Duterte signs deals with S. Korea, acts on SEAG, contracts, health bill
President Duterte has given his go-signal for the Philippine’s signing of cooperation deals on defense and tourism with South Korea. More benefits from diplomacy and cooperation with allied countries.
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The President, who attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea (ASEANROK) Commemorative Summit last Tuesday, witnessed the signing by South Korea Defense Minister Wang Jung-hong and Philippines’ Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of an MOU on the procurement of certain defense materials.
Two frigates will sail soon from Korea to PH on friendly terms.
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Lorenzana said the Philippines has bought from South Korea the frigates BRP Rizal and BRP Luna – which will hopefully arrive in the country before President Duterte steps down from office.
“The BRP Rizal is nearing completion and will be delivered sometime in May, April, or May next year,whlie the BRP Luna may be completed by December next year,” he added.
* * * Lorenzana also disclosed that the Philippines wants to buy two corvettes from South Korea but has yet to find money for them.
“If they can give us generous fi¬nancing that we can pay, maybe, in a period of three to five years later on. Maybe, they will start assembling our corvettes then,” he added. * * *
Lorenzana said Hyundai Heavy Industries can start building the corvettes this coming January at a cost of billion. They will be used to patrol the southern part of the country, particularly the Sulu and Celebes seas.
PH wants more defense ships to guard its seas.
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The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it signed a tourism deal with South KoreanTourism Minister Park Yang Woo that would boost tourism promotion and align tourism efforts between the Philippines and Korea, and facilitate deeper and meaningful interactions between Filipinos and Koreans.
“This will strengthen overall cooperation of the two countries on matters concerning tourist safety, security, and quality assurance,” the DOT added.
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“With this renewed pledge on tourism cooperation between the Philippines and Korea, we are hopeful we can sustain and intensify the already-strong ties with Korea that we enjoy,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said.
More South Koreans will visit the Philippines, she said.
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“South Korea is undisputed in its position as the top source market of the Philippines for nine consecutive years. To sustain the momentum, the DOT will embark on a more aggressive marketing campaign to continue capture a bigger chunk of the Korean market,” Puyat said.
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Puyat said more than 1.4 million tourists from South Korea visited the Philippines from January to September this year, a 20.97 percent growth, and “we will encourage more airlines to fly direct to international gateways other than Manila from key cities in Korea.”
Yes to more South Korean tourists to show to the world it’s still more fun in the Philippines.
Meanwhile,
President
Duterte has ordered all concerned sports officials and agencies to improve the handling of the ongoing Southeast Asian Games in the country.
Let’s play a good host and give our best, he said.
* * * Duterte ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in the handling of funds related to the SEAG.
No to corruption and don’t play games on me, The Punisher warned. * * *
He has also directed all government agencies to submit a list of their pending contracts to the AntiRed Tape Authority (ARTA) before December 9.
No more red tape! Hasten processing of government contracts and transactions, Duterte ordered.
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ARTA Executive Director Jeremiah Belgica said he issued Memorandum Circular No.2019-024 inquiring into the status of government contracts pending since November 11, 2019,plus the recommended action on them.
Decide on these government contracts on or before December 15, the Punisher had earlier ordered.
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The President warned that government agencies must act on simple transactions within three days, complex transactions in seven days, and highly technical transactions in 20 days.
Translation: Act fast or I’ll kick your butt!