HEADLINE PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY May 16 - 31 , 2017
Headline News
B . C . Liberal Premier Christy Clark not stepping down yet even as NDP and Greens join forces
B . C . Liberal Premier Christy Clark said on May 30 that she is not going to resign . However , Clark admitted that her time as premier is likely running out . Clark made the announcement moments before the B . C . NDP and B . C . Green Party released a copy of their agreement to share power following the closely contested May 9 , 2017 provincial election . Clark ’ s party won 43 seats in the legislative assembly , which was one short for the required majority of 44 in the 87-seat legislature . The B . C . NDP got 41 seats , and the Greens , three . By combining , New Democrats and Greens have 44 seats . Despite the B . C . Green Party ’ s decision to support an NDP minority government , Clark said that she will be hanging onto power , at least for the time being . Clark said she plans to recall the legislature for a confidence vote shortly , potentially in early June . “ We have a duty to meet the house and test its confidence . Constitutional convention tells us that ,” Clark told reporters at a news conference . But the premier acknowledged she likely won ’ t be in power for long . “ Should the government fail the test in the house , as seems likely , I would be given the job of leader of the opposition .
Canada tells citizens to avoid travels to Mindanao following martial law declaration
Canada on May 26 issued a travel advisory warning its citizens not to travel to Mindanao following the declaration of martial law by the Philippine government in the region .
“ Global Affairs Canada ( GAC ) advises against all travel to the Mindanao region ( excluding urban areas of Davao City ) due to the serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping ,” it said in its updated advisory .
“ The government of Canada ’ s ability to provide consular assistance in this
And I ’ m more than ready and willing to take that job on ,” she said . Given the agreement reached between the NDP and Greens , the vote is unlikely to pass . Should it be defeated , Clark said she won ’ t be asking Lt . - Gov . Judith Guichon to call another election . NDP leader John Horgan and Green leader Andrew Weaver said that Clark has the constitutional right to take first crack at forming government . All 44 elected MLAs from the B . C . New Democrat and B . C . Green caucuses ratified an agreement pledging to work together to support a stable New Democrat government on May 30 . “ The people of B . C . spoke loud and clear on election day - they want a government that works for them , not just those at the top . With the signing of this historic agreement , we are showing that we are ready to roll up our sleeves and work together to make lives better for British Columbians ,” said Horgan of the B . C . NDP .
“ The results of the election clearly demonstrated that voters wanted to put an end to the bitter , divisive and cynical politics of the past , and get on with productive governance . Today , I am very proud to stand with John Horgan and our respective caucuses to demonstrate how two distinct
region is limited ,” it added .
The GAC also advised its citizens against non-essential travel to Davao City “ due to security concerns and the implementation of martial law in the Mindanao region .”
It also reiterated its warning against traveling to the Sulu archipelago and through the southern Sulu Sea , including the waters off southern Palawan Island , due to the threat of piracy and kidnappings in this area .
“ There is a serious parties can work together for the good of all ,” Weaver of the Greens said . A B . C . New Democrat Government has agreed to advance several legislative and policy initiatives identified as a condition of support by the B . C . Green Caucus . These include reforming the electoral system , getting the influence of big money out of politics , and reforming lobbying rules ; recognizing that education is about lifelong learning and fasttracking enhancement to K-12 education funding ; protecting and promoting public health care , creating a proposal for an essential drugs program , and giving families the security of quality , affordable child care ; getting people moving with better transit ; giving the opioid crisis the attention it deserves ; establishing an Emerging Economy Task Force and an Innovation Commission ; eliminating Medical Services Premiums ; implementing a basic income pilot project ; fighting climate change while creating good jobs and introducing rebate cheques that will mean most people pay less while increasing the carbon tax beginning in 2018 ; sending the Site C project immediately to an independent review ; and opposing the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion project . ●
risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in this region . Bombs causing deaths and injuries have exploded in public areas of major centers , including the cities of Cagayan de Oro , Cotabato , General Santos , Isabela , Jolo , Kidapawan and Zamboanga ,” said Canadian government .
Canada said its citizens visiting or living in Mindanao despite the advisory should regularly review their security situation and take appropriate precautions , especially when visiting places
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frequented by foreigners .
“ Davao City authorities have released guidelines discouraging non-essential travel to and from the city while the city remains in a state of martial law . Avoid crowded places and remain indoors as much as possible ,” it added .
Earlier , the United States and United Kingdom also issued travel advisories following the clashes in Marawi City and the subsequent declaration of martial law by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte last May 23 .
“ While the US embassy has no information that the events in Marawi City represent a direct threat to US citizens or US interests in the Philippines , we encourage US citizens to review personal security plans , avoid large crowds and gatherings and remain vigilant at all times ,” the US embassy in Manila said .
Meanwhile , the UK ’ s Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it continues to advise against all travel to western Mindanao , including Marawi City .
It urged its citizens in Marawi to remain indoors , monitor media and follow the advice of authorities .
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has expressed full support for the Philippines following the terrorist attack in Marawi City that prompted President Duterte to declare martial law in the whole of Mindanao .
“ Malaysia condemns the attack on Marawi City by groups linked to Daesh that led to casualties of government forces and displacement of civilians ,” Razak tweeted , using another name for the Islamic State .
“ I have full confidence in the Philippines and will offer our full support ,” he added .
He also stressed that the crisis must not derail the ongoing Mindanao peace process .
Malaysia has served as facilitator during the peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front .
Razak came to the Philippines in 2014 when the peace agreement was signed between the negotiating panels in the presence of former president Benigno Aquino III . ●