Monthly Archives: July 2019

PLA’s Alleged S. China Sea Missile Tests Sent US

In early July, the Pentagon accused China of conducting multiple anti-ship ballistic missile tests in the South China Sea in late June. The Chinese military confirmed that it had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning in several areas, but insisted that it was conducting live fire drills, not testing missiles. If they took place, […]

High tide or low tide? The question that won us the West Philippine Sea case

  MANILA, Philippines – In 1994, a resplendent Miss Philippines made it to the semifinals of the Miss Universe pageant in Manila. In the Q&A, the host asked that candidate, Charlene Gonzales, exactly how many islands there are in the Philippines. Gonzales replied with another question: “High tide or low tide?” That quip drew amused […]

Duterte response to China alarms pro-US critics

MANILA – When a Chinese trawler rammed a Filipino fishing boat in the South China Sea last month – forcing 22 fishermen to abandon their stricken vessel – officials in Manila were quick with condemnations. “Cowardly,” the Philippine defense secretary said. Military commanders followed suit, telling reporters it was time for President Rodrigo Duterte to […]

Duterte not subservient to China – Palace

  MANILA – Malacañang denied allegations that President Rodrigo Duterte became subservient to the interests of China instead of protecting the Philippines’ right over the contested South China Sea. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte is enforcing the Philippines’ landmark victory at The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration which invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims to the […]

Follow the Rule of Law, But Aspire for the Rule of Justice Ateneo Law School Commencement Speech Ateneo de Manila University, July 14, 2019 Justice Antonio T. Carpio

Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ, President of the Ateneo de Manila University, Dean Jose Maria Hofilena of the Ateneo Law School, Members of the Faculty and Administrative officials of the Ateneo Law School, the Graduating Class of 2019, parents, families and loved ones of the graduates, distinguished guests, friends, a pleasant afternoon to everyone.  […]

Sen. Leila De Lima wants July 12 marked as ‘West Philippine Sea Victory Day’

Detained Senator Leila de Lima has renewed her efforts at declaring July 12 of every year as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” in recognition of the country’s arbitration victory against China over the contested islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). De Lima refiled the measure, which she considers one of her priority legislations in […]

The Limits of the Alliance Between China and Russia

Though the Sino-Russian partnership is growing by the day and will continue to develop, it ultimately benefits China at the expense of Russia. But creating a strategic alliance between the two countries could challenge the current world order. China’s President Xi Jinping recently visited Russia to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), a […]