Santiago: Harassment of Filipinos in Taiwan may warrant MECO abolition.

By Cathy C. Yamsuan

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago warned on Sunday that injuries sustained by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Taiwanese attackers could be considered “an act of aggression” that could serve as basis for the fold-up of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei.

“The 87,000 overseas Filipinos in Taiwan had no hand in the death of the Taiwanese fisherman allegedly shot by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). If the victim were a Filipino, I don’t think the Taiwanese also want this sort of retaliation,” Santiago said in Filipino.

The senator repeated earlier observations that Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou could be using the incident that occurred last week in the waters off Balintang Island north of the Philippines to distract from domestic problems occurring in his country.

“Their president has become unpopular but he should not use this incident as a distraction just so the hostility meant for him is deflected to us, as he seems not to know how to run his country,” Santiago noted in Filipino.

The senator lamented how Taiwan officials seemed not to make an effort to protect the OFWs.

There have been reports of Filipinos being refused service in stores and restaurants and that one was even mauled with iron pipes following reports of the death of fisherman Hung Shih-cheng.

“From the point of view of international law, the (hostile acts against Filipinos) is already an act of aggression.  Also, there is already a fact-finding effort.  Let us first establish whether they violated our baseline law,” Santiago said.

Under this law, the Philippine baseline stretches up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline.

“Foreigners can only claim the right of innocent passage. Now, if the Taiwanese fishermen admit they were fishing…,” Santiago trailed off.

The senator cited Philippine laws allowing the PCG “to stop suspicious persons” from entering the country’s waters.

Santiago, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee, also lamented what she believed to be a display of “bad faith” by Taiwan when its officials unilaterally joined Philippine authorities investigating Hung’s death.

“The (Taiwanese officials) were not invited and they even brought the entire Taiwan media.  It cannot be helped if one suspects the effort was for black propaganda.  That is not friendly behavior,” she complained.

Santiago warned that further acts of provocation could force Philippine authorities to rethink whether the MECO should remain in Taipei.

“Under the One China policy, there are only 23 countries that recognize Taiwan as a separate country. The rest identifies Taiwan as a province. If Taiwan continues to make us a scapegoat for its domestic political problems, we should start thinking carefully… maybe we can just withdraw our office there,” she said.

Santiago pointed out that the Philippines has not established an embassy in Taipei “since we do not recognize Taiwan as a separate country from China. But we have a so-called cultural office, which (serves as the de facto) embassy. Eh, kung withdraw kaya natin ang embassy natin dun?”

She also said suggestions to repatriate arbitrarily the 87,000 OFWs would be considered a violation of their human rights.

“Why, that would be like the Holocaust, like Nazi Germany where the innocent is meted harsh punishment when it is so obvious that their president is only engaging in political posturing,” Santiago huffed.

Senator Francis Escudero blamed the “diplomatic complications arising from the One China policy” for worsening the rift between the Philippines and Taiwan.

“The situation is unique, and it requires a unique approach. But whatever it is, it will have to be decisive and it has to come soon. The issue is an emotional one, and situations like this can change from bad to worse in the blink of an eye,” he said in a statement.

Escudero pushed for a formal inquiry into the shooting of Hung.

“The family of the slain Taiwanese fisherman deserves no less,” he said.

“The only way to diffuse the situation is to convince the Taiwanese government that we are pursuing the path of justice earnestly. We should find out what happened, and what led to the unfortunate slaying of the fisherman. And then let’s move on from there,” he said.

So far, Taipei had rejected the apology issued by Philippine Representative to Taiwan Antonio I. Basilio over the fatal shooting.

Taiwanese President Ma claimed the statement of apology failed to satisfy the demands of his government and ordered a freeze on applications by Filipino laborers to work in Taiwan.

He also recalled the Taiwanese representative in Manila and requested the Philippine representative in Taiwan to return to Manila.

Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/75005/santiago-harassment-of-filipinos-in-taiwan-may-warrant-meco-abolition#ixzz2TqUUbUdQ
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Apoy Sa Dagat (lit. Fire at Sea) is a 2013 Philippine television drama aired on ABS-CBN on February 11, 2013. It is topbilled by Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Angelica Panganiban, and Angelica Panganiban.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Apoy sa Dagat May 20 2013 Courtesy of ABS-CBN

            Stop and smell the roses as the Filipino American Association of Tennessee bring a little bit of Filipino and Asian cuisine, as well as exhibits, games, live music, singing and folk dancing to the center of town to celebrate Santacruzan. Santacruzan in one of the Philippines’ most important and popular festivals, it celebrates the narrative of the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helene, the first Christian Emperor of Rome.

            Hosted by the F.A.A.T.’s own, Alicia Lundquist, this will be a beautiful procession of historic and symbolic personalities, with multicolored arches, flowers and songs. A street fair will also take place allowing the community to experience first hand the Filipino culture.

            Come and join the F.A.A.T. on this historic occasion as the best of the Philippines meets Tennessee. Bring your family and friends. For more information contact Milagros Vazquez at 615-653-6216.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Mundo Mo’y Akin May 20 2013 Courtesy of GMA

It’s Showtime (formerly known as Showtime) is a Philippine noontime variety show broadcast by ABS-CBN. The show premiered on October 24, 2009 as a morning talent show for over four regular seasons and various special editions. On January 28, 2012, the show aired its final episode with its two year competition format and ended with a mysterious and impartial farewell. On January 30, the program revealed a teaser showing its reincarnated look as a reformatted noontime show now entitled It’s Showtime, which premiered on February 6, 2012. The show simulcasted on Studio 23 during its relaunch week. It also airs live daily on CgeTV’s website.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Its Showtime May 20 2013 Courtesy of ABS-CBN

Indio is a Filipino historical drama-epic fantasy series created and developed by Suzette Doctolero and produced by GMA Network. It premiered on January 14, 2013 on GMA Telebabad block, replacing Aso ni San Roque, and January 15, 2013 worldwide via GMA Pinoy TV.[1] The series features Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. playing the title role, with Jennylyn Mercado, Michael de Mesa, Maxene Magalona and Rhian Ramos. It executive produced by Meann P. Regala and directed by Dondon Santos. Historians, Dr. Vic Villan and Dr. Rolando Borrinaga were tapped to ensure the accuracy of the series

The story begins in Central Visayas during the pre-colonial period, where natives and diwatas (gods) are living together in harmony, harvesting the bounty of the earth and sea, guided and loved by Laon (the Creator). Ynaguiguinid, the goddess of war, who have fallen in love and had chosen to marry a warrior tribesman lives with their newborn child, a demigod. But they had to face a pitiful separation when chaos, confusion, death and destruction comes with the arrival of the Spaniards conquistadors whose aim is to spread Christianity and at the same time, to take control of the strategic trade routes and to control the resources of the archipelago. Due to the wounds from a battle in an attempt to defend the settlement, Ynaguiguinid had to transfer all her powers to her lifeless son to survive, resulting to her own death. The baby was later found and raised by a native couple, Tarong and Linang, who named the child, Malaya after a Tagalog word which means “Free”. Being a half-human, half-diwata, Malaya’s supernatural abilities, incredible strength and invulnerability increased steadily as he grew up. By the help of Magayon, the goddess of all flying creatures, Malaya found out who he really was, his roots and the ultimate task he must fulfill – which is to save and protect the commoners from the abuses of the Spanish colonial government. An unfortunate turn of event leads to the separation of Malaya from his adoptive parents. He finds himself under the custody of Juancho Sanreal, a despotic encomendero. Upon discovering the child’s extraordinary abilities and seeing him as a great asset in fulfilling his dream of becoming a Governor-General, Juancho adopts Malaya, gives him a new name – Simeon, and does everything to get the child’s sympathy [for him to be able to use the child and his powers for his own personal intentions]. Blinded by Juancho’s false compassion, Simeon will treat him as his master and will do anything he commands.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan INDIO May 20 2013 Courtesy of GMA

Over the time I was consume
Putting myself in great doom
Like I was totally broom
Leaving myself in gloom

Can someone knock me in the head
So that I will fall in bed
Make it strong to make me dead
So strong that it will bleed

Of let lightning struck me
Ask the gods and the deity
To hit me directly
Lure them for their glory

To whatever means just kill me
Drove me away and took my sanity
For myself is useless and empty
For this life surpassed gravity

Just blog, you’ll gain followers

You’ll be famous eventually

Just wait and see

Keep on blogging what you feel

Your post will show you’re real

They may not appreciate it now

At least, you’ve shared piece of your life somehow

Don’t stress yourself because of Tumblr

Just enjoy every moment of being a blogger

I’ve just written this because I am also a blogger in Tumblr and this is what I’m experiencing. Hahaha. I just want to share it to you, guys,

Thanks, 

JE

Next, I am afraid to be tie on a relationship ’cause I don’t want to lose the freedom I have now, being a teen and single such as in wedding. But I don’t want to grow old alone. I want someone who will be with me until the end because it is very lonely to live alone.

Ironic, isn’t it? But someday, I know it will all be resolved.

Ina, Kapatid, Anak (Literal: Mother, Sibling, Child) is a Philippine television drama that premiered on ABS-CBN in October 8, 2012 and premiere worldwide on The Filipino Channel.

The drama revolves around the lives of Margaux (Maja Salvador), Celyn (Kim Chiu), Liam (Xian Lim) and Ethan (Enchong Dee) and their struggles to gain power, acceptance, family and love.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Ina Kapatid Anak May 20 2013 Courtesy of ABS-CBN

TV Patrol is the flagship national network news broadcast of ABS-CBN in the Philippines. It is aired Monday to Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (PST). It can be heard simultaneously on radio through DZMM, its television counterpart DZMM TeleRadyo, and its provincial radio stations based in Palawan, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao, with several MOR stations nationwide. It is also aired internationally via The Filipino Channel. It has been the longest running Filipino-language evening primetime newscast since its inception on March 2, 1987.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan TV Patrol May 20 2013 Courtesy of ABS-CBN

24 Oras (24 Hours) is the flagship national network news broadcast of GMA Network. A nightly national newscast which airs in the Philippines and worldwide via GMA Pinoy TV. It is aired Weeknights at 6:30-8:00 PM and Weekends at 5:30 to 6:00 PM (PST). The newscast is simulcasted on radio thru Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz in Mega Manila and several of its regional Super Radyo stations nationwide.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan 24 Oras May 20 2013 Courtesy of GMA

But the poor thing is I don’t have a camera now. T-T. Geez! I can’t capture beautiful moments of my life, such as the sky, sunset, my dogs etc. And I’m starting to lose some of my stocks of pictures of my dogs. So eventually, I don’t have something to post on my blog. Pathetic. 

Thanks,

JE

Juan dela Cruz (English: John of the Cross) is an upcoming Philippine television drama. Directed by Malu Sevilla, it stars Coco Martin as Juan dela Cruz, a half-tagapagbantay and half-aswang who falls in love with Rosario (Erich Gonzales) an aswang-hunter. The series will air on ABS-CBN and worldwide on TFC on February 4, 2013.

The drama explores themes in Christianity, culture and Philippine mythology such as aswang (fearsome, vampire-like shape-shifters), and tagapagbantay, the Philippine version of guardian angels (similar to their depiction in the drama, 100 Days to Heaven). The protagonist’s name is derived from the Philippine national personification.[12][13] Juan dela Cruz (Coco Martin) is the son of the mortal, Amelia (Mylene Dizon), and is is the latest successor to a line of tagapagbantay. His mother died giving birth to him, leaving the child in the care of Father Cito (Jaime Fabregas), the town’s curé. Unbeknownst to Juan, he also has aswang blood from his demon father, Samuel (Albert Martinez); should the aswang know of this fact, they will force him to join their ranks.

To suppress his demonic ancestry, Father Cito raises him to do good deeds and believe in God. However, the Bakal na Krus (“Cross of Steel”) that his mother left before her death is stolen. The cross has the ability to shift into different weapons: a whip, a spear, a bow-and-arrow, and a sword, all with the power to vanquish evil. In his quest to find the missing Cross, he meets and falls in love with Rosario (Erich Gonzales), an undercover aswang-hunter.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Juan Dela Cruz May 20 2013 Courtesy of ABS-CBN

Aksyon (lit. Action), whose weekday edition is also known as Aksyon Prime, is the flagship news program broadcast by TV5 in the Philippines. It is anchored by Cheryl Cosim and Erwin Tulfo, with special segments hosted by Shawn Yao and Lourd de Veyra on weekdays.

The program is broadcast Weeknights at 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. (PST), and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (PST). The newscast is simulcasted on AksyonTV and on radio thru 92.3 News FM in Mega Manila.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Aksyon Balita May 20 2013 Courtesy of TV 5

Geez! I really love this song. It’s my current favorite song. ‘Here’s To Never Growing Up’ by Avril Lavigne. Almost 10x a day, I’m listening to this. And I love singing it loud. Hahaha.

I don’t wanna grow old but I am excited to look back and reminisce to the stupid stuffs I’ve done when I was younger. Ironic, isn’t it?

PS. I don’t own this video.

JE

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Little Champ May 20 2013 Courtesy of ABS-CBN

We all want to be loved by the person we love. Of course, we all want love and be loved. You are a hypocrite if you tell me that you don’t want to have a mutual feeling with the person you love. Everybody deserves love but the sad and poor things I that not everybody gets the chance and privilege to be loved.

Sometimes, it’s only a one-way process.

And that hurts like hell. I guess, everybody has been hurt because of love. You love because you are ready to bear all the consequences such as being hurt. The least thing you can do so you’ll not be in pain is to avoid love. But is it possible? We all have brains and hearts and those two tell us we’re already in love. And may I add, fighting love is more hurtful than just letting is to take its course.

Falling in love has symptoms, right? It seems to be a disease. But it is not like those diseases that can be acquired easily through air or water. It doesn’t necessarily mean that when you confessed your true feelings to someone, she will love you back instantly. Maybe, it happens but not all the time.

Love takes time.

But we all wish that love is like a disease which can be transmitted easily. In a way that, when you fall to a certain person, automatically, s/he will love you back. With that, nobody can get hurt. But that is hilarious!

Being hurt is part of falling in love. It should always be a balance thing. If you’ve never been hurt, in my opinion, you don’t really love. It seems to be light and dark. Love and hurt are partners. They are inseparable.

But it is not always hurt and pains, right? They say that if it is not yet happy, it’s still not the end. I believe in happy endings. There is always that someone who’s meant and destined for us and with him/her, we can truly find happiness and we will figure out what love really is. All we have to do is to wait for that perfect someone.

Maybe, s/he is still a stranger to you now, or some old friend who’s always been there for you since then, and old lover or someone else. Just be patient. I believe that everybody has a destined perfect, oops, there’s no such thing as perfect, destined great love story written for them. each love story has its own uniqueness. For now, just think of it. Maybe God is still busy writing the best plot for your love story. Just believe. Have faith. Someday, you’ll be with him/her.

Thanks,

JE

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan To The Beautiful You May 20 2013 Courtesy of ABS-CBN

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Home Sweet Home May 20 2013 Courtesy of GMA

T3: Reload (formerly known as T3: Kapatid, Sagot Kita!) is a news & public service show on TV5. Hosted by the Tulfo Brothers: Ben, Raffy, & Erwin. This program airs every Weekdays at 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (PST) before Aksyon. The show is simulcasted on AksyonTV

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan T3 May 20 2013 Courtesy of TV 5

Kris TV is a Philippine morning lifestyle talk show currently airing weekdays on ABS-CBN debuting June 27, 2011. It is hosted by the “Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino, who is making a talk show comeback after two years since Boy & Kris, and is more of a talk show comeback evolving from her previous solo talk show entitled Today with Kris Aquino. On June 4, 2012 the show moved to an earlier timeslot at 8:00-9:00 A.M., after Umagang Kay Ganda.

The program aims to focus on everyday lifestyle that both housewives and husbands can relate to. Aquino’s talk show varies different topics and segments not only limiting to interviews, but to daily life and close bonding moments between the audience and the special guest(s) of the day.

The show airs live Mondays to Thursdays with the normal format in the studio. The Friday show is a reality TV out-of-studio special, in which Kris travels to meet various celebrities and interview them on location.

Pinoy Tambayan | Tambayan Replay

via Pinoy Tambayan Kris TV May 20 2013 Courtesy of ABS-CBN