Democratic contraction in Southeast Asia | New Mandala

Democratic contraction in Southeast Asia | New Mandala
Bridget Welsh,  5 JANUARY 2016

2015 was the year authoritarian governments struck back against democratic pressures.

The story of 2015 in Southeast Asia was Myanmar’s November election. In giving the National League for Democracy and its leader Aung San Suu Kyi a landslide, Myanmar citizens signaled their strong support for democratic change and better governance.

These calls have been loud in recent years — in Malaysia’s 2008 and 2013 elections, in Thailand’s repeated electoral victories for a non-military aligned government, in Cambodia’s 2013 and Singapore’s 2011 polls as well as strong electoral support for democracy in the Philippines and Indonesia. Democratic pressures on Southeast Asian governments have been increasing, and are not likely to recede in the near future.

2015 was the year authoritarian governments in the region struck back. Behind the Myanmar headlines there is a worrying trend of a significant democratic contraction taking place. The use of the authoritarian arsenal by Southeast Asian governments are not new, but in the course of the year regional governments expanded their use of incumbency and control of institutions to shore up their positions.

The most obvious trend has been the increased use of repression, especially targeted toward opposition politicians and critics. In Malaysia, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was jailed in February. In Thailand, a trial began against ousted PM Yingluck Shinawarta as she was denied the right to travel. In Cambodia, opposition politicians were physically attacked. The leader of the opposition Sam Rainsy has delayed his return to Cambodia from November as a result of jail threat. Malaysia has the highest number of opposition politicians facing various charges from sedition to violations of banking finance regulations.

The threats opposition members across the region face in calling for change extend from being physically attacked on the campaign trial (as occurred for Myanmar’s Naing Ngan Lin NLD candidate who was slashed by a machete) to potential bankruptcy.

The use of the law for political ends moves beyond opposition members. Journalists and bloggers remain targeted. Radio reporter Jose Bernardo was shot dead at a restaurant in Manila in November. He joins the other 77 journalists who have been killed in the Philippines since 1992, making this country one of the most dangerous places for media professionals in the world.

Myanmar tops the region’s list with the most number of journalists jailed, pipping Vietnam this year who released some of its bloggers. Notably, blogger Ta Phong Tan was released after 10 years in jail. The situation for bloggers in Vietnam remains serious, with a number of incidents where bloggers and associates were beaten up in mysterious circumstances rather than jailed. In Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong won his defamation case against a blogger critic Roy Ngerng, who was asked to pay PM Lee S $150,000. Lee joins Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak as the second current leader in the region who filed charges for public criticism.

The crackdowns on freedom of expression extend to ordinary citizens, from artists and academics to taxi drivers.

Young Chaw Sandi Tun was sentenced to six months jail for insulting Myanmar’s army in her Facebook post noting the similarity in color between the Tatmadaw’s uniform and the opposition leader’s clothing. In Thailand, the cases involving lese majeste have extended the boundaries to include insults to the king’s dog. Thanakorn faces up to 15 years in jail for this reference, and joins a long list of cases that have involved jailing of university students for a play, taxi cab conversations, novelists and more.

A mother of two was sentenced to 28 years for her Facebook comments, while a hotel employee received 56 years for his posts in August as part of the lese majeste unending prosecutions. Cartoonist Zunar in Malaysia faces up to 43 years for his satirical art work. These developments have had chilling effects on public discourse. Even in more open Indonesia, discussion of the 1965 attacks on communists were shut down.

As power has been used to quiet alternative voices, the rule of law itself has faced erosion. In some cases the law is not being implemented. In July, the co-Investigating International judge Mark Harmon of the Khmer Rouge tribunal in Cambodia resigned his position after the tribunal declined to arrest two former Khmer Rouge leaders for whom the court had issued warrants.

Despite having the technology to find the daughter separated from her mother Indira Gandhi for seven years by a husband who is abusing religion in a personal vendetta against his ex-wife, the Malaysian police have proven to be unwilling to use its tools to follow the court order to return the daughter to the mother.

In other cases, constitutional frameworks protecting rights have been by-passed through the introduction of military courts – as has been the case in Thailand and called for in Malaysia – and new measures that empower leaders to declare ‘security areas’ without checks on their authority, as occurred with the hurried passage of the National Security Council law in Malaysia. This law is being seen as a measure that will allow unpopular Prime Minister Najib to stay in office if he loses an election. In Myanmar, there are potential laws being considered that may give military impunity for alleged past crimes.

The area where the laws are under real scrutiny continues to be corruption. 2015 showcased some shocking scandals.

In Malaysia the 1MDB $700 million ‘donation’ into Najib’s personal accounts remains inadequately explained, as the rule of law has not been properly applied to the premier and impunity appears to have allowed the premier to hold onto office even with his personal reputation in shatters. Efforts to undermine Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the recent demands for payments from Freeport to politicians to conduct business have showcased that persistent problem of bribery, lack of transparency and abuse of position.

From corruption concerns tied to the Aquino administration in the Philippines to persistent effects of corruption trails associated with Vietnam’s elite, there lacks effective leadership in tackling the region’s most serious governance problem. The end effect is that leaders at the top are seen to engage in graft, reinforcing a system where office is used for personal wealth rather than public service.

Control over resources and alliances with cronies remains a dominant feature of Southeast Asia’s political economy. Four countries in the region – Malaysia (3), Singapore (5), Philippines (6), Indonesia (10) – were in The Economist’s crony capitalist list, which measures the favoritism of wealth toward tycoons and politically-affiliated business interests.

Measures to enhance this favoritism expanded in 2015 through the introduction of consumption taxes in Malaysia and Myanmar, regulations that facilitated more burning rather than less in the haze-affected region in Indonesia and service fees in areas such as tolls to crony-companies. The region’s most vulnerable populations are feeling the economic pain, with depreciating currencies and a slowdown in growth in the region as a whole. These conditions have contributed to conditions where the use of state resources through populist policies have boosted incumbent governments, a factor that contributed to the People’s Action Party’s September 2015 electoral victory.

Those on the margins are being particularly impacted, with serious implications for rights. Southeast Asia was not immune from the global refugee crisis affecting over 60 million people worldwide. Conditions affecting the livelihoods of the Rohingyas in Myanmar remain severe, with conditions in camps across the region not much better. The shocking findings of death camps in Thailand and Malaysia involving torture, rape and human and organ trafficking in May have yet to be properly accounted for.

One reason for this lack of accountability lies with the upgrade the Obama administration gave Malaysia on its human trafficking assessment in the wake of the discovery of the gruesome murders. The Obama administration’s sell out of human rights principles was especially acute in 2015, where interests associated with the Trans-Pacific Partnership overrode other concerns.

From questions tied to the trial of Burmese migrant workers in killing British backpackers Thailand to the persistent practice of ‘sea slaves’ with citizens hauled onto fishing boats, those that are vulnerable remain so at the end of the year, which limited measures to point to strengthening protections.

Vulnerability in 2015 extended to religious and ethnic minorities as well. Bogor was labeled Indonesia’s most intolerant city when it declared a ban of the Shia faith in the city. Hate speech toward Muslims persists in Myanmar, in spite of the electoral victory signaling greater inclusiveness. Churches were burned in Aceh. Christmas celebrations were banned in Brunei. Rights of religious minorities were curbed in Malaysia in cases involving child custody and worship.

Measures to forge peace with minorities fell apart, as the Philippines’ Bansamoro Basic Law did not pass the legislatures. In other places such as Myanmar, Protection Race and Religion Bills denying rights to marriage and religious freedom were introduced, as protections for rights were in fact eroded.

There were nevertheless bright spots in greater freedom across the region – a gender rights bill in Thailand, the end of the persecution of a book seller and academic by religious authorities in Malaysia, the reinstatement of direct local elections in Indonesia and the subsequent peaceful elections in December, to name but a few.

Southeast Asians continue to fight for their freedoms valiantly, over cyberspace, in courtrooms and in communities. The climate however has not been conducive to greater freedoms as those in office continue to use their offices to hold on to power.

As we look ahead, with a slowing economy and persistent insecurities by incumbents, the prospects for expanding rights does not appear promising in 2016. Last year has shown us however that we can expect the unexpected, with the military’s acceptance of the Myanmar’s electoral results as an example.

As ASEAN formally announced its community on 31 December 2015, many hold only to potentially a different ‘imagined community,’ where the ideas of brilliant scholar Benedict Anderson of shared belonging, human dignity and decency live on.

Bridget Welsh is Professor of Political Science at Ipek University, Senior Research Associate at the Center for East Asian Democratic Studies of National Taiwan University, Senior Associate Fellow of The Habibie Center, and University Fellow of Charles Darwin University.

Philippine gov’t, MILF end crucial 10-day peace talks in agreement | Asian Correspondent

Philippine gov’t, MILF end crucial 10-day peace talks in agreement | Asian Correspondent
 Edwin Espejo Aug 11, 2014

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III had vowed to have the Philippine Congress pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of 2014. Pic: AP

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended their 10-day discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Sunday. They released a joint statement saying they “reached agreement on substantial portions of the documents.”

The two panels convened in the southern Philippine city Davao after the MILF expressed disappointment over what it described as several deviations from the original peace document embodied in the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, which was signed in March this year.

The MILF agreed to end its four-decade war in favor of greater autonomy and more economic and political power, including access to and substantial control of vital resources in provinces dominated by Muslims.

The peace panels from both the government and the MILF admitted however that there were still “remaining challenges and unsettled issues” which will be brought back to their principals “for further guidance.”

They did not elaborate on which issues remain unresolved.

But Mindanews said among the contentious issues is “the delineation of power under the categories exclusive, reserved and concurrent.”

The MILF, it further reported, said without it, the future of the Bangsamoro entity will be uncertain.

Both panels nevertheless also expressed confidence that the final draft of the proposed law will be ready by August 18.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III earlier vowed to have the Philippine Congress pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of 2014.

Aquino and MILF chair Murad ‘Al Haj’ Ibrahim had already met twice – both in Japan – in efforts to fast track the peace process.

But last week, Philippine Senate President Franklin Drilon said he could no longer guarantee the passage of the law this year.

The BBL is supposed to carve out a new autonomous region in Mindanao to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which was created by the 1996 Jakarta Peace Accord.

Mohaqer Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace panel and head of the Bangsmoro Transition Authority that drafted the proposed BBL and Professor Miriam Coronel, head of the Philippine peace panel, cautioned against portraying a doomsday scenario and failure of the peace process.

Iqbal said there is no other way to end the war in Mindanao but the peace process.

More than 150,000 people were killed and more than two million Filipinos were displaced when war broke out between the Philippine government and Moro secessionists in the 1970s. The conflict dragged on until the peace agreement was signed in March this year.

In the meantime, two peace agreements were also signed between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front.

The MILF broke away from the MNLF in the early 1980s and denounced the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Jakarta Peace Accord, both of which were signed by Prof. Nur Misuari

PH takes China to UN arbitral tribunal | Inquirer, net

PH takes China to UN arbitral tribunal | Inquirer, net
Fat Reye, January 22nd, 2013 


MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday announced that the Philippines has taken the step of bringing its West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) territorial disputes to China before an Arbitral Tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the disputes.
The announcement was made by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario.

Del Rosario, in a press conference, said that a note verbale detailing the notification and statement of claim that “challenges before the Arbitral Tribunal the validity of China’s nine-dash claim to almost the entire South China Sea (SCS) including the West Philippine Sea and to desist from unlawful activities that violate the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines under the 1982 UNCLOS” was handed to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing at around 1 p.m. Tuesday.

“The Philippines has exhausted almost all political and diplomatic avenues for a peaceful negotiated settlement of its maritime dispute with China……To this day, a solution is still elusive. We hope that the Arbitral Proceedings shall bring this dispute to a durable solution,” Del Rosario said.

“We hope that China would join us in this aspiration,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario noted that Solicitor General Francis H. Jardeleza has been tasked as the legal representative for the Philippines in these Arbitral proceedings.

“The lead counsel of the Philippines is Paul Reichler of Foley and Hoag LLP,” he said.

EU supports Asean approach to sea row | Philippine Daily Inquirer

EU supports Asean approach to sea row
Leila B. Salaverria, Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 6th, 2012

VIENTIANE, Laos—In meetings on Monday with President Benigno Aquino III, leaders of the European Union (EU), Switzerland and Norway declared support for an Asean approach to the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office told reporters that the European leaders indicated their support for a peaceful resolution of the territorial conflicts based on international law, which is the same as the Philippine  position.

But any meeting with China, which is claiming nearly all of the West Philippine Sea, is not on Mr. Aquino’s schedule, Coloma said.

Aside from the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims to parts of the sea.

Mr. Aquino is also expected to mention the matter when he addresses the Asia-Europe summit and is likely to discuss the territorial dispute during bilateral talks with the leader of Japan on Tuesday, Coloma said. Japan also has simmering tensions with China due to conflicting claims to East China Sea islets.

“There was an agreement that it is a matter of international interest considering that a significant amount of world trade passes through that body of water. And in particular, Switzerland and the EU, and to some extent also Norway, indicated their firm support for the Philippines in terms of our position that conflicts or disputes in that area are to be resolved peacefully and follow international law,” Coloma said.

“And in particular, there is firm support for an Asean-centric approach, which has always been the position of President Aquino considering that four out of the 10-member states of Asean have specific stakes in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

China has taken the position that territorial disputes should be settled bilaterally.

President Aquino had trilateral meetings with Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council, and Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission.
He also held bilateral talks with Norway Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Swiss Confederation President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf.

Coloma said the EU officials told Mr. Aquino that concerns about the Philippine aviation industry were technical and not political.

Philippine carriers have been banned from the European Union following the poor assessment by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the country’s aviation safety measures.

“It was emphasized by the President of the European Commission… that these are technical issues—technical issues involving safety standards and these are not political issues. And we acknowledge that we are addressing the technical concerns and that we are moving positively in the direction of addressing and resolving all of those concerns,” Coloma said.

The Philippines was assured that it would get “every measure of support” in meeting international safety standards, he said.

“Definitely, the present restrictions on our Philippine carriers would not promote the idea of increased tourist traffic between Europe and the Philippines. And so we would like to see an early resolution of the concerns of the ICAO and similar bodies like the US Federal Aviation Administration,” Coloma said.

Originally posted: 9:02 pm | Monday, November 5th, 2012

Stricter Web Regulation in Southeast Asia | Prachatai English

Stricter Web Regulation in Southeast Asia | Prachatai English
Mong Palatino, Global Voices Onlin, October 2, 2012

While Southeast Asian governments are enhancing the delivery of online services for the benefit of their citizens, they are also instituting tougher internet regulations which many analysts believe could be used to curtail media freedom.

This post is a summary of recent Global Voices articles which discussed several controversial internet regulation policies in the region.

In Cambodia, the government is enforcing a circular drafted earlier this year which requires internet cafes to set up surveillance cameras and to register callers. It’s supposedly a crime prevention measure but critics have argued that it violates privacy rights.

In Singapore, the proposed Code of Conduct for bloggers which didn’t get a favorable response from the local internet community was finally discarded by the government in favor of a Media Literacy Council. Established last August 1, the council is tasked to promote public education on media literacy and cyber wellness. But critics have questioned the lack of transparency in appointing the members of the council which is seen by some as another internet censorship tool.

Andrew Loh reminds the Singaporean government that netizens or bloggers should not be viewed as troublemakers:

"The problem is not with the Internet, or its practitioners. The problem is not with bloggers or, as the Government like to call them, “netizens”. It is not a problem with those who are actually active online, as opposed to those who sit in their comfortable offices tucked somewhere in some unknown places dictating what and how the online landscape should look like.

Nah, the problem is with a Government which still wields much control, and which has little patience for messiness, for diversity, for spontaneity and indeed for robust debates and disagreements."

Recently, the Philippines enacted the Anti-Cybercrime Law which aims to prevent the cyberspace from degenerating into a ‘lawless realm.’ But the law was described as a threat to media freedom by journalists who protested the last-minute inclusion of libel in the law.

Lawyer JGBernasSJ Blogs mentions the ‘frightening’ provisions of the law:

"Libel has been decriminalized in other civilized jurisdictions. Our legislature, instead, will throw us back to the dark ages by imposing a higher penalty for libel. In effect, advance in communication technology is being treated not as a boon but as bane."

Like the Philippines, Malaysia has introduced amendments in the law which could curtail internet freedom. Under section 114A of the revised Evidence Act of 1950, law enforcement authorities are able to identify the persons who should be made accountable for uploading or publishing content in the internet. Media freedom advocates have warned that the amendment could force online writers to resort to self-censorship and web moderators could disallow critical comments in order to avoid prosecution and harassment suits.
The Lee & Chong Team explains how the amendment can affect ordinary internet users:

"This amendment will create troubles for the public. Everybody is using the Internet daily and with this new amendment, the public has to change the password for the network service and also social network site frequently to avoid being misuse by other people. Besides that, the café or restaurant that used to provide free wifi service may no longer provide the free wifi service to their customer. This will indirectly affect the business of the restaurant or café"

The Philippines and Malaysia may have been inspired by Thailand’s experience which has gained notoriety for using restrictive laws to punish government critics. Article 112 of Thailand’s criminal code is often described as the world’s harshest Lese Majeste (anti-royal insult) law. The controversial law is often invoked to censor web content and shut down websites. Global Voices conducted an interview with a former member of the police committee that handles Lese Majeste cases.

Elsewhere, Vietnam has recently convicted three bloggers accused of spreading anti-government propaganda. Earlier, the Prime Minister has openly criticized some opposition-leaning blogs whom he accused of fomenting disunity in the country.

Governments in the region have justified the imposition of harsh web policies ostensibly to protect the rights of ordinary internet users and uphold public morality. The new policies were met with public opposition but so far the governments have remained firm in implementing the new internet laws.

###

This article by Mong Palatino was originally published by Global Voices Online, a website that translates and reports on blogs from around the world.

3 million child labourers toil in the Philippines | Philippine Daily Inquirer / Asia News Network

3 million child labourers toil in the Philippines |  Philippine Daily Inquirer / Asia News Network


Philip C. Tubeza, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 27, 2012

There are 3 million child labourers toiling in the Philippines and almost all of them are working in hazardous conditions, according to a survey financed by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The 2011 Survey on Children conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and released on Tuesday showed that out of the 29.019 million Filipino children aged 5-17 years old, about 18.9 per cent or 5.59 million, were already working.

This is higher than the 4 million Filipino working children registered in a 2001 survey conducted by the ILO and the US Department of Labor.

Of the 5.59 million children at work, 3.028 million were considered as child laborers and 2.993 million were reported to be exposed to hazardous child labour.

“We’re surprised by this … We at the [labour department] reiterate our pledge to do our utmost in making every barangay in the country with high child labour incidence child labour-free,” Labour Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said at the launching in Pasig City of a new campaign to stamp out child labor in the country.

“In carrying out this resolve, we will take it one barangay at a time. We will meet the challenge head-on,” she added.

Baldoz said the government had identified 609 of the country’s poorest municipalities and was targeting 80 barangay (or villages) that had the highest incidence of child labour.

She also pointed out that the survey showed that 69.5 per cent of child laborers, or 2.106 million, were attending school.

Under the law, child labour is defined as any work or economic activity performed by a child that subjects him or her to any form of exploitation, or is harmful to his or her health and safety, or physical, mental, or psycho-social development.

Hazardous child labor refers to employment in industries and occupations designated as hazardous under the country’s occupational safety and health standards.

“We have to get to the root of child labour, which is linked with poverty and lack of decent and productive work,” said ILO country director Lawrence Jeff Johnson.

“While we strive to keep children in school and away from child labour, we need to ensure decent and productive work for parents and basic social protection for families,” Johnson added.

Carmelita Ericta, NSO administrator, said 60 per cent of child labourers in the country were in the agricultural sector.

“There are two boys for every girl, especially in agriculture. In the services sector, there are more girls than boys. Sixty per cent are in agriculture unlike in our Labour Force Survey, which shows that only 30 per cent [of the country’s labour force] is in agriculture,” Ericta said.

“As they grow older, they also tend to drop out of school. With the younger age group, aged 5 to 9 years old, 90 per cent are in school. By the time they reach 15, only half of them are in school,” she said.
“They are working mostly in the farms but some of them work in construction sites. Around 3 per cent are actually in the mines, quarries, or factory sites,” she added.

The regions, which had the highest incidence of child labour, were Central Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Central Visayas, the survey showed.

Ericta said the 2.993 million child labourers exposed to hazardous conditions could include those involved in the worst forms of child labor—sex trade, drug trafficking, other illicit activities, and armed conflict.

“They could be included but they’re not labelled as such. This is because when you ask them where they work, they could say they’re waitresses when they’re actually prostituted children,” Ericta said.

“These [2.993 million] are the ones exposed to chemicals, biological hazards like bacteria that cause diseases or physical hazards,” she added.

The Philippines has pledged to reduce by 75 per cent all worst forms of child labour by 2015, which is anchored on the millennium development goal of achieving universal education.

Ericta also said that the 2001 and 2011 surveys could not be compared because a different methodology was used in the 2001 survey, which involved “more general questions”.

Ericta said the survey was conducted in October 2011 involving 50,000 families across the country.

Philippines opens school on disputed island | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent

Philippines opens school on disputed island | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News Jun 24, 2012

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A Philippine official says he has opened a small kindergarten school on a South China Sea island that is also claimed by five other countries.

Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon said Sunday that his aim was to help the 37-hectare (91-acre) island’s civilian community and not to antagonize rival claimant countries. The school was inaugurated without fanfare on June 15 with five students, their parents and a teacher. A Philippine flag fluttered in the breeze in the schoolyard.

The Philippines calls the island Pag-asa — or “hope” in Tagalog. It is guarded by Filipino troops.

It is part of the Spratlys archipelago. China, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam also claim the islands.

Reds, Philippine gov’t peace panel hold talks in Oslo | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Reds, Philippine gov’t peace panel hold talks in Oslo |  Philippine Daily Inquirer
Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 17, 2012

Representatives from the Philippine government and communist-led  held a two-day meeting in Oslo, Norway to pave the way for the resumption of formal peace negotiation to end the more than four decades of armed conflict in the country.

“The Parties have agreed to continue meaningful discussions of concerns and issues raised by both sides on June 14 and 15, 2012 in Oslo, to pave the way for the resumption of the formal talks in the peace negotiations in order to resolve the armed conflict and attain a just and lasting peace,”  Ruth de Leon, executive director of the NDFP International Information Office, said in an email statement sent Sunday morning quoting the joint communiqué issued by the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) –NDFP after the meeting.

The government and the communist rebels have yet to return to the peace table after they first met in Oslo on February last year.

The last attempt to talk peace reached an impasse following a disagreement over the release of detained communist rebels. The government countered that the discordant demands from the rebels impede the resumption of the peace talks.

De Leon said the government panel was composed of Alexander Padilla, chairperson; Efren Moncupa and Jurgette Honculada, panel members; Paulyn Sicam, consultant; and Maria Carla Villarta, director and secretariat head.

The communist negotiating panel was led by Luis Jalandoni, NDFP chairperson; Fidel Agcaoili and Julieta de lima, panel members; Jose Ma. Sison, chief political consultant; and Rachel Pastores, legal consultant.
De Leon said the Royal Norwegian government (RNG) acted as third party facilitator and was represented by Ambassador Ture N.L. Lundh, ambassador of RNG to the Philippines; Knut Solem and Sverre Johan Kvale, senior adviser, Section for Peace and Reconciliation, Foreign Ministry.

Former Senator Wigberto Tañada attended the meeting as observer, De Leon said.

De Leon said the NDFP team raised the following concerns and issues during the meeting:

Respect for and compliance with all bilateral agreements without qualification. The bilateral agreements were signed without reservation. Elaboration or amendment to the agreements must be by mutual agreement of both parties.

Release of all 356 political prisoners in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the Hernandez political offense doctrine.

Respect for and compliance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

Release of all 14 NDFP Consultants and JASIG-protected NDFP personnel.

Independent investigation of the extrajudicial killing of NDFP Political Consultant Sotero Llamas and the enforced disappearances of Leo Velasco, Prudencio Calubid, Rogelio Calubad and other NDFP consultants, family and staff.

Recognition of GRP/GPH responsibility for instigating raids on NDFP office, JMS (Jose Ma Sison) and other NDFP personnel in August 2007.

Reconstruction of Document of Identification (DI) list; use of encrypted photos as legitimate photos.

Rectification of “terrorist listing” of CPP, NPA and Prof. Jose Ma. Sison by US and other foreign governments being declared by Secretary Deles as “sovereign right” of these foreign governments (February 2004) and “welcomed” by former GRP/GPH President Gloria Arroyo and declared by her as “not intervention in internal affairs” of the Philippines (August 2002).

Indemnification of victims of human rights violations under the Marcos regime in connection with the human rights litigation in the US as provided for in the CARHRIHL.

De Leon said government compliance with their concerns could open the way for the resumption of formal peace talks.

De Leon said the NDFP have also responded to the government concern and issues on the declaration of ceasefire.

“Regarding the proposal for ceasefire and related matters, our two panels can discuss these in connection with an earlier proposal of the NDFP for a Concise Agreement for an Immediate Just Peace as well as with the later proposal for truce and alliance submitted directly to your President and considered as subject matter of the special track,” De Leon said quoting the NDFP panel.

De Leon said the NDFP is also ready to engage the government in a discussion on the implementation of the 1998 GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement in Support of Socioeconomic Projects or Private Development Organisations and Institutes.

The communist guerilla war, one of the longest and deadliest in Asia, already claimed more than 40,000 lives, according to government figures and despite a series of peace talks by successive presidents, peace remains elusive.

The on and off peace talks between the government and the communist rebels have been stalled since 2004 because both parties were adamant in pushing for their respective preconditions before the start of the talks.

US, Philippines expand cooperation on maritime security | Philippine Daily Inquirer

US, Philippines expand cooperation on maritime security |  Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 10, 2012

The United States and the Philippines said on Friday they were expanding intelligence-sharing and cooperation on maritime security, as President Barack Obama reiterated Washington’s desire to be viewed as a Pacific power.

Obama met at the White House with President Benigno Aquino III on Friday afternoon (Saturday morning in Manila) against the backdrop of a two-month standoff between Philippine and Chinese vessels at a disputed shoal in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

China’s assertive behaviour in those waters has served to bolster Manila’s 60-year alliance with Washington, which thrived during the Cold War but ebbed after nationalist political forces prompted the closure of American military bases in 1992.

Obama thanked Aquino for what he called “excellent cooperation” on economic, defence and other issues.
Aquino earlier declared the allies were at a “new juncture in our relations”.

The security and military cooperation with the Philippines “is a reminder to everybody that the United States considers itself, and is, a Pacific power,” Obama said.

Aquino did not refer specifically to the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal conflict with China in his remarks to the press, but said the meeting with Obama “deepened and strengthened a very long relationship we have, especially as we face the challenges that are before both our countries.”
Clear message
Interviewed later while flying from Washington to Los Angeles, Aquino said that every member of the Cabinet present during the meeting with Obama “felt how closely linked our relationship is with [the Americans]”.
Despite the absence of an explicit statement that the United States would come to the Philippines’ defence if attacked by China, Aquino said the steady flow of high-level US government and military officials was part of the “playbook” meant to send “a very clear message precisely what the relationship [between the United States and the Philippines] is”.
“[The United States is] very, very serious about the Mutual Defence Treaty, and that they have communicated the same in so many forums,” Aquino said.


Willing partner
 
Aquino, the son of democracy heroes, has emerged as a willing partner of the United States as it looks to build a stronger presence in Southeast Asia, a region neglected during a decade of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. The two sides are discussing how to enhance the US military presence in the Philippines, beyond the decade-long counterterrorism training mission in the country’s south that involves hundreds of American troops.

The United States and the Philippines are bound by the Mutual Defence Treaty. The Philippines had been seeking a clear public statement that the United States would come to its defence should it face attack.
The United States had restricted itself to saying it would honour its obligations under the treaty. No further statement was forthcoming Friday, and neither leader mentioned China.

But the White House later said the leaders “underscored the importance of the principles of ensuring freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and unimpeded lawful commerce”.

“They expressed firm support for a collaborative diplomatic process among claimants to resolve territorial disputes in a manner consistent with international law and without coercion or the use of force,” it said.


Coast Watch Centre

At a lunch hosted earlier for Aquino at the Department of State, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed an easing of the tensions at the disputed Panatag Shoal in the past week, as China and the Philippines withdrew some vessels from a lagoon at the center of the standoff. Clinton reiterated US interest in peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

“The United States has been consistent in that we oppose the use of force or coercion by any claimant to advance its claims, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Clinton said.

Clinton said the United States and the Philippines were working closely to increase information and intelligence exchanges and coordination on maritime domain issues. She announced the United States would support the construction and training of a National Coast Watch Center to help the Philippines monitor its coastline.
Aquino welcomed the US efforts toward ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Speaking to reporters, Aquino said Clinton’s presence during the 60th anniversary of the Mutual Defence Treaty between the United States and the Philippines indicated the US commitment to the agreement.
Aquino said the Philippines did not mean to get the United States embroiled in war in the Asia-Pacific region, but he made it clear that US backing helped strengthen the Philippines’ hand in the Scarborough dispute with China.


Credible defence
 
Aquino, who has presided over an improvement in the Philippine economy, has sought Washington’s help in rebuilding a decrepit military that is in little shape to defend its territorial claims. Obama reaffirmed US support for helping the Philippines build a “minimum credible defence posture.”

Last month, the United States handed to the Philippines a second Coast Guard cutter following the transfer last year of a similar 45-year-old vessel. The first cutter has since become a flagship in the Philippine Navy as the country increasingly focuses on its maritime security. A close US ally, Japan, is also reportedly preparing to supply the Philippines with 10 smaller, new patrol vessels.

While the Obama administration has worked to enhance ties with the Philippines, the United States is very mindful of its need to get along with China to prevent their strategic rivalry from spiraling into confrontation. Washington is careful to stress that while it supports efforts of Southeast Asian nations to develop a code of conduct with China on managing disputes in the West Philippine Sea, it has no position on the conflicting territorial claims there that involve a half-dozen nations.


Rare stop at Subic
 
The United States also says it has no intent to try and contain China, although it has left little doubt about its determination to be viewed as a Pacific power.

Last month saw a rare stop by a US submarine at Subic Bay, location of a former American naval base that faces the West Philippine Sea. And in the past week, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta visited emerging strategic ally India and Vietnam —another West Philippine Sea claimant at odds with China and forging closer relations with the United States. Panetta announced that 60 per cent of the US Navy’s fleet would be deployed to the Pacific by 2020, up from about 50 per cent now.

Philippines 'willing to share' Spratlys bounty | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippines 'willing to share' Spratlys bounty | Philippine Daily Inquirer
Norman Bordadora, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 18, 2012

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III is willing to share with other countries in the region the benefits of the natural gas deposits in the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea. But he said he will not be a  party to the ceding of portions of the Philippine archipelago to a foreign power like China.

Speaking before a general assembly of alumni of US universities late Wednesday, Aquino said the Philippine government continues to talk with the Chinese for a mutually beneficial solution to their standoff over the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal as well as other disputed territories in the area.

"I am not empowered to give up any of our territory,” the president said in answer to a suggestion that “a win-win solution” might be for the two countries to split the US$35 trillion worth of natural gas that another disputed territory, the Recto Bank, is believed to hold.

The Recto Bank (international name: Reed Bank), which lies within the Philippines’ 200 nautical-mile (370 kilometres) economic zone, is located abut 150 km east of the Spratly chain of  islets, which is claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam, as well as the Philippines and China.

The Recto Bank, which is said to have oil and gas deposits that reach deep into the Cuyo Islands in Palawan, has been the subject of numerous exploration campaigns by the Philippines in the past.

The Philippines last year filed a diplomatic protest against China after two Chinese ships reportedly harassed a vessel that had been contracted by the government to undertake oil exploration activities in the bank.

Aquino acknowledged that the huge benefits from the resources in the disputed territories could free the region from dependence on fossil fuel from Middle Eastern and North African countries.

"If we are able to exploit these resources, that redounds to benefits for the entire region,” he said.

He said the parties to the dispute “should work towards easing the problems and the concerns of our respective peoples in the here and now and not in some future date where, you know, it is not a fair solution.”

"If it’s clear that we have a 200-mile economic zone, exclusive economic zone, designated by the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Seas, and both of us are parties to it, is it too much to ask that our rights are respected by our neighbours in the same token that we respect their rights?” he said.

The president said the Philippines doesn’t have to be “the sole winner of exploitation of resources” in the disputed areas. He said the country has always been a good neighbour to other countries in the Asia Pacific.

However, it has to draw the line when it should look after its rightful interests, he said.

"Recto Bank is 80 miles from us. There are areas that are even closer…So if we keep on subtracting about 30 per cent—and not to be flippant about it—if you don’t draw the line somewhere, will we be having claims against us on the Pasig River or other rivers?” he added.

He stressed that the Philippines was resolved on a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the disputes with China, noting that it cannot afford to engage Beijing militarily.

"So we are exploring ways and means to resolve the conflict. We keep on reemphasising that we are not for conflict. We do not want to present a threat to them in any shape, manner or form, or whatsoever in terms of military action,” he said.

“If it were just a boxing match, they’re 1.3 billion and we’re 93 million. We will not prevail. That is not the route and our Constitution actually prohibits it,” he said.

Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez said there is an upside to the tension between the Philippines and China over the Panatag Shoal dispute.

He said the Philippines’ refusal to bow down to China has united many Filipinos against a common enemy and earned the country respect from other groups and nations.

"This extended standoff, with the Philippines not buckling down against the world’s second most powerful country, is gaining for us international respect and moral support,” Golez said in a statement.

"It is a unifying and rallying force. Even Filipino groups outside the country have mobilised themselves in support of our cause,” he said.

It also shows the world that the Philippines has a strong and steadfast foreign policy that does not crumble under economic pressure and veiled military threats, Golez said. With Leila Salaverria

Grenade blast outside crowded bar kills 2, wounds 30 in southern Philippines | The Washington Post

Grenade blast outside crowded bar kills 2, wounds 30 in southern Philippines | The Washington Post

Associated Press, Published: May 6, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — A grenade explosion killed two people and wounded at least 30 others outside a crowded bar in the southern Philippines, officials said Sunday.

Investigators were trying to identify the attackers who tossed the grenade late Saturday outside the El Sentro Resto Bar and a nearby drug store in Iligan city. Police found the pin of the grenade, which also damaged a number of parked cars and sent people fleeing in panic, army Col. Daniel Lucero said.

It remained unclear if Muslim rebels, al-Qaida-linked militants or extortion gangs were behind the blast or if it was sparked by feuding civilians, Lucero said.

President Benigno Aquino III called on the attackers to surrender, warning that authorities would not stop until they were captured. He said investigators were looking at two motives for the attack but did not elaborate.

The government of Australia, which funds anti-poverty projects in the south, expressed its sympathies to the victims.

Iligan, an industrial and trading center 780 kilometers (485 miles) southeast of Manila, has been targeted by Muslim separatist rebels in the past.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

China will not use force in Spratlys, says new envoy

China will not use force in Spratlys, says new envoy
Jerry E. Esplanada, Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 16th, 2012 

China does not intend to invade or use its military might to interfere in the affairs of any of its neighbors, including the Philippines and four other countries claiming ownership of the Spratlys in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), Beijing’s new ambassador to Manila said Thursday.

“We have no ambition or ability to pose a threat to other countries … What we want to do is to protect China’s interests, protect its borders and sovereignty. That’s all,” Ambassador Ma Keqing told a news conference held Thursday at her residence in Dasmariñas Village, Makati City.

Asked about the US plan to increase its military presence in the region, Ma said “China has responded very calmly” to the issue.

“The Asia-Pacific is wide enough to accommodate (both) the US and China,” she said.

Ma, who assumed her post only two months ago, noted the 11.2-percent increase in China’s military budget this year might have “aroused suspicions” among other countries about its real intentions. She emphasized that China’s military policy was “purely defensive in nature.”

She pointed out that the growth in China’s military budget had been “very minimal” for a long time. “We increased the growth just to compensate for the previous years of neglecting the military budget,” she said.

Ma said the bulk of military expenditures had been used “for logistics, for improvement of the officers’ well-being, to increase wages and so on. It was only in the last few years we used the increase in budget to purchase  hardware for the military.”

The military budget was “only 1.3 percent of the total (government) budget,” she stressed, pointing out that it was much lower than that of the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, India and Brazil.

“So with such a military budget, I believe the Chinese Army will not pose any threat to other countries,” she said.

Alarm bells

Early this month, Beijing announced that its defense budget would increase to 670.27 billion yuan (about $106.41 billion) this year. The amount marks a slowdown from 2011 when its budget rose by 12.7 percent but still set off alarm bells across Asia and the United States.

In January, Washington disclosed a defense strategy focused on countering China’s rising power.

In her first news conference in the country, Ma expressed hopes the Philippines and China could “finally find a way to start the negotiations” on the joint development of areas in the West Philippine Sea.

“As Chinese, we are patient. But with patience and wisdom and goodwill, we can finally find a way,” she said. “Our thinking is that pending the final resolution of (the Spratlys dispute), we should shelve and put aside our differences and have a joint cooperation (agreement).”
“The resources are there to tap,” Ma said, adding that economic development “is our priority” for China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei, which are claiming ownership over the Spratlys.

Joint development

“But since it’s in the disputed islands, no one can take action unilaterally. So the proper way to do that, or the starting point is to shelve differences and disputes and have joint cooperation,” she said.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the joint development of areas in the West Philippine Sea that “are clearly ours is not a viable option” to the country’s problem with China. But he said the Philippines “is open to considering joint development in the disputed areas.”

Del Rosario said he “reiterated our position that we are open to inviting China to the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) as an investor to be governed by our laws” during a recent meeting with Wang Yingfan and Wang Chunqui, two former Chinese ambassadors to the Philippines who were here on a goodwill visit.

The Recto Bank is an “integral part of the Philippines and, as such, cannot be jointly developed,” he said.

During the news conference yesterday, Ma said China “is not against the rules-based interpretation of the dispute.”

“We also endorse international norms that we should abide by. But one cannot side only with few clauses of the (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or Unclos) and neglect other clauses,” she said.

Other treaties

“There are more international norms than (Unclos). Even according to this treaty, we can find some arguments to support China’s stance. There’s a little bit of misunderstanding that China does not abide by international rules and only to historical facts. Unclos is just one treaty. There are other treaties,” she said.

Del Rosario has repeatedly asserted that a rules-based approach is the “only legitimate and viable way to address disputes in the West Philippine Sea.” The Philippines has been pushing for the availment of the dispute settlement mechanisms under Unclos.

No longer Cold War

She expressed hopes the United States “will take a constructive and positive role to make this region more peaceful and stable.”

“We believe and hope that there is a possibility for China and the US to have cooperation in this region rather than confrontation, I like to believe that based on this argument this is not anymore Cold War. We are living in a new world. We are living in a global village, and we are so interdependent,” she said.

At the same time, she expressed optimism that “all countries in this region can develop their economies and improve the well-being of their people.”

“China has its own interests. Being an Asian country, it’s only natural. We hope our interests will be respected by others, including the US, the Philippines and other countries. At the same time, we respect the interests of other countries. In that way, we can have mutual trust and enhanced cooperation. At the end of the day, economic development will determine the development of a nation,” she added.

Philippines: Aid from local, foreign donors pours in; Pope, US condole

Aid from local, foreign donors pours in; Pope, US condole
Jaymee T. Gamil, Jerome Aning: Philippine Daily Inquirer, December 19th, 2011

The spirit of sharing and giving in a time of tragedy is under test in this holiday season.

Barely a week before Christmas, aid from Philippine and foreign donors began pouring in Sunday for victims of last weekend’s devastating Tropical Storm “Sendong” that killed hundreds of people in northern Mindanao and the Visayas.

As Pope Benedict XVI prayed in the Vatican for the victims and the United States expressed its condolences, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) sounded an appeal for cash and other donations to help the victims and their families.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer also announced it was accepting help for those who suffered.

Over the weekend, the PRC was able to raise P10 million in donations. But with the full extent of the tragedy still being assessed, it appealed to corporate partners to provide “Christmas packs” of food, clothing, sleeping materials, blankets, school supplies and footwear for the children.

PRC secretary general Gwendolyn Pang said the most practical donation would still be cash and logistical or transport aid.

“It’s currently difficult to go to the areas because they’re isolated, filled with debris and the damaged structures are still there. Services in the [locales] have been overwhelmed. We ask if companies can [help facilitate the services of] shipping lines, planes,” she said.

How to help

Pang said the PRC donation facilities, including for online transactions and bank deposits, are listed at http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow.

One of the easiest ways for people to donate is through the PRC SMS donation facility. Donors need only text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart), in amounts of 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000 for Globe, and 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000 for Smart.

Deposits can also be made to the PRC’s Banco De Oro peso account 00-453-0018647, dollar 10-453-0039482; Bank of the Philippine Islands peso account 4991-0036-52, dollar account 004994-0103-15; Metrobank account 151-3-041631228, dollar 151-2-15100218-2; Philippine National Bank peso account 3752 8350 0034, dollar account 3752 8350 0042; Unionbank of the Philippines peso account 1015 4000 0201; dollar account 1315 4000 0090.

Donations can also be made to Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshop branches nationwide.

Food, hygiene kits

Donations and pledges have begun pouring in.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is sending in 3,000 food and nonfood parcels and hygiene kits. The Chinese Embassy donated $10,000 while the Smart mobile phone company donated P100,000, along with free mobile calls.

The PRC said the Sulpicio shipping firm had pledged to provide free shipment for the relief goods while PRC governor and former Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri donated two water tankers.

“We immediately sent the goods stockpiled in our warehouses, good for 5,000 families, but we need to replenish them,” Pang said. Nearly 500 Red Cross staffers and 143 volunteers deployed in the field were assessing the situation and providing hot meals to the evacuees, she said.

Pang said the Red Cross had set up welfare desks and first aid stations at the evacuation centers.

‘Spirit of Christmas’

The Red Cross said that it welcomed donations in cash for its relief and recovery efforts and that donations may be sent to the PRC headquarters in Manila or to any Red Cross chapters. The Red Cross hotline is 527-0000.

Roman Catholic bishops in Mindanao joined in appealing for help for the victims.

“There are many victims, many lost their homes and we’re helping them,” Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma said over Church-run Radio Veritas.

Diocesan social action directors Fr. Albert Mendez of Iligan and Fr. Bong Galila of Tandag said people in Manila may course their help through Radio Veritas, Caritas Manila and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-National Secretary for Social Action.

Mendez said among the items needed were bottled water, medicines, food supplies, like canned goods, and kitchen tools.

Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton Pascual said the charitable institution had formed “Caritas Damay Mindanao,” a fund-raising program to help those in evacuation centers.

“In the spirit of Christmas, I am appealing to our countrymen that if they have excess money, they just give it to our countrymen who were affected by the typhoon,” Pascual said. Those interested in donating can find instructions on www.caritasmanila.org.ph.

Danger zones

Vice President Jejomar Binay flew to Cagayan de Oro City and handed out relief goods, distributing 2,880 bags of goods to residents staying at evacuation centers in Barangay Macasandig, particularly City Central Elementary School and West City Elementary School.

Binay directed his office to hold separate relief operations in Iligan City.

He also went to funeral homes and extended cash assistance to families who lost their loved ones.

“Let us pray for our countrymen who were stricken by the storm. Let us help them get back to their feet,” he said in a statement.

Binay also discussed with Cagayan de Oro officials the possible relocation of residents living along rivers and coastal areas.

“In housing, these areas are considered danger zones because they are prone to disasters. We must find a safe place for the residents to stay,” said Binay, concurrently chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

Pope prays, US condoles

At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday offered prayers for the victims and their families.

“I pray for the victims, many of them children, for the people without homes and for the many missing,” the Pope said in an address in St. Peter’s Square after his weekly Angelus prayer before thousands of pilgrims. “I would like to assure the people of the southern Philippines of my closeness to them.”

In a statement issued in Washington, DC, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I want to send my deepest condolences for the devastation and loss of life caused by flooding from Tropical Storm ‘Washi’ (Sendong) in the southern Philippines.”

Clinton, who visited the Philippines last month, said the US government “stands ready to assist Philippine authorities as they respond to this tragedy.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected,” she added. With a report from AFP

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Impeached

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Impeached
JIM GOMEZ/ AP WRITER Tuesday, December 13, 2011

MANILA— The Philippine House of Representatives sent impeachment documents to the Senate on Tuesday accusing the Supreme Court chief justice of corruption and favoritism toward the country's former president, now under hospital arrest for alleged election fraud.

A majority of 188 of the 284 members of the powerful House signed the resolution on Monday to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona, who will now be tried by the Senate. Corona, who became the only known Supreme Court chief to be impeached in Philippine history, vowed to fight back.

Among other allegations, the impeachment complaint accuses the Corona-led court of ruling improperly in ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's favor when she sought to leave the country last month before she was arrested.

The surprise move is the latest twist in the Philippine political drama pitting Arroyo against her popular, reformist successor Benigno Aquino III, who has blamed her for a decade of corruption scandals that eroded public trust in government and held back foreign investors.

Arroyo appointed the Supreme Court chief justice shortly before she stepped down last year. Aquino has been at odds with Corona, accusing him of being biased for Arroyo and hampering her prosecution.

Aquino, son of revered democracy icons, succeeded her last year after a landslide election victory largely credited to his illustrious name and promise to battle corruption and poverty in his Southeast Asian nation. His allies dominate the House, which had been the bedrock of Arroyo's power.

Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., who heads the congressional justice committee, said Corona was impeached due to eight acts of alleged corruption and improperly issuing decisions that favored Arroyo.

A Manila court ordered Arroyo arrested on Nov 18 in her hospital room after she was charged with ordering the rigging of 2007 senatorial elections to favor her candidates. She has denied any wrongdoing and has hired a battery of lawyers to defend her.

Arroyo, 64, is detained in a government hospital while awaiting trial. She has sought treatment for a bone ailment.

Last month, the Supreme Court lifted a travel ban on her, and she tried to leave the country with her husband. Aquino's justice secretary, however, defied the Supreme Court order and asked airport authorities to stop her from leaving.

Corona "betrayed the public trust through his partiality" when his court issued the order to allow Arroyo "an opportunity to escape prosecution and to frustrate the ends of justice," the impeachment complaint says.

The high tribunal, where 12 of the 15 justices were appointed by Arroyo, said the order was valid.

Corona also allegedly violated the constitution and an anti-graft act when he failed to publicly disclose all his properties. "Respondent is suspected of having accumulated ill-gotten wealth, acquiring assets of high values and keeping bank accounts with huge deposits," according to the complaint.

Corona has served as Arroyo's chief of staff, spokesman and acting executive secretary. Arroyo appointed his wife in 2007 to the board of a state-run corporation, said the complaint, which also cited alleged irregularities in Corona's handling of court funds.

Corona said efforts to illegally oust him would destroy the country's democracy.

"We do not want to see a constitutional crisis befall our democracy," Corona said. "But if we are challenged to defend our independence, we shall not meekly walk away."

Corona stressed he would not resign.

Rep. Edcel Lagman, an Arroyo ally, accused the Aquino administration of coercing lawmakers to sign the impeachment complaint by threatening to block budgets for their provincial districts. The complaint, Lagman said, "is the mother of all blackmails."

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said senators would likely tackle the impeachment complaint in January after a month-long Christmas break starting on Wednesday.

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Impeached