Speaker lauds solons after survey

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday commended his peers in the House of Representatives following the “very good” net satisfaction rating the chamber received in the December 10-14 survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our legislators in serving the Filipino people during these challenging times. As the leader of the House of Representatives, I am proud of our members and their commitment to advancing pro-people legislative measures,” Romualdez said.

China...

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Dubbed "Joint Sword", the three-day Chinese operation—which includes rehearsing an encirclement of Taiwan— will run until Monday, the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command said.

"I am a little worried; I would be lying to you if I say that I am not," said 73-yearold Donald Ho, who was exercising in a park on Sunday morning in Taipei, in the far north of the self-ruled island.

"I am still worried because if a war broke out both sides will suffer quite a lot," he told AFP.

China's war games saw planes, ships and personnel sent into "the maritime areas and air space of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island's east", the army said as it launched the exercises, engineered to flex Beijing's military muscles in front of Taiwan and the world.

A report from state broadcaster CCTV on Sunday said drills had "simulated joint precision strikes against key targets on Taiwan island and surrounding waters", adding that forces "continued to maintain the situation of closely encircling the island".

The write-up went on to say the air force had deployed dozens of aircraft to "fly into the target airspace", and ground forces had carried out drills for "multi-

DND:...

From A1 used against China's operations around Taiwan," said Prof. Hu Bo of the SCS Strategic Situation Probing Initiative in a GMA News TV interview.

"The Philippines may be passive but involved in the Taiwan issue...

That a big thing for China," Hu said.

Filipino experts disagreed, saying the EDCA sites were for defense.

"That's a calculated risk we have to take. The other option for us to take if we don't prepare is the possibility of a Chinese invasion because China will take control of Northern Luzon when push comes to shove over Taiwan," said Prof. Renato de Castro, a security analyst with ADR Stratbase.

"We are being deterred by the adversary we are defending against,"maritime expert Prof. Jay Batongbacal said. "We might as well just dismantle the Armed Forces and turn the entire AFP into the

PBBM:...

From A1 nation that stands tall and proud, guided by the principles of justice, truth and democracy,” the President said on a day that marks the day American and Filipino troops surrendered to the invading Imperial Japanese Army after fighting them off for three months during World War II.

“We have staunchly proven time and again that we are never the same after each adversity for we always rise to meet every challenge head-on with grit, grace and determination,” Mr. Marcos said. To honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in pursuit of democracy and freedom, the President said that “we may also reexamine our values and honor their lives by speaking up against discrimination, extending help to those in need, and working towards a better future.”

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“This event is unfortunate, and the government should immediately take actions that would cushion the impact… on the domestic economy, particularly since this would further intensify inflationary pressures,” said Gatchalian, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on energy.

Gatchalian said the Department of Energy (DOE) should immediately coordinate with industry players to ensure a sufficient and steady energy supply.

Senator Francis Escudero said the oil price surge would definitely affect the country's recovery and would surely have

“As House leader, I am deeply honored, humbled, and grateful to theFilipino people for their trust and confidence in the House of Representatives,” he added. Romualdez also thanked the Members of the House for their “solid support and cooperation” that enabled him to steer target precision strikes".

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen immediately denounced the drills, which come after she met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California.

She pledged to work with "the US and other like-minded countries" in the face of "continued authoritarian expansionism".

In Washington, a State Department spokesperson said the United States had "consistently urged restraint and no change to the status quo", but noted it had ample resources to fulfil its security commitments in Asia.

The United States has been deliberately ambiguous on whether it would defend Taiwan militarily, although for decades it has sold weapons to Taipei to help ensure its self-defence.

-Live-fire exercises

Exercises on Monday will include live-fire drills off the rocky coast of China's Fujian province, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Taiwan's Matsu Islands and 186 kilometres from Taipei.

"These operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking 'Taiwan independence' and external forces and against their provocative activities," said Shi Yin, a PLA spokesman.

AFP saw no immediate signs of enhanced military maneuvers on the northern coast of Pingtan, a Chinese island across the strait from Taiwan where the live-ammunition exercises will kick off

PNP. It's like we are going to be afraid of defending ourselves from external threats."

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said EDCA expansion is practically transforming the Philippines into an "American colony" once again.

"In truth, the EDCA is worse than the MDT, MBA, VFA and SOFA combined because this EDCA appears to be turning us once again into a colony of the US, and it's the government that let them in," said Castro, referring to past military treaties between Washington and Manila.

"With these new EDCA sites and the ones to follow, the whole Philippines is turning into a US base," added the Makabayan bloc lawmaker.

Although Cagayan province, on the northeastern tip of Luzon, will soon host a massive, multimillion-dollar construction programme under EDCA, its governor Manuel Mamba is not pleased.

“I personally oppose this, and I disagree with it and for me, this is inimical to the interest of our province and the

“May we also learn to make wise and sound decisions so that we may address our country’s pressing problems with compassion and concern for others,” President Marcos added.

The President also said that the nation commemorates the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers who fought long and hard for its freedom.

“Let us also bear in mind that our actions today determine the future of our country, including the succeeding generations,” he said.

“Together, let us strive towards developing a more humane, fair, and progressive society that allows our citizenry to relish their liberty and achieve their individual and collective aspirations.”

House Speaker Martin G.

Romualdez honored the fallen heroes of Bataan, saying the historic day is a reminder that Filipinos will always fight on, move forward, and prevail with unity. (See full story online at manilastandard.net) inflationary effects.

He said the Department of Finance, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the DOE, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Labor and Employment should meet and issue plans to cushion its impact.

In the meantime, the Philippines and the global economy continue to feel the effect of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Senator Imee Marcos said.

While oil prices are down from the peak of almost $120 per barrel fromFebruary to March 2022, which translated to local pump prices of almost P90 per liter of gasoline, local gas prices are still at almost P70 a liter, she said. Analysts have forecast that the move of OPEC would increase local pump the chamber in advancing measures that address the needs of the people. on Monday.

“With all humility, thank you for the continued trust and confidence in me,” Romualdez said.

The House, along with the Senate, the Supreme Court, and the Cabinet of President Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. all scored a “very good” net satisfaction rating in the survey. It scored a +56 rating, next to the Senate with +68, while the SC and the Cabinet scored +53 and +50 respectively.

Romualdez said the SWS survey results were “very encouraging” and would serve as an inspiration for him and the House Members to work even harder.

On a roadside verge high above the ocean, Lin Ren blasted the Chinese national anthem on a loop as he sold cups of coffee from the back of his car.

"I think the current exercises serve as a way of putting pressure onTaiwan," the 29-year-old told AFP.

"I think they make it clear to them that we have the capabilities... to unify," he said.

Still, the drills were "largely symbolic", he said, adding: "I don'tworry that there will be an armed conflict this time around."

China views democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to take it one day, by force if necessary.

Taiwan's defense ministry said there had been 18 detections of Chinese warships and 129 of aircraft around the island since the drills began on Saturday morning, adding Beijing has deployed a mix of fighter jets, drones, bombers, and transport aircraft.

On Saturday the ministry released a map showing 45 aircraft hadcrossed the median line separating Taiwan from mainland China -– the most incursions this year according to figures maintained by AFP.

Taiwan has been on high alert and said its forces "will be well-prepared and maintain solid combat readiness" while making sure not to "escalate conflict".

A video showing a Taiwanese coast

Cagayanons,” he said in an interview.

Mamba said on March 23 the presence of EDCA forces would make Cagayan the “primary target” of China should the SinoUS conflict escalate over Taiwan, but later conceded his view was in the minority.

But the DND said there is no "gross violation of national sovereignty" as claimed by the allegations from the opposition, stressing that the EDCA itself was deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court.

It emphasized that EDCA sites were the country's first step “in securing the safety of its citizens and it will boost the nation's response during calamities and in safeguarding the Philippines' territory.”

"We call on the public to approach and understand the issue beyond the myopic perception that strengthening the military's capabilities means inviting war or conflict," the statement said.

"Time and again, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ assets and facilities have been utilized to respond to various threats to the security and safety of the Filipino people. Allocating resources for the de-

President...

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“Indeed, Easter teaches us that as long as we live our life in Christ, love and hope will remain ever so boundless and will be the cornerstone for the positive transformation in our society,” the President said.

“Jesus Christ’s resurrection not only affirms our deepest faith butalso signifies a new birth for all the faithful who walk and be granted eternal salvation,” he added.

The President also pointed out that Christ's selfless and unconditional love empowered the faithful to conquer both sin and death, “allowing us to deepen our relationship with God and become worthy Christians in this earthly journey.”

“Today, we are witnesses to the triumph of the Resurrection of our Savior that inspires us to be stewards of faith and compassion no matter the circumstances. As we celebrate the magnificent glory of our risen Savior, let us all take into heart prices by as much as P3 a liter, possibly more.

In the short term, the government can look at government-to-government importation with countries such as India, China, and possibly Russia to avert the supply crunch.

Marcos said she filed SBN 187 to give the President the power to suspend the imposition of the 12 percent VAT on petroleum products.

Gatchalian also said the Land Transportation Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) should begin preparing for an efficient and timely implementation of the Pantawid Pasada program to subsidize public transport providers. Based on the previous implementation guard patrol trailing Chinese warships was released by the Ocean Affairs Council on Saturday.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to help realize the 8-point socioeconomic agenda of President Marcos and deliver on our mandate to provide meaningful and responsive solutions meant to uplift the lives of the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.

When the House adjourned for its Holy Week break last March 23, the Speaker reported the House had approved on third and final reading 23 of 31 bills identified by the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) as priority measures of the Marcos administration, with the remaining eight measures already in advanced states of deliberation.

"You have seriously undermined regional peace, stability and security, please turn around and leave immediately," a coast guard officer warns by radio.

An AFP journalist saw Mirage 2000 fighter jets scrambling at the Hsinchu air force base in northern Taiwan on Sunday.

Three boats from Taiwan's elite Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit were also seen patrolling the Matsu Islands on Sunday, according to an AFP journalist.

"The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) has continued to conduct military exercises around the Taiwan Strait and since this morning it has successively dispatched multiple batches of aircraft... as well as a number of ships in the area," Taiwan's defense ministry said on Sunday.

The drills came hours after the departure from Beijing of French President Emmanuel Macron, who was in China to urge his counterpart Xi Jinping to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

In August last year, China deployed warships, missiles and fighter jets around Taiwan in its largest show of force in years following a trip to the island by McCarthy's predecessor, Nancy Pelosi.

Tsai returned to Taiwan on Friday after visiting her island's dwindling band of official diplomatic allies in Latin America, with two US stopovers that included meetings with McCarthy and other lawmakers. AFP velopment of the country's defense capabilities and the enhancement of the skills of its troops is a part of the functions of a state such as the Philippines," it added.

The EDCA Agreed Locations “are not permanent basing facilities for theUnited States but will be jointly operated by the two sides, and the use of its ally is subject to the country's permission and mutual agreement,” the statement added.

The EDCA sites primarily consist of storage facilities that will onlybe utilized during exercises and emergencies, the Defense department noted.

DND also said that the construction and development of the new bases were being funded by Washington and it helped in creating jobs andboosting the local economies of the local communities, where the sites are located.

But China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning claimed the additional EDCA bases may place the country into a whirlpool of conflict. With Rey Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta (See full story online at manilastandard.net) this Christian foundation as we work for and welcome better days for ourselves, our families, and our neighbors as well,” President Marcos said.

“It is a time of great joy and jubilation, for our Lord Jesus rose from the dead after dying to redeem us from our sins. It is also a time of hope, for in our Lord’s resurrection we find that the promise of eternal life holds true for all of Christianity,” Romualdez said.

“I hope and pray that the Holy Week has given all of us ample time to rest and spend quality time with our family and loved ones. I also hope that all of us had the opportunity to reflect on our past actions and contemplate finding the right path forward,” the Speaker added.

The House is on recess and will resume its sessions on May 8 but Romualdez has authorized the conduct of committee hearings during the break, consistent with the chamber’s commitment to approve its priority measures on time. Vince Lopez and Maricel V. Cruz of the program, he noted that itseffectiveness is hinged largely on the timeliness of its disbursement to targeted beneficiaries.

“To avoid delay in the disbursement of the subsidy and to ensure thedesired impact is realized, the LTFRB and other government agencies concerned should be ready to implement the program efficiently and should have learned the lessons from previous disbursements,” Gatchalian said.

Amid continuing volatility in oil prices, Gatchalian earlier filed Senate Bill No. 384, which seeks to institutionalize the Pantawid Pasada program given the need to set up an energy subsidy program to safeguard the public transport sector against oil price shocks.