BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the government to respond to a petition seeking to strike down its loan agreement with China for the construction of the P3.69-billion Chico River Pump Irrigation project. They cited provisions of the contract showing the government “has allowed its patrimonial assets to stand as security for unpaid obligations under this Loan Agreement. This situation obviously impacts negatively on our national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and is inimical to our national interest,” read the petition. With the exception of agricultural lands, all other natural resources shall not be alienated. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.” /kgaRead NextLATEST STORIESMOST READ

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 10, 2019 06:56 UTC