Biazon backs Philippines-China venture for Spratlys oil

MANILA, Philippines - Former Marine general and now Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon was among soldiers who were tasked in 1968 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos to occupy the islands in the now-disputed Spratlys.

He said they were able to occupy 8 of the 11 islands in the Spratlys.

Biazon said it was not easy, as they went toe-to-toe with Taiwanese forces that were also bent on conquering as many islands in the area as possible.

He narrated that they encountered Taiwanese vessels during one of their reconnaissance missions.

"We were fired upon by the Taiwanese, but they were not really hitting us, just some sort of a warning, but they fired again," he said.

Marcos told them to exercise maximum tolerance.

Until today, the Armed Forces of the Philippines exerts maximum tolerance in the area despite the presence of larger naval vessels of other countries.

Joint venture?

Biazon said the best way to temper tension between countries claiming the islands is to forge a reasonable joint venture between nations.

Biazon said the Philippines was already extracting around 45,000 barrels of oil every day in Malampaya area alone in the 1970's.

From 2002 up to 2010, the government would have already earned P102 billion from the oil extraction, he said.

More oil exploration projects are being undertaken and countries such as China want to have a slice of the pie, Biazon said.

"There was a time it went to about 12,000 barrels day, pero hindi ibig sabihin kumonti yun. Pag may nakita silang presence of oil, tinatakpan muna nila for future use or exploration," he revealed.

Biazon said the call of China for a joint venture might be reasonable at this time. "I think this is the only way for settling dispute partially, I say partially, because eventually we really have to delineate the different boundaries."

He proposed for the Aquino government to pursue a multilateral action for 6 claiming nations to come to terms under one agreement.

He said, "the first thing we have to do now is to try to get the ASEAN plus 1 (China) to convene para mapag-usapan ito."

Piece of the puzzle

However, Biazon admitted that this is just one piece of the puzzle.

All nations involved in the issue will have to come to the United Nations to resolve the territorial dispute, he said.

"Armed conflict is very very remote, so let's not talk about the military aspect," he added.

Biazon believes that no country in today's generation, including China, will win through the use of military might.

He believes Beijing cannot afford to resolve the dispute by using its armed forces. "No nation can live in a vacuum unless you are North Korea or Cuba."

7 new forest mice species found in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - American and Filipino biologists have found 7 new mammal species in Luzon, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Wednesday.

The findings reaffirmed the Philippines' status as one of the world's 17 mega-diverse countries in the world in terms of biodiversity, according  to DENR Secretary Ramon Paje.

He said all of the 7 new species are forest mice that live only in a small part of Luzon.

The discovery increased the number of the Luzon's native mammals, excluding bats,  to 49.

The findings were published in the May 2011 issue of Fieldiana, the peer-reviewed journal of the Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH) in Chicago.

The 9 co-authors of the article include biologists from the University of the Philippines, the Philippine National Museum, Conservation International (CI) -Philippines, the Utah Museum of Natural History, and Florida State University.

The species are "wonderful little mice that live in forested regions high in the mountain… often abundant, [yet] they actively avoid humans and rarely cause any harm. They prefer to eat earthworms and seeds on the forest floor," said FMNH's Dr. Lawrence Heaney, project leader and the lead author of the Fieldiana article.

Two of the species live in Mt. Tapulao in Zambales; 2 in Mt. Banahaw; another 2 in the Mingan mountains of Aurora Province; and another in the Sierra Madre mountain range.

"The international community has recognized that our country has among the highest rates of discovery in the world. Filipinos should be aware of such discoveries, to show a collective pride and give a more positive meaning to the expression, 'only in the Philippines,'" Paje said in a press statement.

Need to protect habitat
Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Director Theresa Mundita Lim said the discovery highlights the need to protect mountain forest habitats. "These animals are part of the rich biological heritage of the Philippines. The forests where they live in are crucial watershed areas for Manila and many other cities," she said.

Danilo Balete, the project's field team leader, said they were excited with the discovery. "It is extraordinary that so many new species of mammals remain to be discovered in the Philippines. In the past 10 years, we've published formal descriptions of 10 other species, while other biologists have described 5 more. And we are nowhere close to the end of our discoveries. The Philippines may have the greatest concentration of unique species of animals of any country in the world," he said.

Dr. Scott Steppan, co-author and head of the laboratory at Florida State University where the DNA of the animals were studied, said scientists should now consider the Philippines as "even better" than the Galapagos Islands. "The Philippines is an ideal place to study the evolution of animal diversity… These animals have been evolving in the Philippine archipelago for millions of years," he said.

Josefa Veluz, a Philippine National Museum biologist and co-author of the study, said the new species found in the Mingan mountains and Mt. Tapulao do not live in protected areas. She cautioned the public on the impact of logging, agricultural expansion, and illegal mining activities on wildlife and watersheds

"Protecting land and marine resources is key to maintaining healthy ecosystems which deliver services such as food, clean water, health, tourism and cultural benefits and a stable climate which are vital to the very survival of every Filipino. Although small in size, these little animals are part of our biodiversity which forms the basic foundation of healthy ecosystems," said Romeo Trono, country executive director of CI-Philippines.

The DENR said the Philippines is considered as one of the world's most threatened hotspots, where increased human activities cause the loss of animals' habitat. 

US greets PHL on Independence Day

Filipinos received a congratulatory message for Independence Day from the United States, where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reassured them of the US' commitment as "long-time friends and partners."

In her statement for the Philippines' National Day, Clinton said the Philippines and the US continue to work on many new fronts, after a long history of standing together to defend liberal democratic values.

"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of the Philippines on the 113th anniversary of your declaration of independence this June 12," she said in her statement posted on the US Embassy in Manila's website.

"The United States and the Philippines are long-standing friends and partners. We stood together during World War II to defend liberal democratic values. Today, we are working together on many new fronts. Whether we are working to find ways to catalyze economic growth, helping victims of natural disasters, combating extremism, or calling for greater protection of human rights, our two countries share a vision of a better world," she added.

She said the US supports the Philippine government’s commitment to fight corruption, promote judicial reform, reduce poverty, and create opportunities for its people.

Both countries are "cooperating in new ways on everything" from the Partnership for Growth joint effort to boost prosperity in the Philippines, to the Open Government Partnership initiative to improve governance and transparency around the globe, she added.

"Together through our Millennium Challenge Corporation compact we are working to reduce poverty through economic growth. The Philippines is a committed partner on so many issues," she said.

"Please accept my sincere thanks for your friendship and best wishes for your continued success and prosperity on this special day," she added.

Chinese envoy says marine vessels deployed in Spratlys

The Chinese ambassador to Manila the Philippines on Thursday said Beijing deployed marine surveillance vessels in the disputed Spratly islands but that China has no plans to establish military presence in the contested area.

China has not violated any existing accord with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in relation to the disputes in South China Sea — believed to be rich in oil and gas resources, Ambassador Liu Jianchao told Manila-based reporters in a briefing Thursday.

"We have no intention of occupying one of the islands," the Chinese envoy said. "We clarified that those materials were intended for surveys in the area, not military but survey vessels. It is something that should not be played out."

He also said that the US government should not intervene in the South China Sea disputes and allow the claimant parties to resolve the matter on their own through peaceful means.

The US interest in the area is in trade navigation and peace and stability, he added. 

Concerns

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said the Philippines is concerned with the increasing presence and activities of Chinese military vessels within the disputed Spratly islands — being claimed by Brunei, China, Taiwan, Vietman, Malaysia and Philippines.

In a recent note verbale to the Chinese embassy in Manila, the DFA asked China to clarify the recent sightings of a China Marine Surveillance vessel and other People's Liberation Army Navy ships at the vicinity of Iroquois Reef-Amy Douglas Bank in the West Philippine Sea which is within the Philippines' 200 nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone.

However, Filipino diplomatic experts on the South China Sea dispute are saying that the spate of Chinese activities in the Spratlys may be connected to China’s plan to stage deep-sea mining in the Indian Ocean which is pending approval before the United Nations. This, the experts who asked not to be named said, will also impact on the South China Seas. 

The Chinese government is insisting that China has sovereign right and jurisdiction over the South China Sea territory that dates back to the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century.

Undisputed

Liu said China's claims over the South China Sea have not been contested until after the World War II and then in the early 70s.

But Beijing remains committed to the Declaration of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC) signed by China and ASEAN in November 2002, he said. 

The DoC seeks to maintain status quo in the disputed region, and prevents the claimants from engaging in military activities that will affect peace and stability in the disputed area.

"Peaceful means is the only option for China and we are determined to carry on with peaceful consultation with our partners, our neighbors, who are also claiming the Nansha Islands," Liu said, referring to the Spratlys in Chinese.

Marine surveillance presence in the South China Sea did not violate the DoC, according to the Chinese envoy, saying that "everything was carried out within the sovereignty of China." 

"Everything was carried out within the principles that are involved in the DoC," Liu said. "We don’t really believe that it’s a breach of the DoC. It conforms with the spirit of the DoC."

Liu said that China wants all parties involved to “find a practical solution with regards to easing up the tension and the peace and stability in the disputed area." Liu said.

"I don’t want the Nansha issue to be a barrier in our generation. I think this view is also shared by my colleagues in the DFA," he added.

PHL earns invitation to 2013 world baseball qualifiers

The Philippines has been invited by Major League Baseball (MLB) to participate in the qualifying tournament for the 2013 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

The quadrennial event is an international baseball tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) where the world's best sluggers, including Major League players, are representing their home countries.

In a press release published on MLB.com, the Philippines has been invited in the qualifying tournament that will take place next year with the venue still being determined.

The Philippines - along with Brazil, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, South Africa, Spain and Thailand - were selected by a committee made up of the world's baseball stakeholders.

Canada, Chinese Taipei, Panama and South Africa had participated in the 2009 edition of the games won by Japan but was relegated to the qualifying round after a winless campaign two years ago.

The teams will be divided into four pools which will play in a six-game modified double elimination format. The groupings will be based on geographical location, competitive balance and regional rivalries.

The four winners will join two-time defending champion Japan, Australia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Italy, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela, which have already gained automatic berths after respectable finishes in the 2009 edition.

The qualifying tournament is in line with the WBC's expansion of the tournament from 16 to 28 teams.

"Growing the game of baseball around the globe is the primary objective of the (WBC). By expanding the competitive field of the 2013 tournament, we are demonstrating our commitment to this goal and reinforcing that the (WBC) is the premier showcase of baseball around the globe," said MLB commissioner Bud Selig in a statement.

"The tournament is a unique experience for fans to witness the excitement of this great game and I encourage organizations around the world to bid for the chance to host this wonderful baseball event," he added.

Bring back PHL's glory days
Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) president Hector Navasero was elated with the invitation.

"We hope that we can form a competitive team for this prestigious tournament. I'm hoping that our participation will bring back the glory of the Philippine baseball," said Navasero.

He said that he had received MLB's letter inquiring about the country's capability of forming a team for the WBC.

Some professional players in the MLB have Filipino blood and they can play for the Philippine team if they choose to.

Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, a member of the San Francisco Giants that won last year's World Series against the Texas Rangers, has a Filipina mother.

Lefty pitcher Geno Espineli, who is also part of the Giants' organization playing in their minor league baseball team, is also of Filipino descent and has visited the country in 2008.

ARMM polls suspension '50-50,' Escudero says

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Francis Escudero sees a vote in the Senate plenary on the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections synchronization bill before Congress adjourns its first regular session next week.

Escudero said the bill is still in the period of interpellations.

"Next week before we adjourn, malamang pagbobotohan ito. Dahil certified measure ito, di na kailangan ng 3 araw. Pwede na tumuloy ito (sa botohan)," he said.

Under Senate rules, a bill passed on second reading must wait for 3 days before approval on third reading.

When asked about the bill's chances, Escudero said, "50-50."

The senator said that while he opposes the bill, he is not going to block a vote.

Escudero said there are schools of thought on the majority needed to approve the measure.

Senator Franklin Drilon reportedly said a simple majority of the quorum is needed. 

Others, meanwhile, think that a 2/3 vote of the chamber is needed since it is an amendment of the ARMM Organic Act.

Escudero noted that the bill's House version was passed by 2/3 of the membership.

He, however, said that he will not join groups planning to question the legality of the measure before the Supreme Court (SC).

Escudero, meantime, defended Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from accusations he wanted to torpedo the bill.

He said if Marcos wanted to do that, his fellow lawmaker could have just sat on the bill and not send a committee report to the plenary for its consideration.

Escudero said Marcos had 30 session days to discharge a committee report, which he has not consumed.

He added that the bill was an afterthought since it was filed before they went on summer break.

Escudero believes that a special session may be called or the Senate may just stop its legislative clock to give legislators time to vote.

He said that he does not necessarily share the same views with President Benigno Aquino III even if they are allies.

Escudero expressed surprise that Drilon claimed RA 9333 is unconstitutional. Escudero says only the SC can rule a law unconstitutional.

He said that argument should have been raised in the Supreme Court, and not as a basis to pass a bill postponing the elections.

Escudero, meantime, noted that the power of the President to appoint officers in charge (OICs) in the ARMM is being based on his residual power and supervisory power over local government units.

He said there is no clear provision that allows the President to name OICs.

Escudero, however, pointed out that the ARMM law provides for special elections to fill in vacancies.

He proposed that Aquino instead name one of the elected governors, vice governors, and assemblymen as OICs so that they at least still have a mandate.

Escudero said other grounds being used to cancel the elections like reforming the ARMM should have been done in the last year.