Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Sunday, April 14, 2024.
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READ: US, PH step up strategic partnership
THE Biden administration reassured the Philippines anew that the US commitment to its defense was steadfast, as it promised, among others, to increase its support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) modernization amid growing concerns about provocative Chinese activities. In the inaugural 3+3 ministerial meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and their Philippine counterparts Enrique Manalo, Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Eduardo Año in Washington, D.C., on Friday, April 12 (US time), "the parties underscored their determination to increase US support for the modernization of the AFP to improve interoperability and to achieve our shared security objectives."
READ: China to US, PH, Japan: Stop playing bloc politics
CHINA called on the United States, Japan and the Philippines to abandon outdated political strategies, refrain from meddling in its domestic matters, and cease actions that could disrupt regional peace and stability, asserting its unwavering commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and maritime entitlements. In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Saturday, Beijing criticized the three leaders for forming "exclusive alliances under the guise of cooperation, which it views as a continuation of Cold War-era politics." The statement accused the recent USJapan-Philippines summit held at the White House of being a venue for "unfounded criticisms of China regarding Taiwan and maritime disputes," actions that are a "direct interference in its internal affairs and a threat to its security and strategic interests."
READ: Marcos to Duterte: Let's talk about 'secret' deal with China
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was convinced that his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte brokered a "secret agreement" with China over the West Philippine Sea and offered to sit down with him to discuss it. The deal was specifically about not having repairs done on the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippine ship grounded deliberately on Ayungin Shoal, one of the disputed territories between Manila and Beijing. In a briefing with the Philippine media delegation in Washington, Marcos said he was baffled over the latest confirmation by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that there was an agreement forged between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping and that no one informed him and his team upon his assumption into office in 2022.
READ: BBM confident of US, Japan investments in next 5 years
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that investments from the United States and Japan would pour into the Philippines in the next five years as a direct result of the successful trilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.The Philippine Embassy projected the historic gathering of the leaders to yield $100 billion in investments in the next five to 10 years from different sectors such as energy, digital infrastructure, and semiconductor manufacturing. The President said he saw the trilateral alliance changing the dynamics in the region, in Southeast Asia, in Asia and around the South China Sea, noting such a partnership is a major step for the Philippines, the US and Japan.
READ: DoJ wants Quiboloy case venue moved to Pasig
THE Department of Justice has sought the transfer of the child abuse and maltreatment case filed against Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City to Pasig City, where the controversial evangelist is facing qualified human trafficking. Justice Undersecretary Nicolas Felix Ty said that they have already sent a letter to the court administrator formally requesting the transfer of the venue of the case. Quiboloy is facing charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and under Section 10(a) of the same act before a Davao court.
BUSINESS: DTI invites US, Japanese companies
In business, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual presented three key projects designed to spur growth in the Luzon Economic Corridor at a meeting in Washington, DC, and urged United States and Japan companies to participate. The meeting on Thursday was also attended by Secretary Gina Raimondo of the US Department of Commerce, and Minister Ken Saito of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
SPORTS: Gin Kings, Hotshots eye crucial wins
Over to sports, Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia seek crucial victories that will have significant implications on their respective playoff bids as both squads face off with separate foes on Sunday in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Gin Kings got a big shot in the arm with the return of ace playmaker Scottie Thompson last Friday, orchestrating the team's play en route to Ginebra's 105-86 demolition of skidding Blackwater Bossing. Ginebra now tries to carry on that confidence-building win when the team clashes with NorthPort (4-2) in their 6:15 p.m. match. The opening game also features Magnolia (2-2) taking on Phoenix (2-4) in an equally interesting match at 3 p.m. Thompson played his first game for the conference, making an impact with his all-around effort of four points, seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals in over 26 minutes of play.
READ: Opinion and editorial
Marlen Ronquillo is today's front page columnist, as he reveals what is the best country for billionaires.
Today's editorial looks into electronic waste hazards and their opportunities. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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