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HEADLINES: PH rejects China's claim of 'new model' in WPS | Apr. 21, 2024

Good day. Here are the stories of The Manila Times for Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Today's episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer—your Trusted Building Partner.

PH rejects China's claim of 'new model' in WPS

THE Philippine government, through its National Security Council on Saturday, rejected China's claim of a supposed "new model" to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea based on its agreement with the previous administration. Security Adviser Eduardo Año and National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea spokesman Jonathan Malaya insisted that any "agreement" reached between China and the Philippines in the previous administration, referring to then president Rodrigo Duterte, if it existed, has been rescinded and was not binding under the administration of his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

China concerned over US deployment of missiles in PH

Meanwhile, China expressed concern over the US deployment of medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) in the Asia-Pacific, particularly in the Philippines, after it was announced by the US Army Pacific Command. The Global Times, quoting the US Army Pacific Command, said the US deployed the mid-range capability missile system, also known as Typhon, to the Philippines, as part of their joint military exercise. This is the first time that the US has deployed a land-based, ground-launch system after withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The Chinese official said the Philippines needed to be mindful of what the US truly wanted and the consequences of going along with the US in deploying MRBMs. He said that the Philippines needed to think twice about being a cat's paw for the US at the expense of its security interests. Jin Lian restated China's strong opposition to the practice of bloc politics by certain nations.

Marcos vows to create 1M digital jobs

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to create 1 million digital jobs by 2028 that could bring in 24 billion pesos in revenue. The President made the commitment during his meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) in Malacañang on Friday concerning digital infrastructure work plans.

Pagasa warns of dangerous heat index in 19 areas

THE weather bureau warned of dangerous heat index levels in 19 areas across the country on Saturday. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. It advised the public to limit the time spent outdoors, especially at noon, and drink plenty of water. People going outdoors are reminded to use umbrellas or wear hats and sleeved clothing. Most parts of the country will continue to experience generally fair weather conditions and possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Gymnast Levi Ruivivar makes it to Paris Olympics

DISPLAYING skill, grace and confidence in a silver medal finish performance, Filipino American gymnast Levi Ruivivar made her way to the Paris Olympics. The 17-year-old Ruivivar, who placed eighth in the qualification round, scored a second-best 13.633 points in the Doha leg of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series women's uneven bars final early Saturday (Manila time). Her silver medal finish came with 30 Olympic qualifying points that bumped her total to 62, the second highest among eligible athletes. Per apparatus, the top two gymnasts with the highest three-meet point total in the World Cup series will advance to the Olympics, with this Doha tourney being the last of the four World Cup legs that offered Olympic qualifying points. Ruivivar had 14 points in the Cairo leg, 12 in Cottbus and 18 in Baku. Her highest three of 14, 18 and 30 in this Doha leg summed up to 62 points, good for second place behind Georgia-Rose Brown of New Zealand, who totaled 70. Ruivivar would have gotten 25 points only since the second-place finish in this Doha leg merits 25 only and 30 for the champion, Kaylia Nemour of Algeria.

Boatwright in Manila to process naturalization

AMERICAN Bennie Boatwright, who led San Miguel Beer to the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup championship recently, is in Manila. The 27-year-old sweet-shooting former USC Trojan is in town to submit some documents to kick-start his Filipino naturalization process so he can hopefully play for Gilas Pilipinas. Boatwright, who was interviewed by sports scribes during the Philippine Cup half-time game featuring San Miguel and Converge, shared that the decision to be Gilas' naturalized player is a "very easy decision" and "kind of a no-brainer." While the original intention when he first came to the Philippines was to reinforce the Beermen, the idea of playing as naturalized player for the national team eventually, was offered.

Kiwis eyeing partnerships with PH

Over to business, New Zealand investors have expressed interest in developing partnerships with the Philippines, particularly in sectors like dairy, meat, wood and technology, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) said on Saturday. This was showcased at the recent Philippine-New Zealand Business Matching Session hosted by PSAC and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his delegation. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, PSAC said the government and private sectors have actively fostered a climate conducive to the growth of both public initiatives and private enterprises.

Opinion and editorial

Marlen Ronquillo is today's front page columnist, as he believes the country's transport sector is stuck in the 20th century.

Today's editorial hits out at a publication of China, accusing them for being their government's mouthpiece. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.

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