Philippines: Are we seeing a slow Chinese takeover?

Certainly, the massive loans given to the “Build! Build! Build” are starting to cost. As the big infrastructure projects and other loans are taking their toll on the economy. Therefore, the Philippines and President Rodrigo Duterte are trying to collect something. It seems like the Chinese counterparts are getting lots of collateral and salvage the spent funds in Philippines. Because, as the weeks goes by and the ASEAN friends, the one with the upper-hand is China.

This is surely not how Duterte want it too look, as they are having a bargain. There has already been putting into question the control of Benham Rise and the hard-won control of the island there. Still, the Republic haven’t fought with tooth and nail to get it back. This week, it seems like there are more installations on it. The sovereign Philippines are being toyed with by China. They are being fooled and has to accept deals, because of the loans to Beijing. Manila is indebted and has to give concessions. Why else, would this week be filled with new Chinese interference and getting licenses in the Philippines?

Weather Station Controversy:

“It is currently coordinating with concerned government agencies, as well as with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to verify the existence or non-existence of these alleged facilities,” he said. Panelo earlier addressed this concern on Monday saying Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin jr. will “do his job” once the reports have been verified. China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang announced on November 1 that Beijing has already begun operating weather stations on the artificial islands in South China Sea. “These projects are designed to observe the maritime, hydrological, meteorological conditions and air qualities, and provide such services as maritime warning and forecast, tsunami alert, weather forecast, air quality forecast, and disaster prevention and relief,” Lu Kang said in a press conference” (Janine Peralta – ‘Philippines to take action if Chinese weather stations in South China Sea are verified — Palace’ 06.11.2018 link: http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/11/06/ph-china-south-china-sea-panelo.html).

Oil Fields:

One of the projects included an exploration between state-owned Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and Chinese state-owned CNOOC Ltd., located off Calamian in southwestern Palawan province, Cusi told Manila Bulletin in a news briefing. Cusi was referring to Service Contract 57 which covers an oil and gas project awarded to PNOC’s exploration unit, and picked CNOOC as a partner. Cusi did not share details for Service Contract 72, an exploration permit held by the Philippines’ PXP Energy Corp. for Reed Bank, but clarified that the Reed Bank, another disputed South China Sea area, is not of the two” (Meanne Rosales – ‘ PH to seal 2 exploration deals with China’ 09.11.2018, link: https://powerphilippines.com/2018/11/09/ph-seal-2-exploration-deals-china/)

Chinese Telecommunication as the Third Telco:

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded the entry of China Telecommunications Corp., or China Telecom, in his country’s telecommunication industry, saying the Philippines stands to benefit from the “good competition” that a Chinese company will bring to the industry” (…) “Duterte said that China “has proved to be of very incredibly high quality of electronics.” “(Xinhuanet – ‘Duterte welcomes China Telecom’s operating in Philippines’ 08.11.2018).

As we see, the sudden Benham Rise in the South China Sea and the will of China to takeover the place, while the Malacañang are preoccupied with sneering at priests, Rappler and who else who hurt their pride. They are not seeing or looking away from the sovereign implications on Benham Rise. As there are talks already of military installations, but now also monitoring equipment and a weather station. Clearly, the Chinese sees it as their land, while the PH are busy trying to find out what is happening there.

Than, you have the oil-fields in the same region, where the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) have gotten licenses to drill oil there. Clearly, this is all intentional, as well as they are the lucky third Telecommunication Company and getting into the Cellphone business too. This is just fitting as a glove. They are both getting territory in the South China Sea, they are getting exploitation opportunities and steady profits through a cell-phone carrier. All this they have gotten for dropping some loans, that is hard for the Philippines to repay in cash.

That is why they are allowed to get these things, as collateral for the debt. This is a game the Chinese plays well. That is why this is all happening. We have seen similar efforts done in Sri Lanka. That will surely happen in the Philippines too. As the Chinese is not forgiving with their loans. They want points on the dollar. Not loose money and certainly not lose face on the investments made. Peace.

Sri Lanka: Lawyers Condemn and Reject Unconstitutional Dissolution of Parliament, Urges Election Commission to Ignore Unconstitutional Orders of the President (10.11.2018)

Sri Lanka: Speaker Karu Jayasuriya statement condemning the unconstitutional actions of the President (05.11.2018)

Sri Lanka: Menusha Nanayakkara MP letter to President Maithripala Sirisena – “Letter of Resignation” (06.11.2018)

President Duterte: If you let the AFP run the BOC, maybe while you at it; Let them run the PPA, CAAP and PHILPOST too!

Today, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will replace and take charge of the Bureau of Customs. That is an added extension of the army and secondly, also of the use of soldiers. Then, they are not there anymore just to add safety of the sovereign borders and create peace in the land. But scan and secure all passengers and goods passing into the Republic.

Isn’t that a bit extensive for the armed forces? Meaning, the army needs brigades for all Border Posts and every where the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is operating. They have to add much more trained man-power and this is excessive use of the army. The AFP should clearly focus on other tasks, than check what sort of goods that is coming into the Philippines. This is a foolish move by the President.

Take a look!

ABS-CBN News reported this earlier today:

“They will be replaced, all of them, by military men. It will be a takeover of the Armed Forces in the matter of operating, in the meantime, while we are sorting out how to effectively meet the challenges of corruption in this country,” Duterte said” (…) “”I want to put on notice everybody in the Bureau of Customs, they are all in floating status. Maybe start again working, but I said, they are all floating status,” he said in a speech during the thanksgiving dinner of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in Davao City. “The Customs intelligence unit, they are to report to Malacañang, all of them. I’m ordering everybody to report to my office. Maybe I’ll issue the memorandum. They will hold office there at the Malacañang Gymnasium. Lahat,” Duterte added” (ABS-CBN News – ‘Duterte temporarily puts Bureau of Customs under military control’ 29.10.2018, link: https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/10/29/18/duterte-temporarily-puts-bureau-of-customs-under-military-control).

If he takes away the trained personnel for a soldier, he is clearly forgetting the task at hand and the long time it takes to know the trademarks of counterfeit goods and also drug-smuggling, which both is sophisticated industries. Where the men and cartels behind it uses all methods to pass through the check-points, the border-points and get through the Customs search. This is well-known and the ones working has to be vigilant and see for the signs to find the culprits bringing the illegal goods across the borders.

Soldiers are trained for a whole different operations and operative in a different way, than the Customs Units. That is evident and doesn’t need rocket-science to understand. It is vile attempt of control and this will not eradicate the imports of illegal substances and drugs. As they will finds way to trick these soldiers and methods, which are to smart for these soldiers whose used in shooting guns. Not questioning paperwork, licenses and if a kids-toys or lipsticks are filled with cocaine.

Secondly, if the President really does this to the BOC. Should we anticipate the soldiers also to takeover the Philippines Ports Authority (PPA). Since they already are running the Customs, wouldn’t it be more significant and more likely take all drug-dealers if they have the whole ports under siege in the Republic? To ensure the imports to the airports, shouldn’t soldiers also run the The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)? While they are at it, shouldn’t they also have soldiers running the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHILPOST)?

Because, by that time, they have control of the Customs, the Ports, the Airports and the Post by soldiers, shouldn’t that stop it all from coming to the shores. As you cannot trust civil servants or experts to do their jobs. All are corruptible and the only ones that cease to be following codes are the soldiers. I know I am taking it far, but isn’t it a bit far-fetched and worrying if you needs soldiers who is trained to kill, to check if it is Menthos or a spliff passing by at the Customs at Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport?

Since you cannot trust the BOC, maybe you cannot trust the management of the ports, the airports, the post or even the Barangay Captain who just happens to pick up a package sent to his uncle. Who knows, right?

Peace.

Sri Lanka: Leader of Opposition R. Sampanthan MP Letter to Speaker Sri Jayawardenepura-Kotte (28.10.2018)

Sri Lanka: Mahinda Rajapaska – Media Release – “A new democratic beginning and the rejection of the politics of hate” (28.10.2018)

Sri Lanka is in Double Trouble!

Today, the President has ensured himself a Constitutional Crisis it seems. This being the President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, who has suddenly appointed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as his Prime Minister. However, there is a problem. The current President has already a Prime Minister. That happens to be Ranil Wickremesinghe. This is a self inflicted Constitutional Crisis made by the President for whatever reasons he has.

The President has really put himself into a pickle. Because the Constitution is clear on the Prime Minister and his post. So after the second appointment, the first Prime Minister used the part of the Constitution Article 42 (4). Which states: “The President shall appoint as Prime Minister the

Member of Parliament, who, in the President’s opinion, is most likely to command the confidence of Parliament”. The PM was also sacked in 2004, but that was other reasons, than today. But shows the intent to fight back.

There has also been revisions of the Constitution, the 19th Amendment in 2015. Which changed the Article 46 (2), where it today states:

(2) The Prime Minister shall continue to hold office throughout the period during which the Cabinet of Ministers continues to function under the provisions of the Constitution unless he –

(a) resigns his office by a writing under his hand addressed to the President; or

(b) ceases to be a Member of Parliament” (Sri Lanka Constitution, 15th May 2015).

Or put it bluntly like the CPA Lanka does it: “The President no longer has the power to remove the Prime Minister at his discretion. [Clause 9 of the 19th Amendment, Article 46(2) of the Constitution]” (Centre for Policy Alternatives – ‘A Brief Guide to the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution’ May 2015).

President Sirisena was sworn-in on the 9th January 2018. It was just mere months after the 19th Amendment was ratified and became law. Changing the Constitution and the Powers of the Executive. That meaning, because the revised laws… means that in particular, the President himself who is elected just mere months before should know this. Therefore, the first PM Wickremesinghe got a good case concerning the legality of today’s action and swearing-in of the second PM Rajapaksa.

Who knows how this will go, if the courts will be involved or anything will spiral out of this. I got no idea. But the easy judgment would be counter-act for the First PM will legal remedy and through the Parliament. If that will work or depending on the strength of the President and the previous one who he has suddenly appointed.

This is really double trouble. How problematic, time will tell. Peace.

Opinion: Trillanes 2nd Round K.O.

Have patience awhile; slanders are not long-lived. Truth is the child of time; erelong she shall appear to vindicate thee.”Immanuel Kant

Well, today there was justified victory in the Makati Court Branch 148, where Judge Andres Soriano judged in favor of Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes. With his running legal jeopardy after the President Rodrigo Duterte revoked his Amnesty. This has been on-going and with a lot of side-steps. Where the government have really pursuit Trillanes. While he has stood strong and hasn’t given way.

Today at the Court, the judge even in his ruling said it wasn’t Trillanes fault for lacking evidence of the amnesty and forms of guilty plea, as the reason has been for the revocation. As by the paperwork in the case of Trillanes, there are other authorities who has certified it and accepted. As well, as there was no opposition to the Amnesty within the limited time of questioning it. Therefore, the Court Ordered it unjust.

To top it off, the judge also order the Hold Departure Order, saying he was not a flight risk and someone who would go into exile to escape prison-time. Plus also stopping the Department of Justice Warrant of Arrest on him. Therefore, totally vindicating Trillanes.

We know this is not over as Prince Golez reports:

The Palace respects the constitutional independence of the Judiciary and it will continue to do so. As we have said, the Executive Branch has and will always bow down to the majesty of the law, and it will not think twice in doing the same for this particular case. Compared to those personalities in the opposition, we will not unfairly appeal to the pity of the public but will address this matter head on in the proper forum,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said” (Prince Golez – ‘No hurt feelings? Palace respects dismissal of plea for Trillanes’ arrest’ 22.10.2018 link: http://politics.com.ph/no-hurt-feelings-palace-respects-dismissal-of-plea-for-trillanes-arrest/).

Therefore, Malacañang and the President is yet not done with him. Even if the Courts are vindicating him and his certification of the amnesty documents. This is vital, as the critics of the revocation and making the amnesty “null and void” in the first place. As this wouldn’t be an issue, unless this was a political hit-job. If the Malacañang continues to pursuit legal means and tries to figure other ways to fight Trillanes, than they are just showing how they are belittling their opponents and not how they are listening to their grievances. Because they go straight to the trenches and throw grenades, instead of reasoning the differences out. That is crystal-clear from afar.

This has clearly been motives behind it and the President has tried to distance himself. However, he is the one that threw the Senator into legal jeopardy and he has to answer for the deed in the end. Why he did the Presidential Order and what reasoning behind the “null and void” amnesty, as the President has put into question everyone else who was given the same amnesty as Trillanes. That is certain subject that will linger on.

We know, that this isn’t the end. For now, some parts of the case is closed, but who knows if it is taken to the Supreme Court. If there are other factors and unknown documents hidden by the DND or anywhere else. That might shadow another story. Because with these acts and secrecy, the mind are able to flow in different directions and finding new avenues for suspect behavior. Since who would earn on the fall of the Senator?

That is seemingly the President, who could try to get another of his loyalists to control the houses of Parliament even more. That wouldn’t be surprising in these days and times. We all can see that a mile away. Peace.

Opinion: Sen. Trillanes revoked amnesty seems like a political hit-job!

For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”Nelson Mandela

Now, that there is evident that the Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has lost his security detail, even as his case is moving by. The same court that questioned the arrest order and the Hold Departure Order on the 28th September 2018, did on 5th October 2018 a total turnaround, as the Judge Andres Soriano ordered the evidence of the application and the amnesty to be delivered to the Court within 24 hours.

This case been unfolding since the President Rodrigo Duterte decided to use his Executive Power and revoke the amnesty given by Aquino, that the 5th January 2011 amnesty wasn’t effective and justified by the powers of the Presidency. That is why Trillanes is now in hot-water.

This was after Duterte revoked it and made it “null and void” on the 31st August 2018. That was a deliberate act to really take away the freedoms granted to former officer. Which was also discharged and able to run for elections after the amnesty. This amnesty was in the public and was also broadcasted on live TV. Therefore, the ones knowing about, would already know. Unless, the branches of government has been actively destroying documents within the army, the branches of the judiciary or the previous administrations back-log. Because that is how it seems as the days goes by.

If the Aquino administration gave him amnesty, clearly, the candidate Trillanes delivered an application and a plea of guilt. Which the state now needs produced. If the Philippines bureaucracy and government is serious, they should have filed the copies and the documents from all of the mutineers, which was granted amnesty on the 5th January 2011. That is if, the Philippines government are serious and not just filled political hacks working to undermine their own protocols, as it seems by the day. It looks unprofessional and undermining the acts of the past. Because it fit the paradigm of today.

The implication is very simple, the Makati Branch and Judge Soriano regretted his judgment in favor of Trillanes and needed to show faith in Duterte. That is why a week later, as the Security Detail and the other pressure is coming on the Senator. He could add more pressure, to get copies and documentation of his own release, which was just mere 8 years ago fixed by Aquino.

That the news also are telling that the Ad-Hoc Committee accepting the application back-in-the-day. Didn’t make copies and giving it to the applicants. Proves, that the state has configured it all to fix their narrative. As they know this procedure, they know that Trillanes doesn’t have a copy, as the Committee of Aquino never gave any. That is why this is simple math and also very destructive. Because, who should trust any amnesty or any possible freedom from the law, if the government changes heads or ministers. They might ask the Executive to revoke it and take that away. Even if the person has followed the codes and acted within bounds of the law.

That is why anyone taking and filing for amnesty should fear for their future, because anyone within reach of power. Can just on their own merry take away the amnesty. That your losing your freedom, because of the Executive uses the powers he has.

If someone ever seeks amnesty, ask for documentation, pronto to save your own head. This government can make your case “null and void” and your personal life in danger again. Because the powers decides so. Peace.