The Torch

December 5, 2012

PRC Strikes Another 1

MANILA, Philippines The Philippines sent another note verbale to Peoples Republic of China (PRC) Embassy amid a reported plan to board and inspect those water vehicles that will pass through the West Philippine Sea.

In a press conference, Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Raul Hernandez that the government will strongly protested the implementation of the said issue which upon to them will effect on the first month of 2013.

It will create more tension in the West Philippine Sea, said Hernandez.

Earlier, the department said that this action will violate the Declaration on the Conducts of Parties in the South China Sea and International laws particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). If media reports are accurate, this planned action by China is illegal and will validate the continuous and repeated pronouncements by the Philippines that Chinas claim of indisputable sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea is not only an excessive claim but a threat to all countries, DFA said.

-Josua Alvarez

Junked!

MANILA, Philippines The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has rejected the applications of 32 party-list groups including I Wil Serve, a group complied to TV host Willie Revillame. Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said that the 32 paty-list did not appeal denials of their application during the division level.

He also stated that the denials have been affirmed by the en-banc because of their failure to file Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within the allotted time which is 5 days.

Denied sa division, hindi nag-file ng MR. Hindi nag-announce before na final na pala ito. Mahigit isang buwan na ito. Hindi ko alam ang grounds basta in-affirm na lang namin, Brillantes said. Revillame said that the said partylist is an offshoot of his foundation namely I Wil Serve Foundation. The group was repored to be as a representative for the poor, elderly and women.

-Josua Alvarez

Campus Journalism 2012