• Philippines’ lawyers wrap up first round of arguments at Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague
• Flood control projects continue, says Palace official
• Palace suspends work in government offices in National Capital Region
• President Aquino declares July 17 a regular holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr
• Indonesian government to be updated on filing of charges against Veloso’s illegal recruiters
• Philippines counsels explain further country’s case at UN Arbitration Tribunal

The news bulletin said that “during the morning hearing, Professor Philippe Sands briefly addressed questions propounded by a member of the tribunal from yesterday’s (Wednesday’s) hearing. Advocates Lawrence H. Martin, Professor Bernard H. Oxman and Paul S. Reichler took turns presenting arguments involving various points on why the Philippines’ claims fall squarely within the jurisdiction of the tribunal.”

“For the afternoon hearing, Professor Alan Boyle presented to the tribunal arguments regarding the strength of the Philippines’ environmental and fishing claims against China. Professor Philippe Sands closed the First Round of Arguments by summarizing the submissions of the Philippines presented in the course of the hearings,” the news bulletin further stated. PND (jm)

Meanwhile, he said, the government’s long-term flood control projects include the building of large-scale infrastructure that will be completed by 2035.

Secretary Coloma however noted that the government’s flood control efforts appear to be taking effect.

Despite the heavy rains, he said, floods have been subsiding quickly.

“Nakikita naman natin na humuhupa ito at wala namang nararanasang malubhang pagbaha sa maraming bahagi ng ating Kamaynilaan, bagamat tuloy-tuloy ang buhos ng ulan dahil nga sa monsoon rains,” he said.

The Habagat southwest monsoon, enhanced by a weather disturbance, has caused heavy rains in the country, especially in Luzon. Some areas have reported flooding, forcing local governments to suspend classes and office work. PND (as)

Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular No. 78, suspending all work in government offices starting 3 p.m., based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as the Habagat southwest monsoon has been enhanced by Typhoon “Falcon”.

The work suspension however did not cover “agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or performance of other vital public services.”

Meanwhile, classes in all levels, both public and private, in the NCR have already been cancelled.

On Monday, the NDRRMC also recommended the suspension of work in government offices and classes in all levels, both public and private, due to Typhoon “Egay”. PND (ag)

The proclamation, signed by the President last Monday (July 6), is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9177.

“The proclamation aims to provide an opportunity for the entire Filipino people to join our Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony to observe and celebrate Eid’l Fitr, which marks the first day of the end of the 30-day fasting period of Ramadan,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

By declaring July 17 a regular holiday, the religious and cultural significance of Eid’l Fitr could be brought to the fore of national consciousness, the proclamation read.

Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim world for three days at the end of the month of fasting. PND (as)

“Kasama ito sa impormasyon na ipararating natin sa pamahalaan ng Indonesia para mabatid nila na mula nang sumuko, o nag-voluntarily turn in ang tinutukoy nating alleged illegal recruiter, ay nagkaroon na ng progreso doon sa case buildup, at ayon nga sa iniulat ngayon ay inihahanda na ang paghain ng paratang laban sa kanila. Kaya’t ito ay magiging bahagi ng ating pagbibigay ng update sa Indonesian government,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing at the Palace on Thursday.

Convicted by the Indonesian court of drug trafficking, the 30-year-old Veloso was set for execution last April 29. She however obtained a last-minute reprieve after the Indonesian government was informed that her illegal recruiter had surfaced.

In her testimony, Veloso claimed Sergio promised to find her a job in Malaysia for a fee. She said that in Malaysia, she was told to proceed to Indonesia, where she was promised a job as domestic helper. She said she was unaware that the suitcase given to her as a gift contained illegal drugs.

Secretary Coloma said the government is determined to protect Veloso and defend her rights.

“Nananatili ang determinasyon ng ating pamahalaan na bigyan siya ng proteksyon at ipagtanggol ang kanyang mga karapatan. Batid din natin na inihahanda na ang paghahain ng usapin laban doon sa mga umano’y illegal recruiters na nagdala kay Mary Jane sa ibang bansa at nagsangkot sa kanya sa human trafficking at alleged illegal drug trafficking activities,” he said. PND (jm)

Valte said in a bulletin on Thursday that during the morning hearing, Professor Philippe Sands briefly addressed questions propounded by a member of the tribunal from yesterday’s hearing.

“Advocates Lawrence H. Martin, Professor Bernard H. Oxman and Paul S. Reichler took turns presenting arguments involving various points on why the Philippines’ claims fall squarely within the jurisdiction of the tribunal,” Valte said.

For the afternoon hearing, Professor Alan Boyle presented to the tribunal arguments regarding the strength of the Philippines’ environmental and fishing claims against China.

Valte said that Professor Philippe Sands closed the First Round of Arguments by summarizing the submissions of the Philippines presented in the course of the hearings.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague that the South China Sea dispute “goes to the very heart” of the so-called Constitution for the Oceans–the UNCLOS.

Del Rosario said on Tuesday that it is not just the Philippines’ claims against China that rest in the tribunal’s hands but in the spirit of UNCLOS itself.

In submitting its case, the Philippines is not asking the tribunal to rule on the territorial sovereignty aspect of its disputes with China, according to Del Rosario.

“We are here because we wish to clarify our maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, a question over which the Tribunal has jurisdiction,” he told the tribunal.

“This is a matter that is most important not only to the Philippines, but also to all coastal States that border the South China Sea, and even to all the States Parties to UNCLOS.”

China violates UNCLOS by asserting its “historic rights” established by its 9-dash line, Del Rosario explained.

The 9-dash line is China’s demarcation to claim virtually the entire South China Sea. The Philippines does not recognize China’s historic rights through the 9-dash line.

Del Rosario further told the tribunal that if China can defy the limits placed by the convention on its maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, and disregard the entitlements of the Philippines under the convention, then UNCLOS will have no value for small states parties as regards their bigger and more powerful neighbors. PND (as)