Hospitals Should Admit Emergency-Case Patients or Face Severe Penalties

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Hospitals may face harsher penalties and even revocation of their license to operate if they continue to refuse admission to patients who fail to make advance payments or deposit.

The bill amending Republic Act 8344 or ‘An Act Prohibiting Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the Confinement or Treatment of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Certain Cases’ was filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Hontiveros, a known health advocate, said that she is ready to go against private hospitals “if lives and rights of patients are at stake”.

Erring hospital administrators may face up to 6 years imprisonment, a fine of 1 million pesos and on repeated violations may cause revocation of the license to operate. On a lighter note, however, Hontiveros shared that her proposed legislation would provide incentives to hospitals that comply, including tax deductions, to encourage the partnership of public and private hospitals to close the healthcare gap.

The newly-elected senator said that the strengthening of the current law against hospital deposits is urgent, citing cases of private and public health facilities refusing to admit patients that have led to miscarriage and death. “We will expand the definition of ‘emergency’ by including women in active labor and at risk of miscarriage and fetal distress”, Hontiveros explained.

“Providing healthcare should not be just a money venture; it should first and foremost be a public service”, Hontiveros said. Hospitals have a social responsibility of contributing to the accessibility and availability of healthcare services in the country, she concluded.

Appstart Academy: Creating Apps and Bridging Gaps

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In our world, there are those who create and design bridges. Structures that are integral in getting others to their destinations. Coming as a mission to help others erase the distance between them and their goals, Technopreneur Ann Jacobe along with her team have built a school from the ground up, a school that will launch students in the ever changing world of App Development- Appstart Academy.

 

An Awesome Headstart

Appstart Academy is built with the concept of progression in mind. With a constantly-evolving program that fits well with the demands of the times. To set things off is a 12-week immersive program that will enable students to launch their own iOS app in the said timeframe. “We believe that the process is as precious as the outcome. You will create as you learn and we are looking forward to that.” says Ann Jacobe. 

Breaking and Reaching

Opening their doors this coming June 20, this is more than just a school, it’s a place where barriers are broken and goals are reached. Where visionaries can finally make their ideas happen, where everything can now be applied to something actual and workable. With a roster of knowledgeable iOS experts and the vast international network, students can launch their dream apps soon. 

Going Global

Equipped with competitive learning strategies that match international standards, Appstart Academy guarantees an immersive learning experience that can catapult their students to global status. Appstart Academy is designed to introduce each student to vast and rich fields of opportunities here in the Philippines and beyond. With globally competitive apps under their belts at the end of the program, the possibilities are endless.

Appstart Academy is located at Unit 221 Atrium Bldg, Makati Avenue, Makati Philippines

Interested parties may visit http://www.appstartacademy.io/ or call (02) 828 2298 for inquiries.

Ethiopian Airlines Anticipates its Dreamliner Service with 787 Dream Adventure Treat

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In time for its 70th anniversary globally and first in the Philippines, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and aviation technology leader, is about to welcome its 787 Dreamliner, a new generation Boeing aircraft, to service the Manila – Addis Ababa Route. To celebrate this milestone, Ethiopian Airlines is offering travel deals from Manila to dream destinations in Africa, America and Europe via Ethiopian Airlines 787 Dream Adventure Treat.

For a minimum spend of $787 [US Dollar] for Economy Class and $1787 [US Dollar] for Business Class, passengers from Manila are given roundtrip travel opportunities to over 90 international destinations all over the world including Addis Ababa, Cairo and Capetown in Africa; Paris, Rome, Madrid, London and Frankfurt in Europe; and Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Toronto and Sao Paulo in the Americas.

For flights with long layovers, Ethiopian Airlines provides a free stopover to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, which covers meals and transit visas.

Ethiopian Airlines also provides travel time-out opportunities to passengers who would like to break their journey to explore and stay longer in Addis Ababa for an additional fee. Tour recommendations are generously provided to those interested to explore the country.

Ethiopian Airlines has won various awards for its exceptional international services, playing a significant role in connecting Africa to the rest of the globe. Winning the 2016 and 2013 Skytrax Award for Best Airline Staff Service in Africa, and the Passenger’s Choice Award for Best Airline, it operates new, ultra-modern, and environment-friendly aircraft and provides exceptional in-flight service for both economy class and “Cloud Nine” (business class) passengers.

For its exclusive 787 Dream Adventure promo, Economy Class flyers get to enjoy a total of 46kg baggage allowance, inclusive of fresh and varied meals of the highest quality, and a complete range of beverages including a choice of excellent red and white wine.

Ethiopian Airlines passengers flying on “Cloud Nine”, its Business Class service, are entitled to 64-66kg baggage allowance, a personal in-flight entertainment system, full-course meals made by proficient and experienced chefs, and a selection of signature drinks that can be enjoyed as aperitif or compliment to their meals.

For flight bookings, please visit www.ethiopianairlines.com or call the Ethiopian Airlines Reservations Office (632)8489878/79, (632)5222095 or (632) 5224869. For more information on destination packages to Ethiopia, please visit https://www.ethiopianholidays.com/

Promo period is from 15 July 2016 to 15 August 2016. Travel period is from 1 August 2016 to 1 August 2017.

Surfing the Menu: Next Generation on TLC

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This July 18, Dan Churchill and Hayden Quinn of Surfing the Menu: Next Generation are taking you to an exciting adventure in Australia with GiGi, their trusty, rusty fifty-year-old VW Bug.

On the journey they learn to sail, four-wheel-drive in the desert, drive cattle on an outback cattle station, share a Tongan feast, snorkel on the Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reefs, catch mud crabs, swim with Manta Rays and prove that they’re possibly the worst, or perhaps the unluckiest fishermen in Australia.

They share experiences with indigenous communities like looking for native bees that nest underground, swim at a secret waterfall, search for bush medicines and bush foods, ride horses, and surf in some remarkable locations.

Along the way, they meet passionate producers of everything from heritage tomatoes, cheeses, beef, goats, mangoes, herbs, exotic mushroom, shrimp, rum, salt and everything in between. Then the boys turn these fresh ingredients into simple, healthy and delightfully delicious recipes that will inspire you.

Join Dan and Hayden as they explore Australia one dish at a time on Surfing the Menu: Next Generation on TLC at 9pm. Channel 62 (Skycable), channel 53 (Destiny Cable), channel 29 (Cignal), channel 26 (Dream Sattelite TV), channel 32 (Sky Direct).

Bill to Exempt Startups From Taxes on First Two Years – Senator Bam Aquino

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Speaking in the Cebu press launch of the upcoming Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) international tech conference, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV announced that he is refiling a bill exempting startups from taxes on their first two years of operation.

Senator Bam Aquino has consistently shown support to startups or innovation-driven enterprises based on apps, saying proper support for the homegrown startup community may yet produce the next Facebook or Twitter.

“The bill encourages the growth of more Filipino startups by giving them enough time to stand on their own. This reaffirms the government’s recognition of the importance of startups and commitment to innovation,” said Senator Bam Aquino.

Filed by Senator Bam Aquino last May 7, 2014 as Senate Bill 2217, the Startup Business Bill which was not made into law in the previous congress will be refiled by the senator after the opening of the 17th Congress later this month.

He will also be giving a keynote speech during the fourth GOAB, a one of a kind conference that combines the latest tech development with a fun environment which will be held in Bellevue Hotel in Panglao, Bohol this August 25-26, 2016.

Impact Hub Fellowship on Sustainable Energy Solutions with WWF and PEF

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The deadline, July 24, 2016, of the Impact Hub Fellowship on Sustainable Energy Solutions with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) is fast approaching.

With the aim to build a better Philippines by searching for innovations in the energy field, specifically Renewable energy, Energy efficiency, Access to energy (off-grid solutions), Energy systems, Energy reduction, and basically anything which has to do with energy, the fellowship encourages everyone to come forth with innovative solutions.

The highlights of ideas and enterprises who applied in the last weeks (Powergrass, BioCoal and Sustainable Alternative Lighting – SALt) are on the crowdicity page: https://impacthubmanila.crowdicity.com

PEF, WWF together with Impact Hub Manila supports the best and most innovative ideas and business enterprises which address the need for sustainable energy solutions through the Impact Hub Fellowship Program. It is an incubation program for startups which focus on renewable energy; energy efficiency, access to energy and off­grid solutions, energy systems plus energy consumption reduction. WWF Philippines President & CEO Joel Palma said, “With our partners, we are excited to search for innovative ideas and enterprises which are aligned with our core values and objectives.” 

The Fellowship program is designed to attract, select and support impact­oriented entrepreneurs and help them realize their innovations for a more sustainable world. “Being topic focused in our delivery of fellowship programsis unique in the incubator / accelerator space and ensures that we are targeting the key pressing,” said Lizan Kuster, co­founder of ImpactHub Manila. Participants are given the chance to winmore than₱​2.5 million worth of fellowship prizes. This includes ₱1.5 million seed funding, skill development trainings, mentorship, access to a stimulating workspace at Impact Hub Manila and valuable networks. “We doubled and tripled the number of fellows we will support for this year from just one startup team the last time which enables us to support more entrepreneurs,” Kuster added. 

Aspiring entrepreneurs or early­stage startups are welcome to apply,though the startup teams applying must be able to register their business in the Philippines and be able to work and live in the Philippines as well. Applications were open from June 16, 2016 until July 24, 2016 on http://www.impacthub.ph/incubation­fellowship­energy­wwf­pef. Impact Hub Manila in collaboration with WWF and PEF conducted idea development workshop on June 22, 2016 and pitching workshop until July 21, 2016. The teams must submit their business plan as an entry for the Fellowship Program. Fifteen startups will be chosen to pitch in front of a panel of judges. The selected six to eight startups will participate in a six­ week business training program, called the Kick Program. Two to three teams will be selected as winning fellows of the program. These fellows will be incubated for six months. At the incubation phase,the Fellows will undergo further training to have their enterprise be ready for investment, and further customer validation of their product or service network.

Iya Villania Continues to Trust Claritin: The Expert Against Allergies

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The Claritin Allergy 101 event re-introduces 7-month pregnant Filipino celebrity Iya Villania, who's soon to be a mother to a baby boy, as brand ambassador. 

An event held on July 13, 2016 at Cafe Naya of The Palace in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, to one again feature the Loratadine antihistamine as RediTabs (10 mg orally disintegrating tablets) which melts in your mouth as soon as you put the tablet in. The event also gave everyonean overview about Allergy, and how Claritin remains to be the number one brand to treat allergies.

We learned that Iya is allergic to cats, specifically to husband Drew Arellano's pet cat, but thanks to Claritin, she can cope with the allergic reaction. I wanted to ask if she finally encouraged her husband to get rid of the cat but I assumed the pet was allowed to stay because Claritin anti-allergy was effective or "expert" enough to do the trick.

Needless to say, Claritin is also safe for pregnant and lactating women. But just to be sure, always consult the experts - your doctors - since we all know that we may have different reactions to certain medicines. Claritin also has a version for kids so no worries just in case the baby inherits the allergy. You'll Claritin's Chewable Tablets. The great taste, convenient packaging and non- drowsy formula allows children to enjoy life without suffering any allergic reaction. They can literally ‪#‎stopandsmelltheflowers‬ without fearing any symptoms to occur.

During the event, they had a guest doctor who gave us an overview about allergies and its different kinds. She also answered inquiries from the attendees, and my question about tests or procedures we could take if we want want to know in advance what are we allergic to. 

Heighten your Swiss Chocolate Experience with Toblerone Fruit and Nut

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Toblerone has a new way to excite Filipino Chocolate Lovers. For a limited time, Toblerone Fruit and Nut will be available in the Philippines. Now, Manila foodies will have the chance to taste this international sensation!

Made with premium chocolate packed in a unique shape reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, Toblerone Fruit and Nut heightens your dessert and snacking experience with its crunchy almonds and juicy California raisins. The sweetness of the raisins and the texture of the almonds highlight the creamy and silky 100% Swiss-made chocolate. It is definitely an exquisite taste to savor.

Elevate your Swiss chocolate experience with #TobleroneFruitandNut and feel the whirl of different flavors in one triangular goodness!

Pascual Laboratories, Inc. and WWF Promote Environment and Health Solutions

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Climate change and human health are closely interlinked.

A study from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows how climate change can spread vector-borne diseases like malaria. Climate change causes 6% of global malaria cases and many communities in Asia and Africa will suffer from new disease outbreaks. In the Philippines, flooding caused by excessive rainfall and typhoons have spurred rising incidences of dengue and leptospirosis.

Since 2012, leading environmental solutions-provider World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) and top Filipino pharmaceutical company Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab) through the company’s SEED (Sowing to Empower, Educate and Develop) CSR initiative, have been instilling climate change and health solutions through a revitalized education program headed by WWF’s Environmental Education (EE) unit. The program has taught over 6400 students, engaged 1405 parents, trained 32 teachers and covered 10 schools.

Kalakasan, Kalikasan is a multiyear EE program that establishes the link between climate change and wellness, highlighting simple ways for Filipinos to protect their health while minimizing their ecological impacts.

“Many diseases stem from changing weather patterns,” explains WWF EE Unit Head Ruel Bate. “Strong rains can turn ditches into stagnant pools, which can be prime breeding spots for mosquitoes that carry viruses like dengue. Identifying practical solutions to these problems – like clearing areas in our homes which can become breeding grounds for insects or ridding our homes of anything which can gather standing water – are effective climate adaptation measures. Our aim is simple – to promote better health through a healthy environment.” 

Ramco Systems Enters Philippines

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Triggered by the success seen with the winning of 5 new clients in the last few quarters, Ramco Systems, a leading enterprise software provider on Cloud, Mobile and Tablets, has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Philippines under the name Ramco System Inc.

As the second largest populated nation in ASEAN, Philippines has been witnessing the fastest economic growth among the ASEAN countries. To better address the market opportunity arising in Philippines, Ramco Systems has set up an office, its fourth in the region and 21st, globally. Ramco’s new office will employ local innovators, at a time when the Philippines IT sector moves beyond business process outsourcing – a pillar of economic growth in recent years – to include implementation of cloud-based technology to transform local enterprises in the area of ERP, HR, Payroll, Aviation and Logistics.

Commenting on the expansion, P R Venketrama Raja, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Ramco Systems, said, “A buoyant economy and drive to embrace disruptive technologies is driving enterprises in Philippines to invest in latest technologies. We are opening an office in Manila to enable local enterprises to leapfrog to cloud technology and derive significant business benefits. Given the excellent technical manpower in Philippines – it will also serve as a base for addressing our clients in the ASEAN region. With focus on innovation and cloud, we look forward to becoming the region’s most favored cloud enterprise software provider.”

With Singapore as the regional headquarters, and offices in Malaysia and Hong Kong, Ramco Systems in ASEAN has seen a steady growth for all three product offerings – ERP, HCM and Aviation MRO. For the year ended March 31, 2016, Asia Pacific (including ANZ) contributed 29% to the overall revenue. The company recently set up an ‘Innovation Lab’ in Singapore funded by the Singapore Government with anchor partner Air France Industries & KLM Engineering (AFIKLM). While Innovative offerings get tested in Singapore, Ramco in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) has transformed itself into an R&D and support hub for HR & Global Payroll requirements.

In the photo" L-R:  P.R. Venketrama Raja, Founder, Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Ramco Systems, Subbaraman Ramaswamy, Asia Business Head, Ramco Systems and Raman Aiyar, Head-ERP at Ramco Systems

Hontiveros Bats for Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage for PWDs

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Senator Risa Hontiveros filed on Tuesday a bill providing persons with disabilities (PWDs) mandatory health insurance under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

The proposed legislation known as an "Act Providing for Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage for All Persons with Disabilities" seeks to provide PWDs better access to long-term medical care.

Hontiveros, who is also a former PhilHealth director, said her bill is an "equalizer." She said PWDs must have a law to strengthen their medical rights to ensure their full participation in society on an equal basis with others.

"While PWDs get 20% discount on medicines, medical and dental services, it is not enough to cover their array of health concerns. Majority of them are poor and cannot afford the rising costs of medical care. Given their condition, their likelihood to need medical assistance is greater," Hontiveros explained.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that there are 1.4 million PWDs in the Philippines. However, Hontiveros said the number of PWDs might be bigger since benefits afforded by current laws to the sector are not enough to encourage universal registration under local government units or PhilHealth.

Hontiveros cites revenues from sin tax collection for her proposed legislation.

Heliconia Supports One Championship to Grow Sports Media and Entertainment Industry in Asia

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), has announced that it has entered into definitive agreements with a consortium-led by Heliconia Capital Management (“Heliconia”) for an investment into the company.

With this new partnership, ONE Championship will continue to expand and break new ground, and increase the number of live Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events across Asia, especially in China.

Chatri Sityodtong, Founder and Chairman of ONE Championship, stated: “In less than five years, ONE Championship has grown into a global brand with a broadcast reach to over 1 billion homes across 118 countries around the world. We have consistently broken attendance records at many of the largest stadiums across Asia. I expect to see an acceleration in business fundamentals across the board for ONE Championship. My team and I are fully committed to building a global business with strong ethics and values such as integrity, respect, humility, courage and inspiration. As Asia’s largest sports media property and the 2nd largest MMA organization in the world, ONE Championship will benefit significantly from Heliconia’s ecosystem, network, and resources.”

MMA is currently the fastest growing sport, accelerating exponentially by over 30 times in the past 10 years. In the past five years, ONE Championship has accelerated the growth of MMA in Asia as the market leader, organising live events across the region and broadcasting around the world.

Derek Lau, CEO of Heliconia stated: “We believe ONE Championship can potentially be the next big thing for consumers in Asia. They have the right product for Asia, they understand Asia and know how to monetise the value proposition in various ways in the New Economy. We are really excited to see ONE Championship taking the lead in the coming years to grow the sports media and entertainment industry in Asia.”

Lee Ark Boon, CEO of IE Singapore, said: “Traditional media and entertainment companies in Asia are facing strong headwinds with declining content sales and advertising revenues. ONE Championship’s foresight to identify and create unique content with global appeal illustrates the need for our companies to embrace new business models and transform themselves into globally competitive companies.”

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I believe this partnership marks the beginning of a long and fruitful journey to bring ONE Championship to the rest of the world. Heliconia is a well-respected investment firm with the expertise, resources and contacts across Asia. For us, this investment by Heliconia represents a strong vote of confidence and a belief in the value that ONE Championship can bring. This partnership will unlock additional markets and opportunities for ONE Championship.”

ONE Championship has consistently partnered with the best blue chip global brands around the world such as Disney, Facebook, Marvel, Under Armour, Sony, Universal Music Group, L'Oreal, and others. It currently has a roster of the best local and international athletes and champions in Asia. ONE Championship is dedicated to developing these athletes into true Asian heroes to inspire fans across Asia.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA.

Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on the Spate of Extrajudicial Killings

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I join the government in its desire to rid the country of crime and illegal drug trafficking. The people deserve a peaceful environment, free of crime. We must respect everyone's right to pursue his or her aspirations without fear.

I am extremely concerned over the spate of extrajudicial killings happening all over the country. I am worried that lawless elements and public officials with less commitment to the rule of law are taking advantage of the government's anti-crime campaign to cover up higher crimes. President Rodrigo Duterte's camp had even said that this might be part of a design to protect big-time criminals.

I therefore support any legislative inquiry that will seriously look into the cases of extrajudicial killings and summary executions allegedly done in the name of fighting crime. Contrary to the claim that this will undermine the government's anti-crime initiative, an impartial inquiry will actually contribute in preventing it from being hijacked by vested interests while safeguarding the rights of all citizens. The government's effort to protect the public from crime and illegal drug trafficking must not sow fear among the public and encourage vigilantism. It must not be tainted by abuse and other excesses.

Fighting crime and safeguarding the rights of all citizens are not mutually exclusive of one another. They co-exist. President Duterte himself said during his inauguration that his adherence to due process and rule of law is uncompromising. I trust that the administration will prosecute its anti-crime campaign based on the said standards

Huawei Turns Over 100 Laptops to Ayala Foundation for Globe Telecom’s Global Filipino Schools Program

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Global information and communications technology solutions provider Huawei Technologies Philippines, Inc. supports the Global Filipino Schools Program of Globe Telecom, Inc. and Ayala Foundation, Inc. as it turns over 100 laptops for use of public elementary schools under the program.

While Globe provides internet access to both teachers and students in GFS schools, additional devices such as the donated laptops are needed to allow more students to explore the internet and learn applications which are critical in ushering 21st century learning in public schools.

“It is Huawei’s commitment to bridge the digital divide where everyone can link up and openly collaborate. At the same time, we continue to work with our customers and partners like Globe to build a better connected world. Through this donation, we hope to give an opportunity to teachers and students in different parts of the Philippines to enjoy high-quality educational materials right at their fingertips,” said Jacky Gao, Huawei Philippines Chief Executive Officer.

Fernando Esguerra, Globe Director for Citizenship said: “Globe believes in the power of technology to forward 21st century learning in public schools nationwide. We want to improve the digital skills among the teachers and students particularly in using technology and computer software, thus, this donation from Huawei would be of great help in increasing student engagement in the classroom and in enabling them to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.”

There are currently 20 public schools across the country which have been transformed into GFS centers of excellence even as Globe continues to forge partnerships with the regional offices of the Department of Education to scale the program and cover all 221 school divisions nationwide within a five-year period. So far, GFS has benefited 41,038 students and 7,227 public school teachers who have been trained as Global Filipino Teachers.

AFI serves as the implementing arm of Globe this year for eight schools under GFS which include the beneficiaries of the donation such as Sta. Cruz Elementary School in Albay and Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX) Batangas, among others.

"We wish to thank Globe and Huawei for this valuable partnership which will enable us to serve more young people through various tools and techniques. Technology is indeed a great enabler and with these gifts from Huawei, more young minds will enjoy the wonders of information and creative learning," said Ruel Maranan, President of AFI.

Aside from providing support to the education advocacy of Globe, Huawei also adopted the latter’s Project 1 Phone electronic waste recovery and recycling program that aims to recover e-wastes from mobile phones and portable devices to promote proper disposal. Proceeds of P1P will also help build more Global Filipinos Schools across the Philippines.

Huawei has already turned over to Globe approximately 2000 kilograms of assorted e-wastes coming from old and decommissioned corporate assets and personal donations from employees since January this year.

The photo above shows (L-R): Fernando Esguerra, Globe Director for Citizenship; Bruce Liu, Huawei Philippine VP for Sales; Romualdo Katigbak, CFO of Ayala Foundation, Inc.; and Margarita Limcauco, Project Officer of AFI.

DOE: We Will Follow DFA Lead In Studying Arbitral Ruling

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Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi today said the Department of Foreign Affairs together with all other government agencies concerned will thoroughly study the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration under Annex VII of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines with regard to maritime entitlements in the South China Sea.

“The DOF will be assessing the over-all implications of the verdict in coordination with other agencies of the government among them the Department of Energy," Cusi said.

“The Philippines reiterates its abiding commitment to pursue a peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea and promote peace and stability in the region through diplomacy and consultations,” Cusi concluded.