DU30 pushes more trade security with ASEAN
Published Apr 29, 2018 10:00 pm

Fred M. Lobo
By Fred M. Lobo
President Duterte has pushed for more trade and greater security cooperation at the two-day 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Singapore.
More business, less regional trouble, he stressed.
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The President also met with members of the Filipino community there in the wake of government efforts to protect Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Translation: We will help and protect you, just love me, too.
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The President was greeted by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Joseph del Mar Yap and Minister of State Sam Tan Chin Siong.
Singapore here I come – to take you to PH, he seemed to say.
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Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, said the President’s schedule included bilateral meetings with Singapore Prime Minister and ASEAN chair Lee Hsien Loong, Indonesia President Joko Widodo, and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
Meeting with heads of state often proves productive.
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Duterte discussed with Widodo piracy, terrorism, and the repatriation of Filipino fishermen who were caught fishing in Indonesian waters.
Let’s work and cooperate, he suggested.
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As usual, Duterte managed to meet with members of the Filipino community, roughly 180,000 Filipinos working and living in Singapore.
Bloom where you are planted… but don’t forget your remittances, he could have said.
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The President first went to New Delhi for the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in January, went to China last week, attended the Boao Forum, and then visited Hong Kong to meet Filipinos there.
Travel for goodwill, Duterte-style.
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Meanwhile, Duterte placed world-class island resort Boracay under a State of Calamity.
Rehabilitation for six months to follow, he ordered.
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Issuing proclamation No. 475, Duterte said the government found out that Boracay waters are contaminated with coliform bacteria as many resort owners dump their waste direct into the sea.
Bad for tourists, bad for the economy.
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“We really hope to restore Boracay after six months,” assured DENR Sec. Roy A. Cimatu.
Yes to speedy rehabilitation. And no more greed!