Government files new diplomatic protest against China
Government files new diplomatic protest against China;
House hears proposal for DFA funding in 2025
House hears proposal for DFA funding in 2025
Transcript
00:00It may sound tiresome and tedious, but the government has formally filed yet another protest over China's wayward actions in and over the country's exclusive economic zone,
00:11the latest of which put the lives of our airmen in peril and at risk, as our Soojin Kim provides more details and dwells on the DFA's request for a bigger budget next year.
00:25The Republic of the Philippines has once again filed a diplomatic protest against China.
00:29Following the dangerous and provocative actions of the People's Liberation Army Air Force within Philippine Maritime Zone,
00:36China's maneuvers, including the release of flares in the path of the PAF, that was in emphasis,
00:42merely conducting their routine maritime patrols at Bajo de Masinloc, threatened the lives of Filipinos aboard the Philippine Air Force aircraft.
00:50There was strong condemnation of the incident and the fact that the Philippine Air Force jet plane posed no threat to the PLA Air Force.
01:01And therefore, these were lawful flight operations and they did not violate any sovereignty or jurisdiction.
01:09They're within our rights and they entered over our airspace.
01:13So they were undertaken over our airspace. And those were the main points we stressed to China.
01:20Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo maintains the Philippines is open for discussion
01:26and assures the public that steps are being taken to take a stand for the country's national interest,
01:31mentioning as well that the actions on the Philippines' end has nothing to do with the rivalry between the U.S. and China.
01:38Meanwhile, earlier today, the House Committee on Appropriations began its hearing on the budget proposal
01:44for the Department of Foreign Affairs fiscal year 2025.
01:48Secretary Manalo himself addressed the committee stating their request of over 27 billion pesos,
01:54up from the previous budget of over 22 billion pesos.
01:5710% increase from our current budget.
02:01Secretary Manalo hopes lawmakers will support their proposal to better serve Filipinos.
02:06We'll go a long way in ensuring the fulfillment of our mandate to the Filipino people.
02:12We wish to assure our partners, your honors, that the department is earnestly doing its part
02:18in ensuring the timely spending of the government's budget as instructed by the president.
02:24Several congressmen, including Representatives Stella Quimbo and Rufus Rodriguez, have expressed support for the DFA.
02:30Rodriguez even remarked...
02:32I find your 27 billion budget very small.
02:36And I would like to ask the secretary, what are others?
02:41You know the DBM will always, the DBM is here, correct?
02:44I'm sure you submitted a higher budget. How much was submitted? And how much was slashed?
02:51The DFA explained how their budget covers consular affairs, cultural and public diplomacy, and organizational development.
02:58Manalo shares the department's achievements from the past year,
03:01noting exceeded targets.
03:03The secretary assured to further enhance their services,
03:06especially in consular affairs through digitalization.
03:09This includes online voting and preparations for the 2025 national elections overseas.
03:15It is also followed by e-Apostil,
03:17a system where online applications for PSAE certificates and e-Apostils can be done.
03:23Sujan Kim from the National TV Network for the New and Better Philippines.