Watch more in iWant or TFC.tv MANILA— President Rodrigo Duterte's policy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is simplistic, according to a political analyst, who dismissed the chief executive's excuse of being involved of a possible armed conflict against China if Manila asserts its rights in the strategic waterway. "We are in a world today, which is governed by laws. Sabi nga ng iba, rule-based international system. Even ang bansang Tsina sumusunod dito, bakit hindi natin igiit ito?" said Dindo Manhit, retired associate professor of political science in De La Salle University. "Bakit palaging sabihing conflict o giyera kaagad? Ang hinihingi ng taongbayan natin eh we assert our rights, protect our maritime rights at territorial integrity. Doon tayo nagkukulang siguro." In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte said the Philippine government would stand up its rights in the WPS in "due time." "The West Philippine Sea is ours, no ifs and buts... We have to temper it … [Read more...] about Duterte’s West Philippine Sea policy simplistic
Polluted, bike-hostile Brussels to slam on the brakes
Brussels has made its choice: to reduce emissions and encourage greener, two-wheeled transport options, the road speed limit will have to come down. From 2021, any car that escapes the gridlock on the streets of Europe's capital will still be limited to only 30 kilometers per hour. The Belgian city is following in the footsteps of Berlin and Madrid, but road-users are not convinced that the measure will make any real difference. Restrictions already apply to around 55 percent of the city, but the capital region's left-Green government is rolling the limit out beyond residential districts. By January 1, 2021, cars, vans and trucks will face a 30 kph limit everywhere apart from key thoroughfares -- grand avenues and the inner ring-road. But even with this 18-month delay, the measure is regarded as ambitious by many experts and unwelcome by many road-users already mired in Brussels' notorious road chaos. Benoit Godart, spokesman for road-safety agency Vias, says studies have shown … [Read more...] about Polluted, bike-hostile Brussels to slam on the brakes
The ANC Brief: SONA hits and misses
As expected, the war on drugs, corruption, and the West Philippine Sea were major points in the president’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday. Here are the big stories making the headlines on ANC today: “In due time” On the economy Legislating death Presidential wish list Persistence of memory … [Read more...] about The ANC Brief: SONA hits and misses
WATCH: Pacquiao back in PH after victory over Thurman
MANILA—Fresh off his victory in Las Vegas, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao arrived in Manila early Tuesday on board a private jet. The 8-seater plane carrying the People's Champ stopped in Anchorage, Alaska to refuel before heading to Manila. In the 10-hour flight back to Manila, Pacquiao, an avid chess player, played the game 21 times. He also had steak for dinner. The 40-year-old fighting senator was supposed to fly back to Manila for President Rodrigo Duterte's annual address, but was advised not to take the flight immediately after the match. He will instead be attending the Senate session Tuesday morning. Pacquiao defeated Keith Thurman via a split decision, making him the undisputed WBA "super" welterweight champion.—With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News … [Read more...] about WATCH: Pacquiao back in PH after victory over Thurman
32 things Duterte said in his 4th SONA
32 things Duterte said in his 4th SONA (Philstar.com) - July 23, 2019 - 2:04am MANILA, Philippines — Signalling the second half of his term, President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday. His speech, which was delayed for about an hour, lasted for more than an hour and a half. Here are the issues tackled and promises made by Duterte in his fourth SONA. Illegal drugs The illegal drug problem persists I am aware that we still have a long way to go in our fight against this social menace. Corruption Corruption continues and emasculates the courage we need to sustain our moral recovery initiatives. Concerning the unscrupulous persons manning our ports and scalawags in uniform, we have been unyielding in our reforms to weed them out of public service. I have fired or caused the resignation of more than a hundred officials and appointees of government without regard to relationship, … [Read more...] about 32 things Duterte said in his 4th SONA