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By The Way, Manila (2026)

27/05/2025

Marcos Backs ASEAN’s Non-Retaliatory Approach to U.S. Tariffs

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed strong support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) decision to refrain from retaliating against the United States’ recent imposition of tariffs on Southeast Asian exports.

Instead, he advocates for constructive dialogue and deeper regional integration to address the economic challenges posed by these trade measures.

The U.S. tariffs, announced in early April 2025, affect six ASEAN member states, with rates ranging from 10% to 49%.

The Philippines faces a 17% tariff, while countries like Cambodia and Vietnam are subject to higher rates of 49% and 46%, respectively.

These measures have raised concerns about their potential impact on the region’s export-driven economies.

In response, ASEAN economic ministers convened a special meeting on April 10, 2025, where they collectively agreed not to impose retaliatory tariffs.

The ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and collaboration with the U.S. to ensure a balanced and sustainable trade relationship.

They also highlighted the need to safeguard ASEAN’s economic interests and uphold investor confidence across the region.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, representing the Philippines at the meeting, underscored the necessity of a comprehensive impact assessment to fully understand the consequences of the U.S. tariffs on ASEAN member states.

She also stressed the importance of formulating effective mitigation strategies to protect the region’s economic stability.

The Marcos administration has taken proactive steps to engage with the U.S. on this issue.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go announced plans to meet with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to discuss the new tariffs and explore avenues for resolution.

President Marcos emphasized the significance of ASEAN’s unity in addressing global economic challenges.

He called for accelerated intra-ASEAN economic integration and diversification of markets and partnerships to strengthen the region’s resilience amid shifting global trade dynamics.

27/05/2025

Marcos Urges Swift Adoption of South China Sea Code

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for the urgent acceleration of negotiations on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea, emphasizing the need to address unresolved issues and reduce regional tensions.

Speaking at the 27th ASEAN-China Summit in Laos, President Marcos highlighted that critical elements of the COC—such as its geographic scope, legal nature, and the relationship between the COC and the existing Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)—remain unsettled.

He noted that even fundamental concepts like “self-restraint” lack consensus among the parties involved.

The President expressed concern over China’s continued assertiveness in the region, citing incidents where Philippine vessels have faced harassment and intimidation from Chinese forces.

He emphasized that such actions contravene international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

Frustrated by the slow progress of multilateral talks, President Marcos revealed that the Philippines is engaging in bilateral negotiations with neighboring countries like Vietnam and Malaysia to establish separate codes of conduct.

These efforts aim to maintain peace and stability in disputed areas while awaiting broader regional agreements.

Despite the challenges, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to deepening ASEAN-China relations and contributing to the region’s long-term peace and development.

He underscored the importance of all parties being open to managing differences earnestly and reducing tensions through diplomatic means.

The ASEAN-China Code of Conduct has been under negotiation since 2017, with the goal of establishing a legally binding framework to prevent conflicts in the South China Sea.

However, progress has been hampered by disagreements over key provisions and China’s expansive territorial claims, which overlap with those of several ASEAN members.

As the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026, President Marcos emphasized the urgency of finalizing the COC to ensure regional stability and uphold international maritime laws.

27/05/2025

Free Skyway Stage 3 Toll, Odd-Even Scheme During EDSA Rehab

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan to mitigate congestion during the upcoming rehabilitation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), set to commence on June 13, 2025.

Key measures include waiving toll fees on specific segments of Skyway Stage 3 and implementing an odd-even traffic scheme for private vehicles.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced that the toll-free access on portions of Skyway Stage 3 is anticipated to begin between July and August 2025.

This initiative aims to provide an alternative route for motorists, diverting traffic from EDSA during the rehabilitation period.

“Only the segment where vehicles that don’t need to pass through EDSA will be detoured. They will, instead, take the Skyway,” Dizon stated during a press conference.

To address potential revenue losses for San Miguel Corporation (SMC), the operator of Skyway Stage 3, the DOTr and the Toll Regulatory Board are exploring options such as extending SMC’s concession agreement.

This collaborative effort underscores the government’s commitment to easing the burden on commuters and motorists during the rehabilitation phase.

In addition to the toll-free initiative, an odd-even traffic scheme will be enforced along EDSA.

Vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be prohibited on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while those ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will be barred on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. All vehicles will be allowed on Sundays.

The DOTr’s traffic management plan also includes deploying additional buses on the EDSA Busway, increasing MRT-3 train capacity during peak hours, and conducting clearing operations on alternate routes to ensure smoother travel.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the importance of public cooperation during this period, stating, “We need the help of every commuter and motorist to make sure the pain is manageable.”

27/05/2025

CIDG Seeks Interpol Red Notice for Harry Roque

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has formally requested the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed the request, stating that it aims to facilitate Roque’s arrest and extradition to the Philippines, where he faces charges of qualified human trafficking.

On May 15, 2025, the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118 issued an arrest warrant for Roque and 50 others in connection with alleged human trafficking activities linked to the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The court found probable cause to proceed with trial, and the charges are classified as non-bailable.

Roque, who served as the legal officer for Lucky South 99, has denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated due to his association with former President Rodrigo Duterte.

He argues that the charges constitute political persecution, a claim the Philippine government denies.

In response to Roque’s asylum application, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated steps to cancel his passport and is coordinating with Interpol to ensure his return to the Philippines to face trial.

The CIDG has already apprehended one of Roque’s co-accused, identified as “Marlon,” who served as the operations officer of the security agency involved in the alleged trafficking activities. Authorities continue to pursue the remaining suspects.

Roque maintains that his actions are legal remedies to protect his rights, stating, “I will seek all available legal remedies to secure my life and liberty which are currently under threat.”

27/05/2025

Atin Ito Coalition Anticipates China's Aggression in WPS Mission

The Atin Ito Coalition is embarking on its third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea, undeterred by potential confrontations with the China Coast Guard (CCG).

Akbayan party-list president and Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David emphasized the mission’s peaceful intent during a pre-departure press conference.

“We will proceed. We expect radio challenges; we expect shadowing,” David stated, underscoring the coalition’s commitment to a non-confrontational approach.

She further clarified that the mission aims to serve as “an invitation of peace among the Philippines’ neighboring countries,” including China.

The mission includes a pre-departure musical event in El Nido, leading up to a sea concert near Pag-asa Island.

This initiative follows previous missions, including one in May 2024, where the coalition successfully reached Scarborough Shoal despite being shadowed by Chinese vessels.

To ensure the safety of Atin Ito volunteers and media members, the Philippine Coast Guard has deployed two vessels—BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua—to accompany the mission. T

his comes in response to recent reports of CCG harassment of Philippine vessels in the area.

The “Concert at Sea for Peace” features a diverse lineup of artists from the Philippines and neighboring countries, including Ebe Dancel, Noel Cabangon, and K-pop group HORI7ON. The event aims to promote peace and solidarity through music and cultural exchange.

David emphasized that the mission seeks to highlight the voices of those most affected by the tensions in the West Philippine Sea, including fisherfolk and frontliners.

“Our commitment to the West Philippine Sea is not through militarizing or war-mongering but in compassion, community, and culture,” she said.

The Atin Ito Coalition continues to advocate for the peaceful assertion of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through civilian-led initiatives.

25/05/2025

Over ₱43 Billion Illegal Drug Seized Under Marcos Administration

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Sunday that it has confiscated ₱43.3 billion worth of illegal drugs in the first three years of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

This figure is nearly three times higher than the ₱14.3 billion seized during the same period under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo attributed this significant increase to the intensified focus on high-impact operations targeting major drug syndicates.

She emphasized the collaborative efforts of the PNP, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in disrupting large-scale drug shipments entering the country .

“So talagang napakalaki ng diperensya dahil talagang nag-focus tayo doon sa mga high impact operation. Hindi lang ang Philippine National Police, kasama na diyan ang PDEA at NBI, dahil ang gusto natin talagang tumbukin—sino ba? saan ba dumadaan ’yang mga malalaking shipment ng drugs?” Fajardo said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.

The Marcos administration’s approach to the drug war has been described as “bloodless,” focusing on intelligence-driven operations and rehabilitation efforts, contrasting with the previous administration’s controversial and often violent methods .
Despite the increase in drug seizures, authorities acknowledge that challenges remain in completely eradicating the drug problem in the country. The PNP continues to adapt its strategies to address both high-level trafficking and grassroots-level distribution networks.

The administration’s current focus includes expanding efforts to target small-scale drug offenders, aiming to dismantle the broader network of drug distribution across various communities.

25/05/2025

Election Leader Fatally Shot in Cavite

An election leader associated with Naic Mayor-elect Rommel Magbitang was fatally shot in Barangay Sabang on Saturday afternoon.

According to one of Magbitang’s staff members, the incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. as the victim was alighting from his vehicle in front of his residence. An assailant on a motorcycle approached and shot him at close range. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack. It remains unclear whether the shooting was politically motivated. As of now, no suspects have been identified or apprehended.

This incident adds to a series of election-related violence in the Philippines. The Philippine National Police have reported 100 election-related incidents since January 2025, resulting in 20 fatalities.

Mayor-elect Magbitang, who previously served as a municipal councilor, won the mayoral race in Naic during the May 2025 elections. He defeated Vice Mayor Junio Dualan and other candidates.

Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to assist in the investigation.

25/05/2025

Suspects Arrested in Theft of WWII Memorial Brass Plate in Muntinlupa

Authorities have arrested five individuals suspected of stealing brass plates from a World War II memorial in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa.

The plates, which listed the names of local guerrilla fighters who helped liberate the city from Japanese occupation, were reported missing earlier this week.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced the arrests on Sunday, attributing the swift action to the coordination between Barangay Chairperson Tintin Abas-Ding and the Muntinlupa police. The suspects were apprehended around 1:30 a.m. and are currently under investigation at the Philippine National Police station at Alabang Junction.

Prior to the arrests, Mayor Biazon had offered a ₱100,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen plates. However, it was later revealed that the suspects had already sold the brass plates to a junk shop, where they may have been melted down.

The owner of the junk shop is also facing charges under the Anti-Fencing Law, which penalizes individuals who deal in stolen goods.

The memorial, located at the Barangay Alabang plaza, is a significant historical site for Muntinlupa residents. Every February 4, the city commemorates its liberation from Japanese forces during World War II. Mayor Biazon emphasized the importance of preserving such monuments, stating that the theft was a desecration of the memory of the city’s heroes.

25/05/2025

Panelo Sees Dismissal or Acquittal in Duterte’s Impeachment Case

Former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo has expressed confidence that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte will either be dismissed due to legal issues or result in her acquittal if it proceeds to trial.

Panelo highlighted that the legality of the impeachment complaint filed by the House of Representatives is expected to be resolved by the Supreme Court.

He emphasized that under the Philippine Constitution, only one impeachment complaint is allowed to be filed against an official within a year, suggesting that the current proceedings may violate this provision.

“As early as three months ago when the arrest warrant against detained former president Rodrigo Duterte was issued, I have been saying that I am not afraid of the impeachment. First, the impeachment has a problem. There is a legal issue pending before the Supreme Court,” Panelo stated.

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte includes allegations of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

However, Panelo believes that the legal infirmities in the complaint will lead to its dismissal or, if it proceeds, to Duterte’s acquittal.

By The Way

27/05/2025

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