Author Archives: Elma Leogardo

About Elma Leogardo

Graduated from the University of the Philippines, AB 1979 cum laude, Ll B 1984. Trustee and former President of the Maritime Lawyers Association of the Philippines ("MARLAW"), Trustee of the Legal Management Council of the Philippines ("LMCP"), Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors ("ICD"), among others. Engaged in the private practice of law, principally in corporate & business law, tourism & hospitality, maritime & international law of the sea.

Disputed sea takes center stage in ASEAN summit again

AFP PHOTO/Jewel SamadThe territorial disputes over resource-rich South China Sea (also West Philippine Sea) will hog the limelight again in the 2-day summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Brunei starting April 24…. Read more: http://www.rappler.com/thewrap/april-23-2013-edition/disputed-sea-takes-center-stage-in-asean-summit-again

PNoy NAMED AMONG WORLD’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

MANILA, APRIL 22, 2013 (YAHOO ASIA) By Kim Arveen Patria | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom President Benigno Aquino III joined this year’s 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time Magazine, a recognition which Malacanang said shows the Philippines’ improved standing in the eyes of the world. This is Aquino’s first time on the so-called […]

Time ‘ripe’ for Asean, China code of conduct — Phl

MANILA, Philippines – The time is “ripe” for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to have a legally binding code of conduct to prevent occupation of disputed and non-disputed areas in West Philippine Sea and Panatag Shoal. In a press briefing at Malacañang, Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said “China has said […]

Asian powers urged to resolve territorial disputes

The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, has called on Asian countries to resolve territorial disputes in order to ensure peace in the region. Tensions between Japan and China escalated last year, after Tokyo bought a chain of islands in a disputed part of the East China Sea. Separately, overlapping claims to the South China […]

Chinese navy continues high-sea training

Beijing, April 15 (ChinaMil) — The “Lanzhou” guided missile destroyer under the Navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is performing a training mission in the Western Pacific Ocean on April 14, 2013. Battling against the strong wind and wild waves has become a norm for the officers and men on board for years. […]

China row on agenda of Bolkiah-Aquino talks

MANILA, Philippines—The sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah flew in Monday for a 24-hour state visit to the Philippines, ahead of next week’s 22nd summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Brunei. The sultan arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on a private flight around 3:40 p.m. He disembarked from […]

Endangered pangolins found on Chinese poacher boat

MANILA — The Philippine coast guard said Monday it had found hundreds of frozen scaly anteaters, or pangolins, in the cargo hold of a Chinese boat that ran aground in a protected marine sanctuary last week. Wildlife officials have been informed of the surprising discovery, which could lead to more charges for the 12 Chinese […]

Peace in the South China Sea Is Vital for the Oil and Gas Industry

Regional geopolitical disputes are increasingly becoming international economic issues thanks to our global economy. At first glance, rising tensions in the South China Sea would appear to be no more than a fishing dispute. However, some see this situation as one surrounding supposed gas and oil reserves under the sea. That, however, is in conflict […]

China Striving to Dominate the Nearby Seas

A Chinese naval task force, including its most modern amphibious ship, a guided-missile destroyer, and two frigates, was recently sighted operating off James Shoal, 50 miles off the coast of Malaysia. James Shoal is claimed by Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as Taiwan. The appearance of the Chinese task force in these […]

Chinese navy makes waves in South China Sea

BEIJING – The appearance of a Chinese navy flotilla at an island chain 1,120 miles from its home shores is a clear sign that the new Communist regime is moving to enforce its claims to the entire South China Sea, experts said Wednesday. James Shoal is 50 miles from the coast of Malaysia, one of […]