19 July 2011

Philippines: News Reports (19-7-2011) from Philippines News Agency (PNA)

Belmonte: House didn't authorize solons' trip to Spratlys

By Lilybeth G. Ison

MANILA, July 19 (PNA) -- The House of Representatives did not authorize the trip of five lawmakers to the Spratly Islands as part of their peace and sovereignty mission to the disputed area.

"Insofar as the leadership is concerned, I only know about it from what I read in the papers. They can go in their own capacities. They’re congressmen but we can't say that’s sanctioned trip (of the House). They’re free to go there if someone allowed them to go there. It’s a military zone. It's not like anyone who can just fly there and try to fish in the area," said Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. in a press conference on Tuesday.

Read More HERE.

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PHL to pursue key initiatives, priorities in Bali ASEAN Forum -- DFA

By Faye P. Velasco

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) -- The Philippines will push for key initiatives and priorities in line with the three aspects of ASEAN's community-building goals -- political-security community, economic community, and socio-cultural community -- during the 44th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM)/Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC)/18th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to be held from July 19 to 23 in Bali, Indonesia.

Read More HERE.