Latest news with #DepartmentofForeignAffairs'
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
China tells PH: Sanctions vs. Tolentino within our legal prerogative
The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday insisted its right to sanction former senator Francis Tolentino despite protests from the Philippine government, saying its action is within its legal prerogative. Chinese Ambassador Huang Xillian was summoned by the Department of Foreign Affairs' Asia-Pacific division Friday to convey its strong protest for his government's decision to ban Tolentino from traveling to mainland China, including its special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, over accusations of "egregious conduct on China-related issues." "The ambassador notified the DFA of the Philippines of China's decision to impose sanctions on former senator Francis Tolentino, and emphasized that for quite some time, driven by selfish interests, a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China's interests and China-Philippines relations," an embassy statement said. It stressed that the Chinese government is "firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests." Tolentino, who authored bills protecting the country's maritime zones in the West Philippine Sea, the stretch of waters in the South China Sea closer to the Philippines' western coast, sought reelection in last May's midterm polls, but lost. "Such sanctions fall purely within China's legal prerogative, and there are consequences for hurting China's interests," the embassy said. It warned that Tolentino's actions against China and "instigation of confrontation" will only "backfire, and ultimately harm the interest of the Philippines and Filipino people." For its part, the DFA reminded the envoy that the Philippines is a "democracy" that values "freedom of expression." "In the Philippines' adherence to the constitutional separation of powers among the three branches of government, it is the mandate of Senators and other elected officials to inquire on matters of national and public interests," the DFA said. The DFA said it is committed to addressing differences through diplomacy and dialogue while engaging China in a "constructive" manner "to promote mutual understanding." Relations between the two Asian neighbors plunged to its lowest in recent years after Chinese Coast Guard, Navy and suspected maritime militia ships have used high-pressure water cannons and dangerous maritime maneuvers to Philippine ships or vessels China has accused of entering its territorial waters illegally. An arbitral tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands in 2016 nullified China's massive claim over the resource-rich South China Sea, including areas within the waters that fall under Manila's territory. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
The Journal
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
'US military out' graffiti spray-painted on Foreign Affairs HQ during overnight protest
GARDAÍ HAVE LAUNCHED a criminal damage investigation following the appearance of anti-US military graffiti on Iveagh House in Dublin, the Department of Foreign Affairs' headquarters. At around 4am this morning, red graffiti saying 'US Military out of Shannon', 'Search the Planes' and a signature by protest group Palestine Action Éire were sprayed around the front door of the building. A number of red stains were painted on the surrounding walls. In a post on social media, Palestine Action Éire claimed that two individuals were behind the graffiti on the Department of Foreign Affairs office last night. The group criticised the department for refusing to cut 'ties with the US-Israeli military supply chain.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gníomhaíocht don Phalaistín (@pal_action_eire) It is not the first time the building has been targeted by protesters. Last August, red paint was thrown on Iveagh House during a pro-Palestine demonstration. Similarly, the building was targeted by protestors in November 2023. Advertisement In a statement this morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs said they were aware of the 'security incident' at Iveagh House early this morning, and said that gardaí are 'actively following up on the matter'. A garda spokesperson confirmed that gardaí were dispatched to the scene shortly after the building was spray-painted. 'The alarm was raised shortly after 4am following paint damage to the building's front façade,' the spokesperson said. 'The scene has undergone forensic examination and inquiries are ongoing.' Graffiti on the Iveagh House building. Palestine Action Éire Palestine Action Éire The incident follows a claim by Palestine Action Éire that three of its members were detained after breaking into Shannon Airport earlier this month. On 1 May, the group said the activists got onto the runway and attempted to inspect a US military plane, forcing the airport to shut down operations for an hour. During the incident, a white van rammed through the perimeter fence, and several people wearing orange jumpsuits, hard hats, and face coverings entered the restricted airside area. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Filipino Times
07-04-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
PH Embassy in Abu Dhabi launches Philippine e-Visa system for foreign UAE residents; first in the Middle East
Foreign residents in the UAE who want to visit the Philippines can now apply for an e-Visa online, as the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi rolls out the new system. This makes the Embassy the first—and currently the only—Philippine Foreign Service Post in the Middle East offering the e-Visa system. The service was officially launched on March 24, 2025, following the Department of Foreign Affairs' rollout in the Middle East and North Africa. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso A. Ver said the initiative supports the Philippines' goal of strengthening its ties with the UAE and its diverse international community. 'The selection of Abu Dhabi PE as the pioneering Philippine Foreign Service Post to introduce the innovative Philippine e-Visa underscores the high priority the Philippines attaches to its partnership with the UAE, recognizing the presence of over 200 nationalities that contribute to the dynamic and multicultural environment of the Emirates,' Ambassador Ver said. The e-Visa is available to foreign residents in the UAE who are required to secure a visa before entering the Philippines. Applicants must have a valid UAE resident visa and other required documents such as proof of financial capacity, similar to the requirements for a regular Philippine visa. To apply, users must register on the official e-Visa portal at Applicants also need a PayIT account (powered by First Abu Dhabi Bank) to complete the payment process online. Detailed application guidelines can be found on the Embassy's Visa Services page: The first group of e-Visa holders from the UAE arrived in the Philippines on March 28. Among them was a Lebanese national based in Dubai who works as a Regional Manager for a multinational firm in the automation and energy sector. The new system is expected to streamline the visa process and make travel to the Philippines more convenient for UAE-based expatriates.
