News Report 02 April 2019
Local
1. PH files diplomatic protest over Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island Manila Bulletin, 02 April 2019, p. 1, continued on p. 5
Malacañang announced that the government has lodged a diplomatic protest opposing the presence of more than 200 Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island. Apart from the Chinese ships, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said he also might tackle the plight of the fishermen in the West Philippine Sea amid reports some have been harassed by the Chinese coast guards when he meets Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua in the Palace Monday.
2. China allays fears of conflict over Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island Manila Bulletin, 02 April 2019, p. 5
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua made the assurance after the Philippine government moved to protest more than 200 Chinese vessels that sailed near the island located in the West Philippine Sea. He said that China is prepared to cooperate with the Philippines to verify the alleged presence of Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island and handle the issue through “friendly and diplomatic channels.”
Korea -
Economic
3. WB lowers growth forecast for PH Manila Bulletin, 02 April 2019, p. B1
Based World Bank’s Philippines Economic Update released yesterday, the country’s economy, as measured by its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is poised to grow at 6.4 percent this year, slightly lower than its earlier forecast of 6.5 percent.
According to the bank, the slightly lower GDP forecast is owing to several factors including the delay in the 2019 budget approval and the slowing down of global trade that can lead to weaker demand for Philippine exports.
4. Indonesia eases entry of Phl agri products The Philippine Star, 02 April 2019, p. B1
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Indonesia has officially lifted restrictions on local fruit exports. The Philippines has long been asking Indonesia to ease their protocols and open their market for agricultural products coming from the Philippines. Government data showed that Indonesia exports $1 billion worth of agricultural products to the Philippines mainly palm oil while allowing only a measly $50 million of exports from the Philippines.
