00:57.2
a surge in Chinese,
00:58.6
students in Cagayan province
01:00.4
and reports of Chinese nationals
01:03.4
buying land near major ports and military sites
01:07.6
raise security concerns.
01:10.8
China warns the joint military exercises of the Philippines and the United States
01:16.7
will only undermine regional stability.
01:20.3
And the Philippine Supreme Court asks the Senate to comment on a petition
01:25.3
to nullify the arrest warrant of fugitives,
01:28.6
with Pastor Apollo Quibuloy.
01:32.5
On Hot Copy this morning,
01:35.1
lawmakers sounding the alarm into alleged Chinese sleeper cells in the Philippines
01:41.2
and a reported influx of Chinese students in a province hosting joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises.
01:51.1
Pia Gutierrez reports.
01:54.4
The Armed Forces of the Philippines says it is looking into the influx of
01:58.5
thousands of Chinese college students in the province of Cagayan.
02:03.0
AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margaret Padilla says
02:06.5
they are coordinating with the Philippine National Police and other government agencies
02:10.8
to determine if the presence of these Chinese students
02:14.4
pose a threat to national security.
02:18.5
Naval Base Camilo Osillas in Santa Ana, Cagayan
02:21.1
was named as one of the four new sites
02:23.5
for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA.
02:27.2
And sabi nga, estudyante,
02:28.5
kung meron ba silang student visas that are required.
02:31.5
So we are coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration,
02:36.1
and since students to sir, pati yung CHED.
02:38.5
At the House of Representatives,
02:40.5
ACT Teacher's Partylist Representative Franz Castro
02:43.4
is calling for a probe into suspected Chinese sleeper cells in the country.
02:48.5
Kunyari ay estudyante,
02:50.4
kunyari sila ay mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan,
02:54.0
pero meron silang mga skills na pang-spy.
02:58.5
O military skills na later on naman kung gagamitin sila
03:02.5
ay mabubuhay sila.
03:04.8
Ito yung mga sleeper cells.
03:06.2
Tingin natin ay baka meron ng ganyan dito sa Pilipinas
03:10.1
kaya tuloy lahat ng,
03:12.6
kumbaga yung mga kilos nang natin dito sa Pilipinas
03:15.0
parang tansyado na ng China, no?
03:17.6
Nakakakaba na, nakaka-worry na itong mga ganitong mga nangyayari.
03:21.7
Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers
03:24.8
for his part said he has received information
03:28.5
Chinese nationals posing as what he calls
03:30.4
fake Filipino nationals
03:32.3
are buying huge tracts of land
03:34.5
near major air and sea ports
03:36.6
as well as near military sites
03:38.9
that can be accessed by the U.S. military
03:41.2
as part of its enhanced defense cooperation agreement with Manila.
03:45.7
Over the weekend,
03:46.9
authorities arrested a Chinese national in
Taguig City.
03:50.4
They recovered firearms, ammunition, hand grenades,
03:53.9
various China-marked tactical gear,
03:55.9
and a Chinese flag.
03:57.8
Authorities also said that the Chinese national
03:58.5
seized a sports car worth around 30 million pesos
04:01.6
and other unregistered vehicles.
04:04.5
Another Chinese national was also detained
04:06.8
after trying to bribe police with 3 million pesos
04:09.8
in exchange for the suspect's release.
04:12.2
We will be investigating and profiling
04:16.7
and dig deeper to identify cohorts
04:22.2
and activities including established motives.
04:28.5
Alright, joining us now on Hot Copy,
04:33.9
we have with us security analyst Chester Cabalza.
04:37.9
He's also the founding president
04:39.5
of the International Development and Security Cooperation.
04:44.4
Good morning to you, sir.
04:46.0
Good morning, Ma'am Karen.
04:47.1
Thank you for having me again in your show.
04:50.3
Alright, now let's talk about this.
04:53.2
So, there's a house inquiry
04:55.7
into the apparent influx
04:57.5
of Chinese nationalists.
04:58.5
Chinese students in Cagayan.
05:01.4
That's a recommendation that's being made.
05:04.4
And in an interview,
05:06.3
Cagayan 3rd District Representative Jojo Lara
05:09.2
said that in his province alone,
05:13.1
his constituents report
05:14.9
that there are at least 4,600 Chinese students
05:20.2
in one private university.
05:22.6
So, first, there were reports of sleeper cells.
05:25.5
Then, the influx of Chinese students
05:29.6
Let's talk about the students first.
05:31.7
Is this out of the ordinary?
05:34.6
Okay, let's put into context first.
05:37.8
I think Cagayan hosts a number of foreign students.
05:41.3
It's not only the Chinese.
05:42.7
We have Indian and South Korean students also there.
05:46.8
But what is alarming here is the influx
05:50.6
of the Chinese students
05:52.4
which never happened before.
05:54.4
We have to put into context also
05:56.1
that the local politicians
06:00.0
are Filipino-Chinese.
06:01.5
They are Filipinos.
06:02.5
We have to accept that reality.
06:04.2
But what is alarming
06:05.2
are the Chinese nationals
06:09.2
entering the province
06:10.7
because of the geopolitical situation
06:14.0
that is happening right now.
06:15.3
Remember that Tugigarao
06:17.2
is the regional center
06:19.6
of Cagayan Valley
06:21.4
that holds Batanes,
06:24.0
Cagayan Province,
06:26.9
Two of the EDCA sites,
06:28.2
are located in Cagayan Province
06:30.0
and one in Isabela,
06:32.3
fronting the Philippine Rise
06:35.3
So you see the importance
06:36.5
of these provinces,
06:38.3
of this region, Cagayan Valley.
06:39.9
That's the reason why
06:43.0
why all of a sudden
06:44.4
these Chinese students
06:45.7
are entering our provinces.
06:47.6
Some were saying that, of course,
06:49.5
because they have documents to show.
06:53.0
perhaps there is a mutual agreement
06:56.3
between the high-ranking students
06:58.2
and the higher educational institutions
07:00.2
between Cagayan Universities
07:02.2
to Chinese Universities.
07:05.0
At the same time,
07:06.0
you also have the sister cities,
07:09.0
which is legitimate
07:10.1
because with this,
07:12.1
you have a de-coordination
07:14.0
of foreign nationals
07:15.9
to visit and, of course,
07:17.3
study in these provinces.
07:20.7
So you have those preferential preferences.
07:23.5
But we have to investigate
07:25.0
in such a way that
07:26.0
why you have these preferences,
07:28.2
hundreds and thousands
07:30.0
of foreign students
07:30.7
coming into our province.
07:32.2
Because I'm from Cagayan also.
07:35.1
because we know the people
07:37.2
who are living there.
07:38.8
And then all of a sudden,
07:40.0
we have new entries
07:42.0
of foreign students there.
07:45.2
I think the national government
07:47.8
should also have to inculcate
07:50.0
the concept of national security
07:52.3
because ultimately,
07:53.5
these are also problems
07:54.8
of local politics.
07:55.9
Remember that there will be
07:57.0
local elections next year.
07:58.2
So some were saying
08:00.6
that local politicians
08:03.2
for their own political agenda.
08:06.1
But at the same time,
08:08.0
because of our national sovereignty.
08:09.7
That they should have
08:10.7
to understand also.
08:13.2
because it concerns
08:14.2
the Bureau of Immigration,
08:16.1
the Commission on Higher Education,
08:19.4
because these are
08:20.5
higher educational institutions,
08:22.7
then they should have
08:25.2
and it has to be investigated.
08:27.3
And at the same time,
08:28.5
transparent policies
08:33.0
these Chinese nationals
08:34.6
to study in Kagayan?
08:39.0
wouldn't there be
08:43.2
of some form of discrimination
08:46.0
by targeting only
08:48.0
Chinese students?
08:50.1
Yeah, I do agree that
08:51.6
perhaps some might be thinking
08:53.4
that it's going to be
08:56.9
these Chinese students?
08:58.0
Why target only these Chinese nationals?
08:59.2
But I think we have to be stringent
09:01.4
with the admission processes
09:03.4
because I, for myself,
09:05.2
I studied also abroad.
09:07.8
a lot of requirements
09:08.8
so that I can pass the entry
09:11.3
to the universities abroad.
09:13.7
But on the other hand,
09:14.7
this is also to elevate
09:15.7
the quality of the students
09:16.9
that we are accepting.
09:19.1
the universities in Kagayan
09:21.3
are reputable universities.
09:23.2
They produce top-notchers
09:25.4
So in other words,
09:27.2
Chinese nationals,
09:28.0
or foreign students
09:30.8
it should be quality students also.
09:33.6
Not because they are paying,
09:36.9
then they will just accept it.
09:39.0
There should be qualifications
09:42.7
the ranking in world universities,
09:46.9
because one of the requirements
09:48.1
in world university ranking
09:49.7
is the attraction
09:51.8
to foreign students.
09:53.7
And I think we have to
09:55.1
comply with those
09:56.2
international standards.
09:58.0
But would it there be a quota,
10:01.1
it's quite interesting
10:02.2
that this one private university alone,
10:06.9
how many private universities
10:09.9
but in one private university alone,
10:12.8
there are 4,600 Chinese students.
10:17.2
Shouldn't there be
10:18.1
a quota system of some sort?
10:20.7
I agree with you,
10:22.3
there should be a quota system.
10:24.0
There are four universities,
10:26.9
leading universities,
10:29.8
these are reputable universities
10:33.0
top-notchers in the country
10:35.1
in different fields.
10:36.9
But at the same time,
10:38.6
since we are talking
10:40.2
about the requirements
10:41.7
the Chinese nationals
10:43.9
there should be a quota.
10:45.3
Same as true in UP.
10:47.0
We have also a quota
10:48.3
for university foreign students,
10:52.1
And also abroad, frankly.
10:55.9
There should be a quota
10:58.0
it doesn't become dubious
11:01.6
especially that we are talking
11:02.7
about education here.
11:05.7
quality education.
11:06.9
It's not the quantity
11:11.8
that we will be admitting.
11:13.4
I hope that the lesson
11:15.2
that we can learn here
11:16.2
is not about the monetary
11:19.7
but at the same time,
11:21.3
the quality of education
11:24.0
and how we protect
11:25.1
our national sovereignty.
11:26.9
universities and local politicians
11:31.0
should also understand
11:32.4
that there is a bigger scale
11:34.4
beyond this influx
11:36.1
of Chinese students.
11:37.6
That we are talking
11:38.3
about national sovereignty,
11:41.1
Now, you have information
11:42.8
that some of these students
11:45.3
are paying 2 million pesos
11:47.4
to obtain degrees
11:48.9
without even attending classes.
11:54.5
some of the reports
11:56.5
based from intelligence
11:58.7
and from local people
12:01.6
spilling the beans
12:02.5
that they have experienced this.
12:05.4
I hope that it's not going
12:07.6
to be a milking cow
12:08.7
or a diploma meal
12:10.1
for this government.
12:11.8
If the intention really,
12:14.3
No, so the question
12:17.6
is your information?
12:19.6
Where is it from?
12:22.8
from local people
12:30.1
from an intelligence report also.
12:35.3
It's reliable, basically,
12:40.4
assuming we are talking
12:42.3
about a college degree,
12:44.2
well, it's possible
12:45.6
because that's a four-year degree.
12:51.7
I think that that is
12:56.5
a tuition is different
12:58.1
from paying 2 million pesos
13:00.4
without attending class.
13:01.9
There are two different issues.
13:03.1
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
13:04.7
A tuition or is that
13:05.7
bribing of 2 million
13:08.1
and not attending class?
13:10.5
We have to clarify that.
13:11.5
Those are two different things.
13:12.9
But one is, of course,
13:16.7
into context first.
13:18.1
When you admit Chinese nationals
13:21.0
studying in Kagayan,
13:22.3
one of the requirements is
13:23.6
they should be fluent in English
13:25.0
because the medium of instruction
13:26.3
would be English.
13:27.6
The problem with some
13:29.0
Chinese nationals
13:30.5
are not fluent in that language.
13:33.0
So the only way for them
13:34.8
to pass the requirements
13:36.3
is to pay for it, right?
13:39.0
There's a possibility
13:39.9
that they will be paying
13:41.5
for the 2 million
13:42.5
so that they can obtain the degree.
13:44.7
So without, of course,
13:47.9
or passing the requirements
13:50.3
So how do we know
13:51.9
that they are really students
13:53.6
or fronting as students?
13:55.7
Oh, well, of course,
13:56.2
because our talks there were talks
13:58.6
of what they call sleeper cells.
14:03.1
is there any connection
14:06.2
That is something we have to verify
14:07.9
because as of now,
14:10.3
according to some politicians
14:11.7
there in my province,
14:13.1
they were saying that
14:14.0
they have proper documentation
14:16.1
or correct information
14:18.3
about the profiles of the students.
14:20.6
So I mean to see that
14:22.2
the sleepers themselves
14:24.3
are not yet in the
14:26.2
In Kagayan, but I think these are legitimate students, but we have to think about it because there is a geopolitical situation that we have to understand also.
14:36.5
But just an add-on, I also received information that this is not only happening in Kagayan, but also in Subic because Subic is fronting the West Philippine Sea also.
14:47.4
So, it's not only exclusive in Kagayan, but I think in some of the key strategic locations in Luzon basically.
14:58.9
Okay, now there are also reports, I don't know just if you've received reliable information on this, reports of Chinese nationals pretending to be Filipinos and buying land near major ports and military sites.
15:17.4
Hmm. I would remember even in the past while touring around the major tourist spots in the country like in Palawan, Boracay, I know that there are Chinese investors trying to buy lucrative properties in those areas.
15:34.2
So, I think this is not new. It may be possible also. Remember there was a time in…
15:39.8
But then that's against the constitution.
15:42.6
Tourists cannot buy land.
15:43.9
Agree. We still consider the 60-40, right?
15:47.4
I would remember there were islands before in Kagayan that they wanted to put up a pogo, but I think the AFP went against it because of the national security indication that they are seeing because of the red flag.
16:06.6
So, I hope that the local politicians and the AFP will have to consider all of these things.
16:11.4
Okay. Now, at this point, the information that you have, do you consider this?
16:17.4
A national security concern?
16:20.4
Definitely, it becomes a national security concern if we see continuous influx of Chinese students.
16:29.4
And why in Kagayan?
16:32.2
Some are questioning why not?
16:34.9
But I told you the parameters earlier.
16:37.4
We have multinational universities already there.
16:41.1
It's good we have foreign students.
16:43.1
That gives reputation also to universities and colleges.
16:46.2
There's no problem about that.
16:47.4
But the problem is why, all of a sudden, we see this wave of students coming in.
16:58.2
Is it because of the two EDCA sites that Kagayan is hosting?
17:03.2
Is it because of the geopolitical tension in Taiwan and in the West Philippine Sea?
17:09.2
So, those are some of the considerations that we are actually asking.
17:12.5
It's a reflection right now that perhaps we have to consider.
17:16.0
Because when we talk about national security, everything is red flagged there.
17:19.5
Especially if you see all these influx of Chinese nationals,
17:23.2
they may be pretending students or they may be legitimate students.
17:27.3
But at the same time, why we see all this wave of Chinese students in a certain province?
17:35.4
Okay. Now, China has denied the sleeper cell allegation.
17:40.0
And they're accusing the Philippines of already spreading xenophobia.
17:46.0
And they're accusing the Philippines of already spreading xenophobia.
17:47.8
Xenophobia is essentially a fear of foreigners or a certain race.
17:56.4
So, we are already being accused of spreading this xenophobia.
18:01.8
Well, definitely.
18:02.9
This is also not an exception to the Philippines.
18:07.0
The xenophobia or China threat is also experienced in the US because of the Haitian hate also.
18:13.1
So, I think this is a global...
18:16.0
Phenomenon, basically.
18:17.6
But I hope that we have to remember that we have also Filipino-Chinese who are Filipinos.
18:23.2
We have to consider that.
18:24.4
They are Filipinos.
18:25.3
But we have to distinguish Filipino-Chinese and Chinese nationals.
18:31.7
Although we welcome Chinese nationals in our country because, of course, they're not our enemies.
18:38.2
We just have a strategic problem with them in the West Philippine Sea.
18:42.0
We have to put that into context.
18:44.2
But at the same time,
18:45.3
they should be transparent also in their businesses with us.
18:49.3
If they come here as student, then they have to act as student.
18:52.8
If they come here as businessmen, then they have to provide trade and employment also.
19:00.2
So, transparency is the key here.
19:03.0
And at the same time, we have to create laws where we have to regulate also.
19:07.7
Because we're not a country of...
19:11.2
Although we welcome all foreign nationals.
19:15.3
But at the same time, there are also regulations.
19:17.7
In which case, because we try to re-examine also our consciousness when it comes to national security.
19:26.9
Now, moving forward, would you say that the Philippines at this point,
19:32.9
are we strategic enough to be looking at all aspects?
19:38.3
I mean, if this is true, China is clearly covering tracks in every sector.
19:45.3
It's basically what's happening in the West Philippine Sea, right?
19:48.6
So, are we prepared?
19:51.7
Oh, well, actually, I just have written a book.
19:55.8
Hopefully, it will be published.
19:57.3
It talks about territorial defense of the Philippines or Philippine territorial defense.
20:01.0
This is the first time that our country will be doing external defense.
20:05.0
It is jived in our foreign policy, in our security policy, national security policy that looks an outward looking external defense.
20:14.5
And of course, in the Baltic.
20:15.2
So, we have a lot of exercises that will be happening this month and until May.
20:18.8
They will be exercising the comprehensive archipelagic defense, which is an external defense in nature.
20:25.0
So, meaning to say, a lot of things have been happening lately in the Philippines.
20:29.1
We have to, which I think is a transition also from our five decades of focus on internal security.
20:38.1
So, this time around, our country is flexing our muscles to external defense.
20:43.9
And because of the Hague, we have to do a lot of things.
20:45.2
The Hague ruling, you see all of the connections here.
20:47.4
The Hague ruling, the lawfare.
20:49.2
And at the same time, our country has become a middle power now, which means that our economy is going to the right direction.
20:57.7
We have more confidence now in terms of our diplomatic networks.
21:01.9
That's the reason why 14 countries are observing the Balikatan exercises.
21:06.1
This is something new.
21:07.1
We haven't seen that in the 39th iteration of the Balikatan exercises.
21:11.7
This is the first time that we will be seeing that.
21:13.7
And then in the first.
21:15.2
This is the first time of our military modernization.
21:18.8
We have seen joint sail, joint air, and maritime patrol that have never happened before in the Philippines.
21:25.6
So, you see all these transformations that are happening now in our country.
21:29.7
That means that we have positive outlook when it comes to our external defense.
21:36.4
On that note, I want to thank you so much for joining me today, sir.
21:40.1
Security analyst Chester Cabalza.
21:43.7
Thank you very much, ma'am.
21:46.1
We're going to take a quick break.
21:47.9
We'll be right back.
22:15.2
Welcome back to Head Start.
22:25.5
Let's continue our discussion on China's alleged infiltration.
22:30.3
We're now joined by House Deputy Minority Leader, Franz Castro.
22:34.8
Representative Castro, good morning to you.
22:38.2
Good morning, Karen, and to your viewers and listeners.
22:41.3
All right, what do you make of reports that there's an influx of Chinese students in Cagayan?
22:48.8
And a number that was given was specifically in one private university, 4,600 Chinese nationals.
22:57.5
Is this out of the ordinary for you?
23:01.8
Yes, Karen, we are worried about the influx of the students, especially in the ed sites in Cagayan.
23:11.3
Parang new phenomenon yan, Karen.
23:15.7
You cannot see that in other parts of the country, especially yung mga universities.
23:22.1
So, we are worried at meron tayong duda.
23:27.3
May mga ano to, no?
23:28.5
Pinatawagan natin, baka merong mga sleeper cells dito sa...
23:34.5
And with our experience kasi sa Pogo, diba, na nagkaroon din na investigation yung Pogo,
23:40.8
and we have found out na merong mga PLA na naka-infiltrate doon sa mga Pogo sites.
23:48.0
Kaya, we are worried na baka may mga ganitong plano ang China, especially the government of China,
23:56.9
because we have this dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
24:00.5
And by the way, we are not anti-Chinese people.
24:04.9
Gusto lang natin makita yung dalaw, especially that the dispute,
24:10.6
in the West Philippine Sea, is intensifying.
24:14.3
Okay. But what kind of policy should the Philippines make?
24:18.4
Other countries are clearer.
24:20.8
Either they've set quotas, and especially now, in many countries,
24:26.1
they now prevent foreign nationals from buying property as it's raised housing prices.
24:33.9
There are reports also of Chinese nationals allegedly pretending to be Filipinos
24:40.7
Near major ports and military sites.
24:45.2
Yes. So, there must be a policy as regards to what we have said.
24:51.1
Na kagaya din yan, na ibang mga bansa,
24:53.2
kailangan din natin na we have to formulate our own policies.
24:58.8
Especially so that, we suspect,
25:04.6
we suspect some Chinese nationals were sent by,
25:10.6
by the Chinese government for the purpose, no?
25:13.4
Kaya talagang, kailangan natin talagang gawin din yung necessary na mga policies.
25:18.4
So, that's why we have filed, no, yung House Resolution 1682
25:22.1
so that we can formulate policies as regards to that.
25:26.6
Yung pagbili ng mga housing, yung enrollment sa mga schools,
25:30.8
diba, even if it's a private school.
25:32.6
So, parang mag-de-deprive mo naman sa kung maraming mga estudyante sa isang private school.
25:39.4
How about the chances?
25:40.6
Naman yung ating mga local students, even if it's in private schools.
25:45.1
Kasi sa private, kasi meron din tayong support na binibigay dun sa ating mga estudyante.
25:51.6
And also, ito rin, no, kaya namin talaga tinututulan itong chacha, no,
25:57.2
doon sa ownership, no, ownership of utilities, and later on, baka land, no,
26:03.8
kaya talagang we have to make a clear, clear-cut policy about foreigners,
26:10.6
in our buying housing near the EDCA sites.
26:14.0
Okay. Now, let's move on to something, well, not exactly related,
26:20.0
but connected to the West Philippine Sea issue,
26:25.2
is you are seeking an investigation into the alleged gentleman's agreement
26:31.2
between former President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
26:37.5
Solicitor General Francis Ardeleza,
26:40.6
former soldier, has said it's time
26:42.3
to move forward. Why
26:44.1
even investigate a
26:46.3
gentleman's agreement instead of just
26:48.1
moving forward as a
26:50.1
country and speaking in
26:52.1
one voice? Why do we need
26:54.1
to investigate the gentleman's
27:00.1
significant, Karen, this
27:03.1
secret deal with the
27:06.1
former administration, former
27:07.9
President Duterte, and
27:12.0
China, because of the
27:13.8
intensified harassment,
27:18.5
and water cannons.
27:20.2
So, ang lakas ng loob,
27:21.5
tignan natin kung bakit ganun kalakas
27:23.9
ng loob ang Chinese
27:26.2
talaga na i-assert
27:28.0
yung kanilang illegal or
27:30.0
unconstitutional or
27:34.1
West Philippine Sea.
27:36.0
So, gusto natin malaman ano ba itong sinasabing
27:38.1
status ko. Because
27:39.9
the BRP Sierra Madre
27:43.5
Ayungin Shoal is a
27:45.7
significant symbol
27:49.4
sovereign rights,
27:51.6
the national territory.
27:53.6
So, bakit kailangang diktahan tayo
27:55.8
ng China as regards to
27:57.7
what we are supposed to do there?
28:00.0
Ano ba yung dapat natin dalhin doon?
28:02.4
Even construction materials,
28:04.0
hindi ba pwede? Kung ako nga,
28:05.7
radically, kung ako nga, palitan natin
28:07.9
yung barko doon, kung meron talaga.
28:14.4
Hindi dapat tayo pangialaman ng
28:16.1
China doon sa territory natin.
28:18.7
Kaya hindi tayo dapat na
28:22.5
At gusto natin malaman
28:25.1
that we have filed,
28:27.7
makita natin talaga
28:29.9
klase ng verbal man ito
28:33.9
or whatever, na agreement
28:35.5
na hindi dapat ginagawa
28:39.9
of the state. Especially so na
28:41.9
we have this, I don't know, we have this
28:47.6
Now, China, I think the China
28:49.7
spokesperson has issued a
28:51.7
statement that the Philippines specifically
28:55.7
of the agreements. Number one,
28:59.5
the Philippines promised
29:01.3
to actually remove and
29:05.3
Shera Madre. And China says
29:07.5
it's been 25 years, the
29:09.5
Philippines hasn't kept its promise.
29:11.8
So that would mean
29:13.0
that if they quoted, it's been 25
29:15.6
years, one would wonder
29:17.7
if that agreement was made
29:19.6
during Duterte's time or even
29:21.5
before. The other promise
29:23.5
they claim is that
29:25.4
the Philippines will not
29:29.4
improve the BRP Shera Madre.
29:32.0
That's two. Number
29:33.4
three is they claim
29:35.3
that the Philippines has promised
29:43.3
update or at least give a heads-up
29:45.3
to China during our resupply
29:47.7
missions. Give them advanced
29:51.2
What do you make of all those alleged
29:55.6
Well, uh, saan ba,
29:57.2
saan ba, ano, no? So we are wondering
30:01.6
administration that
30:03.5
those promises were made.
30:05.6
Kasi, uh, early this, uh,
30:07.7
last part of the year, di ba,
30:09.5
nagduda na nga tayo na, na
30:11.6
sino ba ang administration
30:13.3
yung nagsasabi nung ganyan. So,
30:17.7
former president, uh,
30:21.0
she did not, she did not have
30:23.7
that kind of promise or
30:25.6
agreement. Even the,
30:27.4
uh, even the, uh,
30:31.4
even the sons of former president
30:34.9
I wanted to ask you,
30:37.4
during the time of former president,
30:39.5
Estrada, this is interesting,
30:41.3
historically, it was during
30:43.2
his time that he put not one,
30:45.4
but actually two ships, remember?
30:49.2
Charamadre and, um, another
30:51.1
vessel. Do you remember the name
30:53.3
of that vessel, representative?
30:57.4
So there were two. Technically,
30:59.2
there were two that were marooned,
31:01.2
right? But then the other
31:03.0
vessel was removed
31:04.9
so that the Chinese president would
31:07.1
visit the Philippines. That was the
31:09.5
shot. I think that's what
31:11.1
Markado told us on Head Start.
31:13.9
So could it be possible
31:17.4
former president said he would remove
31:19.4
both, but only removed
31:21.3
one and retained one?
31:23.9
Yes, possible din yan, ano,
31:27.3
possible na kaya kailangan din natin
31:29.3
tawagan din si ERAP, no?
31:31.2
Si former president, ERAP.
31:32.8
Or at the very least, his
31:34.3
defense secretary. Yes,
31:37.4
okay, his defense secretary.
31:39.5
Pwede natin niya matawag doon sa
31:41.4
inquiry or probe na gagawin
31:43.8
natin sa Congress so
31:45.6
that we can find out talaga sino ba
31:47.6
si kay ERAP ba, yung agreement na yan
31:49.7
or during the Duterte's time.
31:51.8
And we know naman, during the
31:53.7
Duterte's time, yung relationship
31:57.7
and the Chinese is so
31:59.8
close, diba? So nakita naman natin
32:01.9
yan. And even, sabi pa nga,
32:03.9
diba, the decision
32:05.7
of the inclose is just a piece
32:07.8
of paper. So don't,
32:09.5
lumakas ang loob no, noong China na talagang
32:12.0
binabaliwalaan natin yung
32:13.8
ating, ano no, yung ating pagkapanalo
32:15.7
doon sa OPLOS. So
32:17.5
we have to find out, so that we can
32:24.7
in this kind of, ano no,
32:27.5
kung meron mga ganitong mga
32:31.0
mga policy, ano ba yung policy
32:33.6
na dapat natin gawin at ano ba yung
32:35.4
pwede at hindi pwede sabihin
32:37.3
ng mga presidente.
32:39.5
But then, is that for Congress
32:41.6
to say, I was going to ask you, because
32:43.7
at the end of the day,
32:46.4
the president is the architect
32:47.8
of foreign policy.
32:49.5
And the problem in the Philippines is you have a
32:51.7
president changing every six years.
32:54.0
It can be both good and
32:55.7
bad, but then there is no
32:57.8
long-term policy.
33:00.5
That's the problem we
33:01.7
have. Unlike, let's say, China
33:03.6
for example, or other ASEAN countries,
33:07.7
term policy when it comes to,
33:09.5
let's say, foreign policy.
33:11.5
So, eto, we are at the mercy
33:13.5
of who sits in Malacanang
33:17.7
to view the West Philippine
33:21.9
Yes, I agree that the president
33:25.6
of the international
33:27.1
or foreign policy, pero
33:29.5
it should be guided,
33:31.6
ano man yung decision ng president, should be guided
33:35.5
permanent policy natin
33:37.4
on foreign policy.
33:39.5
So, katulad ng ibang mga bansa,
33:42.1
meron talaga silang permanent,
33:43.8
whether magbago-bago yung
33:45.5
administration, yung presidente,
33:47.8
meron talaga. So, sabi natin,
33:49.7
gusto natin ng independent
33:51.3
foreign policy na tayo
33:53.8
yung mag-de-decide at hindi tayo
34:00.8
ng China. So, ganoon
34:03.5
naman yung gusto rin natin mangyari. So,
34:05.2
maiwasan na natin na kada administration,
34:07.5
kung pabor o hindi,
34:09.5
US or sa China or sa anumang
34:11.5
powers, ay doon tayo sumusunod.
34:13.9
So, there should be a permanent
34:18.4
Magpapalit-palit man yung
34:20.7
Alright. Now, what's happening right now in terms of
34:25.1
your colleague, former
34:27.2
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez
34:29.5
has gone as far as calling
34:31.5
the armed forces of the Philippines and the
34:33.5
police to withdraw their support
34:35.9
for President Marcos
34:47.5
and official of the government ,
34:50.4
this is unfold for.
34:52.2
And we can do naman
34:53.6
yung ating gustong sabihin
34:55.7
with the government,
34:57.2
with our criticism, with the government,
35:00.2
with our mandate.
35:02.4
Through our mandate so
35:04.8
not to the extent naman na
35:08.0
call for like comment to me.
35:08.9
call for rebellion or whatever, na gusto natin sabihin na, well, it's a freedom of speech nga,
35:17.5
pero may malaki yung implication ng kanyang sinabi, di ba?
35:21.7
So, magkakaroon ng kaguluhan dyan.
35:26.3
Dahil alam naman natin, may mga hold din naman ng mga military, yung Duterte camp,
35:32.3
o itong si Campi Pantalion Alvarez.
35:35.5
So, it is unquote for a legislator at that.
35:41.6
On that note, I want to thank you for joining me today, House Deputy Minority Leader, Franz Castro.
35:47.4
Thank you so much.
35:49.1
Thank you, Karen.
35:50.8
Moving on, joint Philippine-US military drills set for next week as described or are described as preparations for war.
36:00.1
Bianca Dava has the story.
36:05.5
More than showcasing its capabilities, training exercises with the country's allies and partners
36:11.2
help the armed forces of the Philippines maintain a high level of readiness in case of a conflict,
36:16.9
according to a military official.
36:18.5
The armed forces has a mandate to defend our territory.
36:23.5
And there is an adjunct to that mandate, which is you have to train for it.
36:30.0
And for realistic training, we train in areas where,
36:35.5
where realism is provided for.
36:39.1
The purpose of an armed forces, why we exist, is really to prepare for war.
36:45.1
There's no, there's no sugarcoating it.
36:48.2
The navies of the Philippines, the United States, and France will conduct a multilateral maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea
36:56.1
as part of the Balikatan exercise this year.
36:59.6
For the first time, the Coast Guard contingents from Manila and Washington
37:03.8
will participate in the joint sale.
37:07.0
Smaller drills will also be conducted in Batanes, the country's northernmost province facing Taiwan.
37:13.8
These drills are expected to irritate China,
37:16.1
but Balikatan 2024 Executive Agent Colonel Michael Lohico says it's nothing out of the ordinary.
37:22.8
With or without China, let's say for example in a parallel universe, China did not exist,
37:28.0
we would still be doing these exercises.
37:30.7
Because this is a, these are,
37:33.8
things that nations do.
37:36.3
Manila is sending two vessels from the Philippine Navy and one from the Philippine Coast Guard for the MME.
37:42.5
The number of participating ships from the U.S. meanwhile has yet to be determined.
37:47.7
France, which is making a debut as a Balikatan participant,
37:51.3
on the other hand is sending a warship to the drills.
37:54.5
The Philippines has no visiting forces agreement with France yet,
37:58.0
but Lohico said Paris could still join the drills
38:01.0
since it will be conducted outside Manila's territorial borders.
38:03.8
For the French Navy, they will be bringing in the frigate.
38:06.8
So I, those, the frigate will not be entering territorial waters.
38:12.8
They will be joining the group sail, which is beyond 12 nautical miles,
38:16.8
but within our 200 nautical mile EEZ.
38:21.8
So they will not, we will not be seeing French boots on the ground.
38:25.8
The participation is just the Navy.
38:28.8
The official also assured that the possible presence or intrusion of Beijing's vessels,
38:33.4
during the MME, is part of their contingency plans.
38:37.4
Intrusion into our exercise area is a possibility,
38:41.4
but that will pose more of a problem for the people who want to enter the exercise area, not us.
38:50.4
Because we are going there with our Navy vessels,
38:56.4
so with the United States and also with the French Navy.
39:01.4
We are going there prepared.
39:03.4
The annual joint training exercise between the AFP and the U.S. Armed Forces
39:07.4
will also focus on testing the Philippines' comprehensive archipelagic defense concept
39:12.4
announced by Defense Secretary Gilberto Chudoro Jr. earlier this year.
39:17.4
The concept calls for incorporating all services of the AFP in defending Philippine waters,
39:22.4
particularly the country's 200 nautical mile EEZ.
39:26.4
One thing particularly new about Exercise Balikatan is that it's going to also showcase
39:33.4
the comprehensive archipelagic defense concept.
39:36.4
We are focusing on both the physical and the non-physical domain.
39:40.4
We are exercising, particularly in the area of information warfare and cyber defense.
39:51.4
With over 16,700 participants expected from the Philippines and the U.S.,
39:56.4
this year's Balikatan will be the largest since the first staging in 1991.
40:01.4
Representatives of 14 countries will also participate in the drills as observers.
40:06.4
Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News.
40:13.4
As for China, it says the joint drills between the Philippines and the U.S. forces
40:18.4
will only lead to what it called greater insecurity for Manila.
40:23.4
Beijing's foreign ministry warns the Philippines bringing other countries in a show of force
40:29.4
in the South China Sea.
40:31.4
Will only aggravate tensions and undermine regional stability.
40:38.4
Now in other news, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled the poll body was wrong
40:43.4
in disqualifying Smartmatic from the 2025 elections bidding.
40:47.4
Adrian Ayalin reports.
40:51.4
The Philippine Commission on Elections committed grave abuse when it disqualified Smartmatic
40:56.4
from participating in the bidding for the 2025 automated elections,
41:00.4
according to the Supreme Court.
41:02.4
In the decision of the ANBank in Baguio City,
41:04.4
the petition of Smartmatic against Comelec was granted.
41:08.4
The decision was penned by Associate Justice Jose Maidas Marquez
41:11.4
and read by Supreme Court Spokesperson, Atty. Camille Ting.
41:15.4
Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion when it disqualified Smartmatic
41:19.4
before it had submitted any bids without any reference to the eligibility requirements
41:25.4
prescribed by its bids and awards committee.
41:28.4
It held that Comelec implemented a discretionary pre-qualification regime
41:34.4
antithetical to the Government Procurement and Reform Act.
41:38.4
But according to the High Court,
41:40.4
their decision does not mean that the poll contract awarded to Miru Systems was nullified.
41:45.4
The South Korean firm clinched the nearly 18 billion peso contract
41:49.4
to provide the automated election system for the 2025 midterm election.
41:54.4
However, despite the finding of grave abuse of discretion,
41:57.4
on the part of the Comelec,
41:59.4
the Supreme Court did not find it sufficient
42:02.4
to nullify the public bidding or award of the contract.
42:06.4
It cited considerations of equity, justice, practicality,
42:11.4
and the doctrine of operative fact.
42:13.4
This means that the law produced consequences
42:17.4
before it was declared unconstitutional
42:20.4
that cannot always be ignored or disregarded.
42:24.4
So the doctrine nullifies the law,
42:26.4
but its effects are sustained.
42:28.4
The High Court also said Smartmatic can still participate in future elections.
42:33.4
As of now, Smartmatic can indeed,
42:36.4
they can participate in the next elections,
42:39.4
but subject to, let's say,
42:42.4
if anyone files a disqualification case against them again.
42:45.4
The Comelec said it respects the decision of the Supreme Court.
42:48.4
The decision of the Comelec in the case of Smartmatic
42:51.4
is for the people.
42:53.4
We really looked at what is good for the people,
42:55.4
they exercised equity, they exercised fair play.
42:58.4
But they also underscored
43:00.4
that the court did not nullify the results of their bidding process.
43:04.4
We are grateful that even though our Supreme Court
43:07.4
made such a decision,
43:09.4
it said that it will not affect the public bidding,
43:13.4
the award of the contract,
43:15.4
and in that way, there is no hindrance
43:17.4
in the preparation of the Comelec
43:19.4
in the automation of our elections in 2025.
43:22.4
In the statement, Smartmatic welcomed the decision,
43:25.4
sends a clear message to the Comelec
43:27.4
that due process matters.
43:29.4
Smartmatic also stressed
43:31.4
that it is ready to explore further opportunities
43:34.4
to contribute to the modernization
43:36.4
of Philippine elections.
43:38.4
Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News.
43:42.4
The Philippine Supreme Court orders the Senate
43:45.4
to comment on a petition
43:47.4
of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.
43:50.4
Willard Cheng tells us the story.
43:54.4
The Supreme Court has directed the Senate
43:57.4
to comment on the petition for certiorari and prohibition
44:00.4
filed by Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
44:04.4
to declare the arrest and detention order of the Senate
44:07.4
as null and void.
44:08.4
The Senate earlier issued the arrest order
44:10.4
after Quiboloy refused to attend hearings
44:13.4
into allegations of abuse against the religious leader.
44:16.4
Quiboloy claimed the Senate investigation
44:18.4
is not in aid of legislation,
44:20.4
saying it's a usurpation of judicial functions
44:23.4
beyond the powers of the Senate.
44:25.4
The respondents in this case,
44:27.4
they were required to file a comment
44:29.4
within 10 days on the petition
44:32.4
as well as the prayer for the issuance of the TRO
44:35.4
and the writ of preliminary injunction.
44:38.4
So right now, it's at that stage.
44:40.4
We are awaiting the comment of the respondents.
44:43.4
Respondents of Quiboloy's petition include
44:46.4
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri,
44:48.4
Senator Risa Ontiveros,
44:50.4
who chairs the Committee on Women, Children,
44:52.4
Family Relations and Gender Equality,
44:55.4
and the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
44:57.4
Senator Ontiveros says she is ready to answer any order of the Senate
45:01.4
and that her counsel,
45:02.4
former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio,
45:05.4
will study and respond as soon as possible.
45:08.4
While she has yet to receive a copy of the court's order,
45:11.4
Ontiveros expressed readiness to comply with the SC directive
45:15.4
in respect of the court
45:16.4
and in recognition of the principle of separation of powers.
45:20.4
A principle, she says,
45:21.4
that should also guide Quiboloy.
45:23.4
Former Senate President Franklin Rilon points out
45:26.4
that since the Supreme Court did not issue a TRO,
45:29.4
Quiboloy should now face the Senate.
45:31.4
The Senate could have been stopped by the Supreme Court
45:35.4
through a temporary restraining order
45:37.4
prayed for by Quiboloy.
45:40.4
The fact that the court refrained from using that power
45:45.4
is an indication that it is their view that
45:49.4
Quiboloy is not entitled to that immediate relief
45:53.4
without prejudice, of course,
45:55.4
to finally deciding the case on its merit.
46:00.4
the failure of authorities to find Quiboloy
46:02.4
affects the credibility of the justice system.
46:05.4
This is a slap on the executive branch,
46:09.4
particularly the enforcement of our orders,
46:13.4
and this does not augur well
46:16.4
for our people's confidence,
46:19.4
in our court system.
46:21.4
Quiboloy's camp has yet to issue a response.
46:24.4
Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News.
46:29.4
And before we go,
46:30.4
Filipino cuisine takes the spotlight
46:32.4
at a pop-up event in Ontario, Canada.
46:38.4
The non-profit organization Kainana
46:41.4
recently hosted a 10-day pop-up event
46:44.4
at the food district in Mississauga.
46:47.4
It was in celebration
46:48.4
of the 75th anniversary
46:50.4
of Philippine-Canada relations
46:52.4
and the Filipino restaurant month this April.
46:55.4
The event brought together 12 small business owners
46:58.4
to showcase the best of Filipino cuisine.
47:02.4
The main highlights of the event
47:04.4
was the introduction of the Filipino high tea,
47:07.4
a delightful ensemble that includes
47:09.4
the traditional ube mamon,
47:11.4
chicken asado putipaw,
47:14.4
as well as Canadian whiskey ube truffles,
47:19.4
These delectable treats were curated
47:21.4
by 10 food entrepreneurs,
47:23.4
each presenting their best offerings.
47:26.4
This is just the beginning
47:28.4
of our afternoon feast.
47:30.4
This is the merienda
47:31.4
to end all meriendas, I think.
47:33.4
We're starting off with Filipino high tea
47:35.4
and you can see an assortment
47:37.4
of both savory and sweet.
47:39.4
I grew up in Canada.
47:41.4
I've lived here my whole life,
47:45.4
And this is the first time
47:46.4
I'm experiencing a high Filipino tea.
47:49.4
So I'm super excited.
47:51.4
Guests also had the opportunity
47:53.4
to indulge in Filipino-Canadian fusion dishes
47:56.4
such as sisig puti,
47:58.4
adobo burger with ketchup chips,
48:00.4
and Chef Erwin Bansil's
48:02.4
pancitroon maple bacon spring rolls.
48:05.4
Yung sa spring rolls natin,
48:07.4
pinigay natin siya ng bacon.
48:08.4
We'll glaze it with maple syrup.
48:10.4
Pinakita ko sa item natin na pinigay na
48:13.4
para sa Canadian.
48:16.4
Grace Oasis, meanwhile,
48:18.4
brought a unique touch
48:19.4
with their sari-sari char,
48:21.4
a delightful fusion of Filipino snacks
48:25.4
The pop-up was also a platform
48:27.4
for small business owners
48:29.4
to showcase traditional specialties
48:31.4
such as the flaming halo-halo,
48:33.4
tulon, karyoka, and lechon.
48:36.4
The small business owners say
48:38.4
the opportunity to showcase their creations
48:40.4
at the road district was a milestone.
48:42.4
With a diverse audience of foodies
48:44.4
from different cultures,
48:46.4
cultural backgrounds,
48:47.4
the event offered a platform
48:49.4
for these entrepreneurs
48:50.4
to elevate their businesses
48:52.4
to the mainstream.
48:54.4
I'm very proud of small business vendors
48:58.4
like Katainan Nagri
49:01.4
for coming up with different concepts
49:03.4
to introduce Filipino cuisine
49:05.4
to mainstream Canada.
49:07.4
Especially, it's being held here
49:09.4
at Square One, the food district,
49:12.4
is something to be proud of.
49:14.4
Founder Janet Lim,
49:15.4
emphasized the importance
49:17.4
of collaboration and unity
49:19.4
within the Filipino community
49:21.4
and of breaking away
49:22.4
from the crab mentality culture.
49:34.4
With the success of the event,
49:36.4
Katainan Nagri is already gearing up
49:38.4
for their next pop-up event,
49:40.4
promising another celebration
49:42.4
of Filipino cuisine and culture.
49:45.4
Jocelyn Reyes Zambilay,
49:47.4
ABS-CBN News, Toronto.
50:15.4
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