Ferdinand Marcos Jr

I know who is the Best!

"Malinaw ang pahiwatig natin ngayon sa buong mundo.Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipinas."

BINIGNO AQUINO II
15th President
July 25,2011

"Sabihin ko sa iyo ibinigay mo sakin,sabihin ko sa iyo putang ina.papel lang 'yan.itatapon ko 'yan sa wastebasket."

RODRIGO DUTERTE
16th President
May 5,2021

"We have on our side the 1982 UNCLOS and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award.which affirm what is ours by legal right."

FERDINAND MARCOS JR.
17th President
May 31,2024

Nothing was done on Yolanda rehab in past admins—Marcos

"Nothing was done" in the previous administrations in terms of efforts to rehabilitate areas hit by super typhoon Yolanda 11 years ago, President Marcos said.

BBM ambush interview.jpg
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel B. Pabalate)
In an interview in Tacloban City on Monday, May 20, Marcos said the heavily-hit areas, like Tacloban, have yet to fully recover from the devastating typhoon in 2013.

He said the recovery only started two years ago.

"[E]ven up to now, some of the governors, I was talking to them, some of the other officials, hindi talaga pa tayo nakapag-fully recover, hindi pa natin masasabi nakapag-fully recover na tayo sa Yolanda (we have yet to fully recover, we cannot say that we have fully recovered from Yolanda)," he said.

"[W]e only really started two years ago. Because nothing was done in the previous administration, nothing was done in the administration before that," the President further said.

Marcos also stressed that 12 years on since the deadly super typhoon, it is only now that rehabilitation measures are being done.

"So, how long, 12 years on, ngayon pa lang talaga natin inaasikaso nang mabuti (it is only now that we are dealing with it thoroughly)," he said.

"But the plan is there, we are, the funding is, will be available, whenever the schedule requires it. So yes, that’s what we are doing," he added.

MANILA BULLETIN

Ngayon sino ang pinalaki ng maayos at may takot sa Diyos?Pinalaking may respito sa kapwa marunong mag-isip!Saludo po ako saiyo!Cong. Sandro Marcos 🫰

Foreign hackers threaten PH polls
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THE Philippines will face a greater risk of cyberattacks from foreign groups, especially in the coming elections, a threat assessment presentation said.

"Cyberattacks are anticipated in the mid-term 2025 and 2028 national elections" and could disrupt the peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls, the presentation showed during the National Security Cluster Communications of the "Bagong Pilipinas" Media Engagement and Workshop held at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales, on Thursday.

The threat assessment also warned that the "misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) could become a destructive tool in (the) cognitive domain (and) have a divisive effect in the public and social order during (the) PHL election period." v

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Without directly identifying the source of the cyberthreats, the threat assessment noted that the challenge to the country's "cybersecurity defense domain" will come from "foreign adversaries."

These cyberattacks are considered "hybrid warfare" and will target information and communications technology networks of the national government and private entities, it said.

The threat assessment comes on the heels of recent cyberattacks on several government websites, believed to be mounted by Chinese hackers.

In February, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it foiled a cyberattack on various government email addresses, including that of the Philippine Coast Guard and even the private website of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

It said other targets were government Google Workspaces, specifically the domain administrators of the Cabinet Secretary, the Department of Justice, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the Congress, the National Coast Watch System, and the DICT.

Also in January, the DICT thwarted the hacking of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's web applications.

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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has assured that it has taken steps to protect the automated election system (AES) to be used in 2025 elections against cyberattacks.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the features and the wish lists that are included in the hardware, software and transmission "ensure protection against any cyberattack."

New work hours take effect in Metro Manila
Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco earlier pointed out that the AES is not connected to telecommunications providers during the voting and counting periods.

Based on the technical specifications of the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit and Count (FASTrAC), the automated counting machine (ACM) and servers will only be connected to the telcos at the point of transmission, which is after the Close Voting and Printing of the 1st 8 Election Returns (ERs).

Laudiangco said this assures that the digital results cannot be altered.

Election stakeholders in voting precincts can use printed ERs to verify the transmitted ERs in real-time at the election results website, which would be put up on election day.

A Korean technology provider, Miru Systems Co. Ltd., will be supplying the voting machines for next year's midterm elections.

In an interview on Wednesday with lawyer Maria Liavel "Lia" Badillo-Crisostomo for PrimeTimes, a program that streams on manilatimes.net and The Manila Times social media platforms, Ken Cho, Miru's Overseas Sales Department vice president, said the firm has added "new user-friendly features" to the voting machines, including a keypad which allows the blind to vote.

The machine is also a "dual system" that scans paper ballots and also uses touch-screen technology, Cho said.

Miru will also utilize internet voting technology to make voting more convenient for overseas Filipinos.

The machine also has a faster scanning of ballots of at least 200 mm per second and a higher resolution of ballot scanning, Cho said.

The machine also has a bigger screen display of at least 12 inches and a minimum screen resolution of at least 1920x1080, with a privacy screen feature.

Cho said Miru has handled elections in South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and five other countries.

"We are different from other election providers because we design, develop and manufacture our devices, both software and hardware," he said.

Cho said each country has its requirements that are tailored to its own culture.

"It's like buying a car. Some people prefer SUVs. It's really trying to understand the social and political situation of the country," he said.

Cho also brushed aside concerns raised against the company, particularly supposed election discrepancies in Congo and Iraq, saying they were "politically motivated" and came from "competitors who want to tarnish our image."

"We do not pay attention to them," Cho said.

"Our company is more technically oriented and not motivated by PR," he added.

Miru has been in business since 1999, designing, developing and manufacturing high-speed scanners.

Cho said the company started its election systems business in 2005.

"We have almost two decades of experience in the elections business, so we have gained a lot of experience," he said.

The Manila Times

Thank you, Jollibee,for proudly representing Filipino warmth and hospitality worldwide!

You spread joy to our kababayans wherever they are.We wish you more success,both here at home and around the world.

Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.
President of the Republic of the Philippines

𝐐𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐇, 𝐐𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

After more than a decade, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani will embark on a two-day State Visit to the Philippines later this month upon the invitation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The Qatari Amir will visit Manila from April 21 to 22, the Presidential Communications Office announced on Saturday.

“The two leaders are expected to exchange views on regional issues and to discuss PH-Qatar bilateral relations which now covers cooperation in the areas of labor, climate change, trade and investments, energy security, education, youth, and sports, among others,” the PCO said.

The Qatari Amir made the last State Visit to the Philippines in 2012. *PND*

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. does not see any reason to change the approach of the administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign following the success of the anti-illegal drug operation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Alitagtag, Batangas, resulting in the seizure of PhP13.3 billion worth of shabu.

Read: https://pco.gov.ph/Bloodless-campaign-against-illegal-drugs-working

'BURADO NA ANG INYONG UTANG SA LANDBANK'

Ito ang tiniyak ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa mga agrarian reform beneficiaries na ginawaran ng kani-kanilang sariling titulo sa mga lupang sakahan matapos ang higit tatlong dekadang paghihintay.

The Philippine Air Force salutes our Filipino heroes as we honor their courage and sacrifices on the occassion of the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan. From solemn ceremonies to heartfelt tributes, the spirit of valor lives on, reminding us all of the high price paid for freedom.

ABOVE ALL, WE MUST PROTECT AND DEFEND EVERY FILIPINO FROM DANGER, ATTACK, AND - WORST OF ALL - WAR.

PDEA DEBUNKS FAKE OPERATIONAL DOCUMENTS

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) debunks the false operational documents currently in circulation in social media.

Two pictures of documents were posted online; an Authority to Operate and a Pre-Operation Report, both dated March 11, 2012. PDEA ran a check through its Plans and Operations Reports Management Information System or PORMIS and found that no such operation was logged on said date. A critical feature of PORMIS is that one cannot insert or tamper with recorded operations. All pre-operation documents are serialized and recorded in this database. This ensures the system's integrity and negates any doubt on the data the system contains.

In an age where Artificial Intelligence can generate realistic fake videos, spurious documents and fantastic claims at having 'insider information', the public is cautioned to be more careful in believing such fake news.

THE NEW NATIONAL ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN UNDER “BAGONG PILIPINAS”

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) renewed its commitment to lead the country’s fight against illegal drugs in parallel with “Bagong Pilipinas” – the campaign rally of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R Marcos, Jr., or PBBM which calls for a principled, accountable, and dependable government that stirs social consciousness towards transformation, participatory governance and economic growth.

One and a half years of the PBBM administration caught a glimpse of the small wins and intangible achievements in the national anti-drug campaign. These modest successes are signs that the ruling government is on the right track and taking progressive steps to rid the country of illegal drugs.

Owing to the collaborative efforts between PDEA, and other partner government and law enforcement units, including international counterparts, a total of 55,495 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted resulting in the arrest of 75,880 drug personalities and the seizure of dangerous drugs amounting to ₱31.07 billion, from July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023- the first 18 months of President Marcos Jr.’s term.

Although the said numbers of anti-drug operations and arrests pale in comparison to the figures posted at the onset of the intense war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, or PRRD (July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017), a monumental decline of 95% in the number of drug personalities who died during anti-drug operations was observed.

The glaring dip on deaths is attributed to a pivotal shift, from a harsh approach at the time of the drug war to the present campaign where heightened attention on the conduct of intelligence-based, high-impact anti-drug operations is given much emphasis.

As a result, the seizure of 4.21 tons of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, the drug of choice among the country’s drug users; the number of high-impact anti-drug operations conducted; and the sum of apprehended high-value targeted drug personalities under the PBBM’s administration are 62%, 269% and 78% higher compared to the figures tallied during PRRD’s period, respectively.

These substantial gains are a testament to the government's resoluteness to actively pursue high-level drug traffickers and organized criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade, while at the same time turning the spotlight on the strict adherence to the rule of law, and respect for life, dignity and rights of an individual.

In an attempt to restore public confidence in the nationwide fight against dangerous drugs, PDEA and other law enforcement units have refocused their efforts to consciously apply human rights principles and practices in enforcement operations. Thus, striking the balance between an active regard for the rule of law and right to life without losing the intensity and aggressiveness of going after targeted drug personalities.

The operations are more intelligence-driven, citing its crucial role in counter-narcotics efforts, with particular consideration on the use of non-violent methods in effecting arrest of suspects, especially armed ones, with only the least amount of reasonable force required to accomplish the mission. These factors led to a dramatic plunge on drug-related deaths in contrast to PRRD’s drug war.

Drawing lessons from the past on how devastating and destructive the war on drugs can be if it is carried on by lethal force, the present government chose to adopt a more humane approach to solve the drug problem, and is breathing new life into the anti-drug drive.

Hitting the reset button, the national anti-drug campaign is enjoying a long-awaited renaissance under the “Bagong Pilipinas” brand of leadership. It has taken a new face and is working wonders. It is consistently producing small but steady wins that may lead to even bigger victories as the fight against the drug menace ploughs on.

Drug Demand Reduction Strategy

In support to the drug reformation and rehabilitation program of PBBM’s government, PDEA, together with the local government units and other government agencies, continually implements the Balay Silangan Reformation Program – a community-based endeavor aimed to build temporary shelters which house surrendering drug offenders with the objective of reforming them into self-sufficient and law-abiding members of society.

In 2023, 105 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers were established. These facilities have produced 1,854 graduates after undergoing appropriate interventions, and livelihood and skills training programs.

Since its launch in 2018, the Balay Silangan Reformation Program have built 535 reformation centers across the country that churned out 7,526 reformists; and provided employment opportunities to 2,123 individuals.

During the year, 314,917 Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) likewise underwent the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program in the barangays and are now living a renewed life.

To supplement the reparation efforts in the grassroots levels, PDEA issued Memorandum Circular No. 2023-042, or the “Protocol for Providing Assistance for Voluntary Rehabilitation and Intervention and the Creation of Regional Public Assistance Desk” that sets the stage for the institutionalization of a procedure in assisting PWUDs to gain access to appropriate intervention. So far, the Desk provided 116 drug dependents the opportunity to get the help they need.

PDEA also launched a program to empower advocates and become force multipliers in the conduct of above cited activities through training and capacity-building dubbed as “Adbokasiya LABan sa Iligal na Droga”, or simply “ALAB”. In 2023, a total of 98 Trainings of Trainers attended by 5,619 participants were conducted in all provinces and highly-urbanized cities nationwide.

Powered by a renewed conviction that human life is precious and must be saved at all costs, the government has put a premium on preserving lives ripped apart by the scourge of illegal drugs in the form of rehabilitation, interventions and social reintegration programs.

'BBM vows response to Chinese bullying'
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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(UPDATE)PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday vowed to mount a "proportionate, deliberate and reasonable" response to the "unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous attacks" by the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement released by the Palace, the President said the relevant government agencies would put together "a response and countermeasure package" in the next few weeks based on the recommendations of National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to address Chinese actions against Filipino vessels and personnel in the WPS.

"We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission or subservience. Filipinos do not yield," he said.

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The President also said the Philippines was in "constant communication" with allies, partners and friends in the international community.

"They have offered to help us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," Marcos said.

"I have given them our requirements, and we have been assured that they will be addressed," he added.

Marcos issued the statement after the China Coast Guard used water cannons against a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The attack caused heavy damage to the resupply boat and injured four servicemen.

Earlier, the National Security Council (NSC) said the President would rescind whatever agreement China may have reached on the WPS with his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, because it would be detrimental to the country's interests.

Majority of Chinese ships leave Ayungin
At the same time, Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada said his father, former president Joseph Estrada, had never agreed to tow the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin as China had claimed. He said this was confirmed by Estrada's defense secretary at the time, Orly Mercado.

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Meanwhile, journalists denounced as a "barefaced lie" Chinese accusations that they had manipulated videos of encounters in the South China Sea to make it appear that the Philippines was a victim.

Reacting to a statement from Harry Roque Jr., a former Duterte administration spokesman, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the agency was not aware of any "gentleman's agreement" between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The good former secretary should be the one to explain to the public his statements since such an agreement, if it exists, infringes [on] and violates our sovereignty as a nation," Malaya said.

"Even if such a 'gentleman's agreement' exists, it is not legally binding by its very nature. Therefore, the Marcos administration is not bound by any such agreement because it is detrimental to the national interest," he added.

Malaya said President Marcos had said he would rescind such an agreement if it existed.

"Therefore, China's repeated reference to such 'promises' serves no purpose as there is no legally binding agreement between the two countries under the Marcos administration," he added.

Malaya lamented that China had repeatedly claimed that there was a promise to remove or tow away BRP Sierra Madre from the shoal, which was being contested by Beijing as part of their territory.

"In so far as the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea is concerned, we have not seen any document from the former administration that validates or confirms the existence of this so-called gentleman's agreement and the terms of such an agreement under the previous administration," he said.

Malaya also insisted that the Philippines had not violated the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) as China claimed.

"As has been seen by the world, the Philippines has acted with self-restraint in the conduct of activities and has not acted to complicate or escalate disputes that affect peace and stability," the official said.

China, he said, is the one violating the DOC by intruding into the country's waters.

"It is China that has been continually violating the DOC by interfering with a routine resupply mission to a long-standing Philippine outpost in the WPS by water-cannoning, dangerous maneuvers, and other aggressive actions," Malaya said.

Earlier, Roque said Duterte had a "gentleman's agreement" with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea by limiting resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre to food and water for the soldiers.

HEADLINES: BBM vows response to Chinese bullying | Mar. 29, 2024

The former Palace spokesman said China was upset that the status quo was disrupted under the Marcos administration.

"But China's complaint is that the Philippines' action is opposite to what was agreed — that there would be no more sending of repair equipment. That's why that's China's reaction," Roque said in an interview with Politiko.

BRP Sierra Madre, an active Philippine Navy warship despite its dilapidated condition, was deliberately run aground off Ayungin Shoal in 1997 to serve as a military outpost and to maintain the country's sovereignty over the area amid the expansionist ambitions of China.

Filipino marines and sailors are deployed by the Navy on a rotation basis on board the BRP Sierra Madre. A routine resupply mission is conducted at least twice a month to bring food and other provisions for the troops manning the Navy ship.

But Chinese vessels have started getting aggressive to prevent the resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

This month, China Coast Guard vessels performed dangerous maneuvers and used water cannons during the March 5 and March 23 resupply missions, which damaged civilian supply boats, caused the collision of vessels and injured Filipino military personnel.

China justified its use of force by accusing the Philippine vessels of bringing construction materials to Ayungin Shoal to fix BRP Sierra Madre.

Beijing claims sovereignty over 90 percent of the South China Sea, where the smaller West Philippine Sea is located.

But in 2016, an international court in The Hague ruled that China's claims had no legal basis.

No manipulation

Also on Thursday, journalists took exception to the claims of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Manila that journalists manipulated videos of Chinese actions in the WPS.

In a statement, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) rejected and condemned claims from Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying that the Philippine press was a "troublemaker."

"The association strongly rejects and condemns the false, baseless claims by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying and the Chinese Embassy in Manila that journalists 'manipulate the videos they recorded' in the South China Sea to 'project the Philippines as a victim,'" the Focap said.

"Members of Focap include both Filipinos and foreign nationals from around the world, some of whom have [been] embedded in these Philippine missions," they added. "The claim that the Philippines 'had journalists manipulate' their footage is a barefaced lie."

They further stated that Hua's statements are "an insult to the integrity of journalists and an alarming attempt to muzzle an independent press."

The National Union of Journalists (NUJP) also took offense at Beijing's statement.

"The media is not a party to the dispute and should not be demonized by parties for airing contending views on the issue and unflattering reports on incidents in the West Philippine Sea," the group said on Wednesday in a statement.

"Contrary to the ministry's claims on its social media accounts, journalists on these missions provide on-site reports of incidents in the West Philippine Sea, often at their personal risk," they added. "Except for operational and national security considerations, state forces have no say in the production and editorial decisions on these reports."

The Manila Times

May mahigit 7,100 na isla ang Pilipinas,at isa sa pinakamahaba sa mundo ang baybayin nitong tinatayang umabot sa 36,289 kilometro.Pero alam mo bang 1/6 lamang ng kabuuang teritoryo ng Pilipinas ang mga islang ito?Mga anyong-tubig na nakapaloob at nakapalibot sa mga ito ang mas malaking bahagi (5/6) ng bansa.

-Nasaan ang karagatang Kanlurang Pilipinas o West Philippine Sea (WPS) at bakit ito mahalaga sa akin bilang Pilipino?

-Ano-ano ang karagatang pandagat o maritime entitlements ng isang bansang tulad ng Pilipinas?

-Bakit may alitan kaugnay ng West Philippine Sea/South China Sea?

-Ano ang inaangkin ng Pilipinas sa South China Sea at ano ang batayan nito?

Sa ilalim ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) ng 1982, bawat coastal state o bansang may bay-bay dagat tulad ng Pilipinas at China ay may karapatan sa:

TERRITORIAL SEA - na nasa 12 nautical miles o milyang pandagat.

CONTIGUOUS ZONE - na nasa 24 milyang pandagat.

EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE - na nasa 200 milyang pandagat at

CONTINENTAL SHELF - na nasa 200 milyang pandagat.

Sinusukat ang lahat ng ito mula sa mga BASELINE ng mga lupaing pangkontinente o pang isla ng bansa.

Sa territorial sea ,may ganap na pagsasarili ang isang coastal state,at may kapangyarihang ipatupad ang mga batas nito,samantalang sa contiguous zone naman,maaari nitong ipatupad ang mga batas sa mga aspeto ng customs,pang piskal,pang-imigrasyon at pangkalinisan.

Sa isang Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ,ang karagatang sumasaklaw sa 200 milyang pandagat mula sa mga baseline ,may mga karapatang pansoberanya ang isang coastal state upang galugarin,pakinabangan,pangalagaan at pamahalaan ang mga likas na yamang makikita rito,tulad ng mga isda at mga korales .Sa continental shelf naman,o ang lupain sa ilalim ng EEZ na umabot din ng 200 milyang pandagat mula sa mga baseline (bagaman maaari itong umabot hanggang sa 350 milyang pandagat).May karapatang eksklusibo ang isang bansa na galugarin at pakinabangan ang mga likas na yamang dito ,tulad ng langis at gas.

Malinaw na nakasaad sa UNCLOS ang mga karapatang-pandagat na ito.Pinirmahan ang UNCLOS ng 166 bansa at itinuturing na Saligang Batas ng Karagatan.Ito ang batayan ng pagkakaunawaan ,pag-uugnayan,at pagtutulungan ng mga bansa kaugnay ng usaping pandagat .

Sa isyu ng West Philippine Sea, iginiit ni Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. na anumang rekomendasyon at pag-uusap ay nararapat na naaayon sa patakaran at framework ng international law.

Aniya, ang mga operasyon ng Pilipinas sa exclusive economic zone ay para sa pagtataguyod ng mandato at karapatan ng mga Pilipino sa ilalim ng archipelagic doctrine. Hinimok din niya ang publiko na huwag magpapadala sa propaganda ng ibang bansa dahil ang nakasalalay rito ay ang kinabukasan at integridad ng bansa.

BoC: BALIK BAYAN BOXES USED FOR DRUG SMUGGLING

THE Bureau of Customs PH (BoC) issued an alert on Wednesday that balikbayan boxes were being used for drug smuggling by criminal syndicates.

Under the law, Filipinos abroad could send a maximum of three balikbayan boxes a year, free of duties and taxes, provided they only contain personal effects and household goods not exceeding P150,000.

"Sending balikbayan boxes is the simple tradition of Filipinos of giving gifts to their families and friends, but look how these criminal elements use them to smuggle illegal drugs into our country. No matter how many times they try, the full utilization of our personnel in shipment monitoring and available resources will foil any smuggling attempt," Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.

Manila to close road for FIFA World Cup qualifiers on March 25-26
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Rubio issued the statement following another seizure of "kush" or high-grade ma*****na worth P158.74 million, inside balikbayan boxes from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The attempt to smuggle 132.288 kilograms of ma*****na in vacuum-sealed packages through balikbayan boxes was foiled by the operatives of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service following a tip.

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The illegal shipment was consigned to Mary Gail Quesada and Rainier Quesada via the Marcelo D. Laylo Cargo Forwarders.

Early this month, illegal drugs worth P238.2 million hidden in balikbayan boxes from Thailand were discovered by Customs operatives at the MICP.

In February, approximately 63 kilos of dried ma*****na worth P76 million inside balikbayan boxes from Thailand were seized at the same port by BoC agents.

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The Manila Times

We have secured business deals worth USD 4 billion in Germany, the EU's economic powerhouse!

Last year's significant investments from Germany underscore their confidence in us as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific. We eagerly welcome further collaborations in climate action and energy transition.

Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.
President of the Republic of the Philippines