to be explored in critical minerals, and it is open to having a dedicated dialogue with German companies on the sustainable processing of green metals to be supported by strong adherence to high labor and environmental standards.With the recent global challenges, the President underscored the dangers of limited sourcing, or concentrating supplies in a single country, as he urged for the urgent need to diversify production locations and explore alternative materials to de-risk and minimize disruptions in supply chains.“Moreover, the transition to a low-carbon or net-zero scenario has further propelled the de-risking trend,” Marcos said.“The Philippines and Germany both have aspirations for de-risked and diversified production and market value chains, which future-proofs our economies from the geo-political vagaries of our times,” he added.Marcos also expressed gratitude to the Filipino community in Berlin for their unwavering support as they contributed to the government’s efforts to secure foreign investments through their invaluable work.“You are the envoys, para kayong mga ambassador lahat ng ating kultura. You exemplify the values of family, faith, honesty, hard work, compassion, and solidarity wherever you go,” Marcos told the Filipino community gathering.“Your presence in host countries fosters, hindi lamang dito sa Germany kundi lahat ng ating mga kababayan na nagtatrabaho sa iba’t-ibang bansa at -- the host countries foster goodwill and understanding. It strengthens the bonds between our two nations. It enriches the global community,” he added.Marcos vowed that his administration will continue to work hard and match their contributions by reforms and programs under the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.Marcos was the first Philippine president to address German business leaders in 10 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Philippine-Germany diplomatic relations. (TPM/SunStar Philippines) Can I play on my mobile devices? . 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WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the country's defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea.A day after President Joe Biden convened a trilateral summit involving himself, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the U.S. and Filipino foreign and defense ministers and national security advisers met to discuss strategic and military issues.Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and national security adviser Jake Sullivan hosted their Philippine counterparts at the State Department.“Today’s meeting reflects the growing and deepening cooperation between our countries on a broad array of issues and of course our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” Blinken said in brief opening remarks. “We very much welcome this opportunity to pursue that cooperation, that collaboration and of course we stand with the Philippines in our iron-clad defense commitments including the Mutual Defense Treaty.”Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo echoed those remarks. “We attach a lot of importance to this meeting especially in light of recent developments in the South China Sea, especially China’s escalation of its harassment,” he said. "We are determined to assert our sovereign rights, especially within our exclusive economic zone.”Austin later hosted Marcos at the Pentagon, where they discussed ways to deepen military cooperation, including by increasing the frequency of joint patrols in the South China Sea. Austin noted that the Pentagon’s budget request for 2025 includes $128 million for 36 projects at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, which would more than double the amount it has invested since the program began 10 years ago.“This visit here to the Pentagon reaffirms once again the strength of the relationship between the United States and the Philippines in the face of all of the threats and challenges that we have had to face together,” Marcos said. He said he hoped the agreements reached Thursday “will make the safety, the peace and the stability of the South China Sea a reality.”On Thursday at the summit, Biden said the U.S. treaty obligations to its Pacific allies, like Japan and the Philippines, were “ironclad.” “Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty,” Biden said.The White House billed the first trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines as a potent response to China’s attempts at “intimidation” and said it would send a message that China is “the outlier in the neighborhood,” according to an administration official.The U.S. and the Philippines have had a mutual treaty in place for more than 70 years. Biden’s vigorous reinforcement of the American commitment comes in the midst of persistent skirmishes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed South China Sea.Relations between China and the Philippines have been repeatedly tested by confrontations involving the two nations’ coast guard vessels there. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan.The so-called “gray-zone” harassment by China has included shining military-grade lasers at the Philippine Coast Guard, firing water cannons at vessels and ramming into Philippine ships near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both Manila and Beijing claim. In 1999, Manila intentionally ran a World War II–era ship aground on the shoal, establishing a permanent military presence there.Chinese officials have bristled at criticism over their actions in the South China Sea and blamed the U.S. for exacerbating tensions.Spokeswoman Mao Ning of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Second Thomas Shoal — a primary source of contention with the Philippines — as well as the Senkaku Islands and said its actions in the South and East China Seas are justified, lawful and beyond reproach.“We firmly oppose relevant countries flexing muscles and acting like bullies in the South China Sea,” she said. “Relevant countries, out of selfish interests, join countries outside the region and serve as their pawns to contain China. Our message to these countries: recent history tells us that eventually pawns will easily be abandoned.”Biden, a Democrat, has made improving relations with the Philippines a priority since Marcos became the country’s president in June 2022. The relationship has had ups and downs over the years and was in a difficult place when Marcos took office. Human rights groups said Marcos’ predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.Marcos, the son and namesake of the country’s former dictator, said as a candidate he would look to pursue closer ties with China. But he has increasingly drifted toward Washington amid concerns about China’s coercive action. (AP) licensed online casinos THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has asked the proponent of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project to secure its approval first before resuming civil works on Capitol-owned lots. Chairman Victorino Manalo, in a letter addressed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) dated Monday, March 25, 2024, requested Transportation Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc to submit two documents for the NCCA’s assessment and approval. The letter was posted on the official social media page of the Cebu Provincial Government on Wednesday, March 27. In the letter, Manalo asked Lontoc to submit an Archeological Impact Assessment (AIA) and development plans for the project to ensure that the CBRT complies with the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, or Republic Act 10066, and the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The AIA is required by Section 30(d) of RA 10066 and the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Memorandum Circular 005, series of 2014. The project’s development plan includes mitigation activities to protect the sight line with regard to built heritage, as required under Section 37 of the general provisions of the GAA. “In the meantime, we enjoin the DOTr not to conduct any work or changes in the area, especially excavation works, until we approve your AlA and development plans,” Manalo said. The Provincial Government met with NCCA officials recently to formally express concerns over the potential impact of the CBRT on the visual sight lines and buffer zones of the Cebu Capitol building. Meanwhile, CBRT implementers have started complying with the NCCA requirements. CBRT project manager Norvin Imbong, in a text message to SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, said the DOTr has coordinated with the University of San Carlos (USC) to help formulate the AIA. However, they will find out only on Monday, April 1, if USC can assist them, he said. Joint meetingImbong said their team will also have a joint meeting with the NCCA and the Philippine Historical Commission on Tuesday, April 2, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila to discuss the matter. He said he will know by then if there are other requirements they need to comply with.Rama’s clarificationIn a statement on Wednesday, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving heritage sites, while emphasizing the positive impact of the CBRT project.Rama said he had to say this so “neighbors, especially the politicians, will fully understand.”The mayor said he already raised the Capitol’s concern in a meeting with DOTr officials in Manila and the financing agencies, World Bank and French Development Agency. He also clarified that filing the complaint against Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia before the Office of the President had nothing to do with her stance to protect the Capitol building and its buffer zone. It was because of her “meddling” in suspending CBRT construction on Capitol-owned lots, he said.“We agree that we must protect the Capitol. There is no dispute there. The issue is the governor’s meddling, ordering the suspension of the CBRT. She has no right to do so. This is the reason why we have brought the issue to President (Ferdinand) Marcos (Jr.),” Rama said. Rama said the government is only striving to provide the public with “spacious, comfortable and safe transportation” through the BRT.Last February, the governor issued a cease and desist order (CDO) to the contractor of the first package of the CBRT project and directed it to cease civil works on a bus station with a leaf-like structure in front of the Capitol building along Osmeña Blvd. Rama responded by filing a complaint against Garcia before the Office of the President over her “meddling” in the CBRT project. Rama asked the President to “discipline and suspend Governor Garcia.”DelaysLast Monday, March 25, Imbong said they continued to work on other parts of the CBRT despite the governor’s CDO, which applies only to civil works on Capitol property. However, he said the CDO would probably delay the project anew, adding that the first package may not be operational in July as committed earlier. The CBRT project has been marred by several delays since its targeted implementation in 2016. It was only on Feb. 24, 2023 that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. finally led its groundbreaking ceremony. The DOTr also moved the completion date of the project from 2025 to 2027 due to design changes. A priority project of the Marcos Jr. administration, the CBRT has a budget allocation of P28.78 billion funded through a loan package from the World Bank and French Development Agency with the National Government. Package 1 of the CBRT covers a distance of 2.38 kilometers from the Cebu South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso Ave. to the front of the Capitol building along Osmeña Blvd. Interviewed on Wednesday at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), Governor Garcia urged the CBRT proponent to expedite civil works in front of the bus terminal. Garcia said the project has already inconvenienced southern commuters. “Mayta mahuman na nang pagkubkob sa CBRT (I hope they will finish the excavation for the CBRT). Hinay kaayo ang turnaround sa atong mga buses (The turnaround of our buses has been really slow) and it affects the waiting time of our passengers,” she said. Garcia said they are thinking of transferring the CSBT to the Talisay City side of the Cebu South Coastal Road and converting the facility into an integrated multi-modal bus and ferry terminal that can also accommodate jeepneys and taxis. However, she said the Province is waiting for a private firm to submit an unsolicited proposal to build the facility. / EHP, JJL

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WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the country's defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea.A day after President Joe Biden convened a trilateral summit involving himself, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the U.S. and Filipino foreign and defense ministers and national security advisers met to discuss strategic and military issues.Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and national security adviser Jake Sullivan hosted their Philippine counterparts at the State Department.“Today’s meeting reflects the growing and deepening cooperation between our countries on a broad array of issues and of course our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea,” Blinken said in brief opening remarks. “We very much welcome this opportunity to pursue that cooperation, that collaboration and of course we stand with the Philippines in our iron-clad defense commitments including the Mutual Defense Treaty.”Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo echoed those remarks. “We attach a lot of importance to this meeting especially in light of recent developments in the South China Sea, especially China’s escalation of its harassment,” he said. "We are determined to assert our sovereign rights, especially within our exclusive economic zone.”Austin later hosted Marcos at the Pentagon, where they discussed ways to deepen military cooperation, including by increasing the frequency of joint patrols in the South China Sea. Austin noted that the Pentagon’s budget request for 2025 includes $128 million for 36 projects at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, which would more than double the amount it has invested since the program began 10 years ago.“This visit here to the Pentagon reaffirms once again the strength of the relationship between the United States and the Philippines in the face of all of the threats and challenges that we have had to face together,” Marcos said. He said he hoped the agreements reached Thursday “will make the safety, the peace and the stability of the South China Sea a reality.”On Thursday at the summit, Biden said the U.S. treaty obligations to its Pacific allies, like Japan and the Philippines, were “ironclad.” “Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty,” Biden said.The White House billed the first trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines as a potent response to China’s attempts at “intimidation” and said it would send a message that China is “the outlier in the neighborhood,” according to an administration official.The U.S. and the Philippines have had a mutual treaty in place for more than 70 years. Biden’s vigorous reinforcement of the American commitment comes in the midst of persistent skirmishes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed South China Sea.Relations between China and the Philippines have been repeatedly tested by confrontations involving the two nations’ coast guard vessels there. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan.The so-called “gray-zone” harassment by China has included shining military-grade lasers at the Philippine Coast Guard, firing water cannons at vessels and ramming into Philippine ships near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both Manila and Beijing claim. In 1999, Manila intentionally ran a World War II–era ship aground on the shoal, establishing a permanent military presence there.Chinese officials have bristled at criticism over their actions in the South China Sea and blamed the U.S. for exacerbating tensions.Spokeswoman Mao Ning of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Second Thomas Shoal — a primary source of contention with the Philippines — as well as the Senkaku Islands and said its actions in the South and East China Seas are justified, lawful and beyond reproach.“We firmly oppose relevant countries flexing muscles and acting like bullies in the South China Sea,” she said. “Relevant countries, out of selfish interests, join countries outside the region and serve as their pawns to contain China. Our message to these countries: recent history tells us that eventually pawns will easily be abandoned.”Biden, a Democrat, has made improving relations with the Philippines a priority since Marcos became the country’s president in June 2022. The relationship has had ups and downs over the years and was in a difficult place when Marcos took office. Human rights groups said Marcos’ predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.Marcos, the son and namesake of the country’s former dictator, said as a candidate he would look to pursue closer ties with China. But he has increasingly drifted toward Washington amid concerns about China’s coercive action. (AP) Philippines sports and recreation

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