INQToday: PH not provoking conflict in South China Sea — AFP

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

PH not provoking conflict in South China Sea — AFP

The Philippines is not provoking conflict in the South China Sea, the country’s military spokesperson said on Tuesday, in response to China’s accusation that Manila is encroaching on Beijing’s territory.

“Philippines is not provoking conflict. We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone where we have sovereign rights,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar told state-run broadcaster PTV.

NSC welcomes China’s offer of dialogue, but bullying must stop

The National Security Council (NSC) welcomes China’s offer of dialogue to resolve the several issues on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), but there should be “mutual respect and sincerity” between two sides, its spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said on Tuesday.

China, through its foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, earlier said that its “door of dialogue” remains open with the Philippines, but it will continue to protect its interests.

Marcos’ foreign trips yield P4 trillion worth of investments

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s foreign trips have obtained P4.019 trillion ($72.178 billion) worth of investments as of December 21.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the total investment value consists of 148 projects based on DTI’s latest monitoring of consolidated and processed investments.

Lawmaker wants fees waived for small transactions via e-wallet

Do you frequently use your e-wallet for small value transactions?

If Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Lordan Suan would have his way, you should not pay any fees for using your e-wallet for transactions under P1,000.

Wage hike in 2024 possible but boards make final say – DOLE chief

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said there is always a possibility for wage increases in 2024 but that the final decision rests on the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs).

Laguesma clarified Tuesday that he has no final say on the matter because such is one of the duties of the wage board.