Exclusive by Raïssa Robles
Suddenly last Thursday, I finally obtained an interview with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III.
Here is an excerpt from the first story on Vietnam and the Philippines that appeared today on the newly launched website of South China Morning Post (HK).
Some of you guessed it right!
I’d like to thank Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma for arranging the interview which has been five years in the making. And President Aquino for patiently answering three pages worth of questions. But more on that later.
I still have to write the other stories.
Meanwhile, here’s the first one –
Vietnam asked Philippines to form pact to counter China, Aquino reveals
Both countries are embroiled in territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea
A new “strategic partnership” being negotiated between two states fending off China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea was suggested by Vietnam, Philippine President Benigno Aquino has revealed.
It had been widely assumed that the proposed pact between Vietnam and the Philippines was initiated by Manila, which has taken a high-profile stand against China.
In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, the Philippine president said China’s moves in the South China Sea were even more alarming than a year ago, when he likened global inaction to China’s push to appeasing Hitler – comments that angered China.
In the interview last Thursday, Aquino stood by his remarks. Pulling out a map of the South China Sea, he said: “Perhaps it’s even worse today.”
To read the rest, which is still rather long, please click on this link.
Mel says
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/11/15/philippines-china-video-war-over-west-ph-sea
Mel says
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/ph-rejects-china-sharing-offer/189985/
-I-M-0-
Wise-up Big Brother
From Bi, not Multi-lateral, but to Block approach of 2 Chinas with ASEAN member nations.
Association of West South East Asian Nations (ASEAN + 2 Chinas = AWSEAN) a Win Win map for a sound ‘Maritime Silk Road’.
When Japan and Korea (North + or – South) finally jumps in, equals Association of Asian Nations, AAN.
Entrepreneurial Approach
That’s 10 asian nations to jump-in the AIIB bandwagon. Not only on infrastructure developments, investments, loans on progress to include oil ang gas explorations with claimant countries in the South China – West Philippine Seas. Incorporates the Block Investments & Commercical Developments inclusive to AAN member nations. While the AIIB provides the capital investment loans for Exploration, and Extraction of mineral resources from overlapping beds of claimant countries (Bi, Trilateral). Why not Multilateral INCorporation with claimant countries.
A good sign is when China attends the next ASEAN Leaders Meeting.
Mel says
————————-
AIIB, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Infrastructure_Investment_Bank
Mel says
AIIB bandwagon
Mel says
Ideal tone, initiative of Good Will from Asia’s big brother for its neighbors –
‘Beijing is … even offering to share the facilities it is building in the West Philippine Sea’ to all of it’s asian brothers for multi maritime security (against sea pirates), island base(s) for Emergency Services and Preparedness for seafarers against Natural Calamities and Disasters.
‘China should instead look at shared intentions, common ground, and strengthening economic ties’ with its asian neighbors for common maritime peace and joint sea lane security.
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/china-to-ph-lets-talk/189733/
Mel says
Sincere or just propaganda?
And to quote –
Zhao Jianhua, China’s ambassador to Manila. ‘… insisted that the Chinese facilities would be open, despite earlier media reports of their coast guard ships repelling Filipino fishermen with water cannons from entering the disputed territories. Referring to those encounters at sea, the ambassador blames media for hyping the incidents, and points out that the water cannons were merely warning the fishermen. The Chinese navy did not target people or parts of their boats that could have harmed them, the envoy said.‘
—
“China’s words and actions do not match. They drive away our fishermen from Scarborough Shoal even when they try to go there to seek shelter during inclement weather.
“When China illegally occupied Mischief Reef in 1995, they said the facilities were fishermen’s shelter but [it] later turned out to be a military garrison.” – Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, spokesman of the Department of Foreign Affairs
duquemarino says
@Mel
Sincere or propaganda? IMHO it’s more of a propaganda (paganda ng image).
Naalarma siguro ang China dahil sa panukala ng US Senate.
“US Senate Wants to Arm The Philippines to Counter China”
“………. the United States Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) has added a provision ” China Sea Initiative” to the 2016 defense bill.
A bill to arm and train American allies in the Pacific. A countermeasure to what legislators claim is Beijing’s increasingly aggressive attitude in the region.”
“SASC Chairman Senator John McCain inserted the inoitiatoive to offer support – in the form of training and weapons – in the Philippines and other allied countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.”
United States defense analysts said, “Arming US allies, possibly by providing fighter jets and fast corvette ships in the way they can handle any incoming threat or unexpected surprise attack or retaliation from China in case their unlawful reclamation stop, dismantled or targeted.”
“The new provision was accompanied by a letter from lawmakers to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to strengthen the US military’s response in the region.”
(From Manila Livewire)
Mel says
@duque, Naturalamente, propa – paguwapo si Ambassador Zhao.
Although the Ambassador can not announce his own policy and opinion on the maritime matter. He represents the PRC interest. Just like the spokesperson from mainland China ‘admonishing’ PNoy to repent or so… in the mainstream media.
To better prepare the Philippines’ maritime defense, navy capabilities is to push for a ‘Lend-Lease‘ pact with the USA. They have so many fighter planes, ships and carriers on que for the scrap, recycle heap. They can supply these to the Philippines Armed Forces. There are so many Fil-Americans in the US Military Service to operate these ‘defense articles’ in such a short but foreseeable time frame to cope with China’s aggressiveness in the WPS to date.
@duque in your comment, is the USA sincere in its pronouncements to helping and assisting the Philippines in its arm defense needs? The Philippines is handicap to another super power like China.
How come, the ISIS has just been picking US armaments for free at their Middle East exploits. The air drops of US Armaments have been mistakenly supplying the IS militants with free ammo and weapons.1
—
1. http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/american-aircraft-airdropped-weapons-to-isis-says-mp/
Mel says
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQpOQA3xbjg
—
Unwanted ‘Defense Articles’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQpOQA3xbjg
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140918-secrets-of-the-aircraft-boneyards
Mel says
1. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/22/isis-us-airdrop-weapons-pentagon
—
Another sample of an Unwanted ‘defense article’, sold for one cent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJrdL0-nb0A
duquemarino says
@Mel
The question “Sincere or propaganda?” Is addressed more to China as quoted in your #43.1
Mel says
heh he heh
‘parang go figure it out’ ala RR.
OO, @duque, your return suplementary was for China, amok kadi.
ibinabalik ko lang kay uncle sam, sincere rin ba sila? ayun ….
sign off ak pay kabsat, napintas nga agpasyar kadwa-an iti pamilya, catch you later.
vander says
propaganda.
anufavah.
eto ang test kung sincere.
pag iniwan nila ang ni-reclaim nila at hinayaan tayong mag-occupy ng iniwan nila.
yun.
sincere talaga sila.
Mel says
Mainland China (PRC), getting more transparent?
May its ASEAN neighbors and brothers welcome big brother to its bonding forums and meetings.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/17/15/china-gives-more-details-south-china-sea-facilities
Bold emphasis mine
Mel says
Reminiscing (3-4 years back) pre Xi Jinping
With the above news, other nations (e.g. OECD) yearned for China to be more proactive in global affairs (humanitarian). Now with samples as detailed in the above media press release.
Previous articles of RR relating to the South China – West Philippine Seas maritime issues, was heavy on comments. With web links provided, (reading materials) in support for a peaceful China in positioning itself as one of the biggest economies (then second).
It is ideal that it will engage with its asian (ASEAN) neighbors of its pro regional (asia), ‘maritime silk road’ aspirations of improving their respective economies.
Make Peace, not war. Leave the physical to Olympic meets, Athletics and AWSEAN GAMES.
Mel says
… bonding forums and meetings.
Bold emphasis mine
Mel says
Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/123472/ph-us-defense-chiefs-to-meet-in-hawaii-on-sea-dispute
Mel says
Can the Philippines request its treaty ally the USA for “any defense article”? Read President Roosevelt’s “Lend-Lease” act signed on March 11, 1941 – http://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/todays-doc/?dod-date=110
Mel says
Source: http://orientalreview.org/2015/05/12/wwii-lend-lease-was-the-us-aid-helpful-enough-i/
Mel says
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/26/15/ph-china-poised-take-de-facto-control-s-china-sea
Mel says
What if China starts reclamation work at Scarborough Shoal?
That is only 220 kilometers (about 140 miles) off the main Philippine island of Luzon.
Will the Philippines try to re-claim its shoal back? Will its treaty ally (USA) help force to redeem it back too? That shoal used to be a target practice for its navies’ cannons and guns.
– http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/23/15/ph-accuses-china-coast-guard-armed-robbery
Mel says
IN PHOTOS: China’s reclamation in West Philippine Sea
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/121023/in-photos-chinas-reclamation-in-west-philippine-sea/
Mel says
– http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/04/23/15/malaysia-avoids-chinese-ire-over-disputed-sea-asean-summit
Mel says
Plus or Minus 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone
‘UNCLOS supports China’s claims, says PH expert’
– http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/focus/04/22/15/unclos-supports-chinas-claims-says-ph-expert
Mel says
kalakala says
habang hinihintay natin ang susunod na pangyayari, i would like to ask an appeal to all Re: Nicolas Enciso V
sya at si atty. bondal ang naglakas loob para sampahan ng kaso ang mag-amang binay. napasali lamang si ex mayor mercado dahil binanggit ni b-anay jr. sa senate hearing. his (mr. enciso) health is now fast deteriorating due to cancer. anytime ay mawawala na sya: watch: [Sub-Committee on PS Res. Nos. 826 and 1114] senate blue hearing committee on binay april 16,2015 http://www.youtubedotcom/watch?v=H8ECjkubhus
at 1:59:55
imho, parang it was his death wish…therefore i am calling/asking for prayers for him and for the strength of his family, friends and love ones. maybe a poem or a letter of thanks so he can still read and feel that there are still lots of people who care about our beloved country. thank you all.
JBL says
Congratulation to Alan, he must be very proud of his Amal Alamuddin. LOL
Alan says
Call me George Loony
Parekoy says
Nice comeback!
marieta woo says
I’ve always thought of that enigmatic out of place smile as the President’s attempt at holding back/reigning his displeasure and frustration at the particular situation at hand.
moonie says
that smile is PNoy’s version of mona lisa smile. unforgetable.
in her walkabouts, Elizabeth the 2nd, the queen of england, has habit of smiling too, but while smiling she takes a step back, it’s a warning for her ladies in waiting to flank her as she has spotted obnoxious person ahead, either a known brash journalist o, kaya, paparazzi, out to annoy her. in the meantime, PNoy have to bear and grin.
AUGUST C FERNANDO says
CONGRATULATIONS, RAISSA! PNOY’s grant of interview to you confirms my belief that you are one of our country’s most respectable and most honest journalists. Tiyak na mas berde pa sa ampalaya sa inggit ang mga TIGLAOS at TORDESILLAS of the world! HAHAHA! :) :)
MC says
How pathetic indeed can one get to write just to fawn on someone who writes without depth. For him to think that interviewing simyon is a milestone is rather puerile, to say the least. Even from an academic or geopolitical standpoint, I am sure that there was nothing new that simyon said in that soliloquy. Indeed, whatever simyon may have uttered following the script was never a product of his wisdom nor academic depth. I could have viewed the interview in a better light if it was conducted with no prior questions listed where the interviewee will be talking from stock knowledge. Surely, a scripted question-and-answer portion is better fodder in variety shows where the attempt is to project “intellect”.
Rolly says
As far as I understand, Raissa had an impromptu interview with Pnoy before at FOCAP forum held sometime in October 2014.
http://raissarobles.com/2014/10/26/grilling-the-president-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines/
http://raissarobles.com/2014/10/22/president-aquino-told-me-hes-prepared-to-go-to-jail-if-were-back-to-an-unjust-judicial-system-after-his-term/
raissa says
No, that’s part of the regular focap forum.
pelang says
@MC what can i say, whatever, INGGIT ka lang.
chit navarro says
@MC –
what a pathetic soul you are! envy really consumes one’s soul…
and what a great soliloquy the President made in front of the venerable Raissa Robles and her cameramen and the other persons in the room, as can be gleaned in the pictures attached by the independent, fearless journo.
If you can not even spell the name of the President correctly or just too afraid to refer to his correct name and position, what makes you think you are better than the writer of this blog? And what credentials do you have to say that “on someone who writes without depth?”
moonie says
guys, it’s clear to me mc is just sourgraping. nag-aasim. instead of being happy raissa was finally granted her much awaited interview, and doing high fives; ito, pinalabas ni mc ang sariling pagka-crabby. it was raissa’s call, her interview of the president, her moment, and mc can only lament.
vander says
he is not happy the mother hen was granted her long-awaited request…:)
tsk tsk tsk.
EMSHI…ang sabi ni ali badbad..
MC says
You mean to tell me that an “interview” with a scripted question-and-answer flavor academically and intellectually sound and truthful? In better societies, it is even the subject that craves to be heard and interviewed. A leader even arranges with media that he/she is given airtime. Here, you have a sciolist hiding behind a veneer of a hectic schedule to avoid displaying a lubberly cranium. A principled political writer would just have focused on better brilliant minds or wrote on more arrant quests. Well, as the stylus needs the bread and butter, she may just have to invent a euphemism for the rambling and corybantic display of Asperger Syndrome and sugar-coat the farce with a euphemism as cover for an exercise of self adulation.
Alan says
I believe Homonculus Geny left his old body and created a new identity. Unable to spell very well he’s just used two letters for his name.
But literacy deficits have not stopped him from trying to plunder a dictionary for BEEG words that he has very little familiarity with. Rather than going for pomposity he should try for clarity: for instance I can’t even spot the main verb in his first sentence, so cunningly has he concealed it. Oh wait, that’s just plain stupidity sorry.
raissa says
you do love your words.
you are so in love with your words that it doesn’t matter if they do not reflect reality.
raissa says
so what are YOU doing here, MC?
FYI, I only submitted some of the questions. And the Q and A wasn’t scripted.
Edgar Lores says
Excellent interview.
I think the President’s measured responses attest to his moderate views… and underline his diplomatic approach.
I find him steady… and cool. Perhaps he smiles to hide the pain?
And perhaps instead of psychoanalyzing him we should start psychoanalyzing ourselves?
Parekoy says
In trying to shield the Aquino from any form of criticisms, many supporters are justifying his shortcomings. I don’t fall into that trap for I believe we can make him a better president for we perceive that he has more untapped potentials that he has not even aware of.
Public figures are open for psychoanalysis. As elected leader of our Nation, his frame of mind has great consequence thus a need for study.
The issue is not that he is not corrupt or he needs to act in an overacting crying fashion in attending wakes.
The issue is, does he make any effort at all to represent his office, the Presidency, in certain standard that is required to leaders of nations?
duquemarino says
When Raissa asked for a wish list of topics for 2015 China’s creeping invasion was on top of my list. With Raissa’s interview of PNoy, touched na ang isa sa wish list ko.
Ganun pala katagal magschedule ng interview kay PNoy, 5 years. Parang Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, explosive nga.
duquemarino says
Maroon din ba ASEAN Integration 2015 and Philippines’ readiness? Nasa wish list ko rin yun.
leona says
INGAT! Mga KABABAYAN FILIPINOS! VP Bi Nai GUSTO MAGING INTSIK!
Sabi ni maging Intsik BI NAI:
‘ if elected president, Vice President Jejomar Binay stressed China’s economic might as he pushed for bilateral talks between Manila and Beijing over the disputed South China Sea.
sa Tagalog: Kunyari Ako halal el presidente, si Ako Bise Presidente Bi Nai dini-diin Ko na ang yaman ng TSINA patuloy Akyin Usapan banda Maynila at Bei Jing ukol sa Atyin Walang Laban sa South Tsina Kadagt-dagatan.’
Ito pa sabi niya: “May pera po ang China, kailangan po natin ng kapital (China has money, we need capital),” Binay said in an interview on Saturday, April 12, over the radio station DZYM in Catarman, Northern Samar.
sa Tagalog: “China is rich. Much Money. We need China MONEY. (Kailangan Natin PERA). Bi Nai sa salita niya sa radyo estasyun DZYM sa Catarman, Northern Samar.”
sabi pa ni VP Bi Nai: “Yung problema natin sa Tsina, nakakalungkot, pero tanggapin po natin na hindi naman po matatapos ‘yan kaagad. Siguro, ilang taon na tayong namamatay eh hindi pa rin nareresolba ‘yan,” he said in the radio interview.’
sa English: ‘Our PROBLEMA with TSINA, is a SAD THING, but WE MUST ACCEPT that IT WILL NEVER END soon. Maybe, after SO MANY YEARS we are all DEAD eh and WE CANNOT SEE ANY PEACEFUL RESOLUTION in that.’ VP Bi Nai sabi sa radyo interbyo’
These stand and remarks is MISCHIEF by VP Bi Nai ! Like Mischief Reefs!
Sa Tagalog, what is ‘mischief?’ Sagot: Magpakaabala; Maabala; Walang kapararakan.
Are those remarks proofs of loyalty to the Filipino people? Those remarks are clearly against the stand of President PNOY!
Diyos ko! Kam Pai na lang!
leona says
Link
http://www.rappler.com/nation/89880-binay-china-philippines-south-china-sea
JoeC says
Way to go Raissa! Is that a feather I see in your hat?