Michael Apacible Bulletin

  The Last 48 Hours: Saving Mary Jane Veloso In the final hours leading up to the scheduled execution of Mary Jane Veloso, the Philippine government, led by President Aquino, embarked on an intense and emotional journey to save her life. Let's recount the series of events and diplomatic efforts that unfolded, highlighting the dedication and perseverance of those involved. Diplomatic Efforts and the ASEAN Meeting President Aquino had always emphasized the value of every Filipino life. His administration faced numerous challenges, including dealing with the imminent execution of Mary Jane Veloso in Indonesia. During an ASEAN meeting in Langkawi, Malaysia, the Philippine delegation, led by President Aquino, sought a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to discuss Mary Jane's case. The bilateral request was part of a broader strategy to leverage diplomatic channels and personal appeals. The Philippine side had exhausted all diplomatic options, including official ...

  The Role of Arbitration Decisions and ASEAN in Addressing China's Island Developments ASEAN Unity Despite Dependence on China In an interview, President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino discussed the complexities surrounding the arbitration filed against China regarding its island-building activities. He highlighted the uncertainty about which administration initiated the campaign among ASEAN countries and who issued the critical statements. Despite the significant economic dependence of many ASEAN economies on China, the region successfully issued a crucial joint statement reflecting their collective stance. The Role of the Arbitral Tribunal The Philippines' efforts in filing for arbitration were recognized by the tribunal body, marking a pivotal change in the situation. Both China and the Philippines are signatories to the Convention on the Law of the Sea, which means that the decisions of the arbitral panel must be followed. The existence of international agreements and ...

  The Philippines is facing a territorial dispute with China over the Spratlys and Scarborough Shoal. Congressional decisions have excluded these areas from the national territory, raising concerns about sovereignty and external influence. The Department of Foreign Affairs is perceived to prioritize China's interests, leading to accusations of national betrayal. Additionally, Chinese loans have funded major projects in the Philippines, but these have been tainted by corruption. Critics urge Filipinos to actively protect their sovereignty and scrutinize government agreements. Watch Full Video Below ⬇️

  China Slams Philippines-Japan Defense Pact In a significant geopolitical development, China has vehemently criticized the recently announced defense pact between the Philippines and Japan. The agreement, which aims to bolster defense cooperation and enhance military ties between the two Southeast Asian nations, has drawn sharp rebuke from Beijing, citing concerns over regional stability and security. Background of the Pact The Philippines and Japan signed the defense cooperation agreement amid rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. This pact includes provisions for joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and mutual defense initiatives. The two countries have expressed that the agreement is designed to enhance their respective defense capabilities and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region. China's Response The Chinese government has issued a stern statement condemning the pact, labeling it as a move that threatens regional peace and exacerbates t...