News Update As of March 29, 2017
(Wednesday)
1. Manila Bulletin
Benham Rise potential source of energy
The 24-million hectare Benham Rise undersea plateau east of Luzon has potential methane hydrates that could be a possible source of energy for the Philippines.
This assessment was made yesterday by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate economic affairs committee, as he conducts this morning a hearing on a proposal by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara to create a Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA). It will be the committee’s second hearing since three weeks ago.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/03/28/benham-rise-potential-source-of-energy/
2. Philippine Star
CHR: No conclusions yet on whether EJKs state-sponsored
The Commission on Human Rights said Tuesday that it is too early to conclude whether or not extrajudicial killings in the Philippines are sanctioned by the state.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/03/29/1685588/chr-no-conclusions-yet-whether-ejks-state- sponsored
3. Daily Inquirer
Duterte spends birthday with family, meets with envoys
On the eve of his 72nd birthday, President Rodrigo Duterte spent the day in Davao City meeting with ambassadors from China, the United States and Hungary who pledged support and good ties.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/884650/duterte-spends-birthday-with-family-meets-with- envoys#ixzz4cg6u60J6
4. Manila Times
PH, China to craft sea row mechanism
THE Philippines and China have agreed to set up a mechanism on how to “properly handle” maritime disputes and representatives from both countries will meet in May to craft a bilateral scheme,
Malacañang said on Tuesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/ph-china-craft-sea-row-mechanism/319760/
