WE should learn a thing or two from our Southeast Asian neighbors—Indonesia and Malaysia. Recently, Chinese fishing vessels allegedly trespassed into the former’s territorial waters near Indonesia’s Natuna Islands. It was reported that two Chinese coast guard vessels escorted the fishing boats. It may be recalled that Indonesia had also apprehended and detained Chinese fishing vessels poaching on its rich fishing grounds in the past. Vice Admiral Yudo Margono said: “Territorial violations by foreign vessels in Indonesian exclusive economic zone…is a threat to Indonesian sovereignty.”
The Indonesian government immediately summoned the Chinese envoy and lodged a strong diplomatic protest over the incident. Presidential Spokesman Fajroel Rachman said: “There is no compromise on Indonesia’s sovereignty.” The country, likewise, intensified its air and maritime patrols, and expanded its military presence in the area to make sure that similar encroachment by Chinese vessels inside Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone is prevented. Interestingly, Jakarta had invoked the arbitral decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, to bolster its position, which the Philippines won over China although Beijing has declined to accept the said ruling.
On the other hand, Malaysia, apparently encouraged also by the landmark ruling obtained by the Philippines in 2016, in an arbitration case filed against China, has submitted a request to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to extend its continental shelf beyond the 200-nautical mile limit, pursuant to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In effect, such submission, if granted, shall extend Malaysia’s continental shelf to some parts of the South China Sea. As expected, China has opposed the move as it would allegedly infringed on its sovereignty.
Brave words and bold actions by two of our Asean neighbors.
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McDonald’s Philippines had made a big fuss over rival Jollibee’s announcement that it would soon be phasing out its signature hamburger, the Champ. McDo assured the public that it will keep its classic Big Mac hamburger for its loyal customers. Then its management proudly proclaimed that “a true classic never phases out.” The founders of the world famous McDonald’s fast food were American brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940, in San Bernardino, California. It was, however, sold to Ray Kroc in 1961, which was considered a huge business decision mistake bigger than the San Bernardino fault. Kroc expanded the company through global franchising, making McDonald’s the most successful fast-food chain in the world. To take market leadership in the fast-food industry, he introduced innovations in its operations. He imposed uniformity in service and quality among all the McDonald’s stores anywhere in the world. All stores must always be clean, and all staff should be well-groomed and courteous. He set strict rules in burger preparation and standardized franchise operations to ensure the quality of every burger which, among others, feature the same taste, served in equal size, and prepared in standard cooking and wrapping. He also ordained to refund customers who had waited more than five minutes to be served their food. Thus, he further improved the “Speedee Service System” developed by the McDonald siblings, which is now known as the “fast food,” Going back to its signature Big Mac burger, there’s an apocryphal story attached to it. The Big Mac was originally conceptualized by cofounder Richard McDonald, who wanted to offer a big serving of the regular burger for customers who wanted more bite. Richard wanted to call it his own by lending his nickname to it. But, on second thought, he dropped the idea since the name “Big Dick” might repel the customers, for who would dare order a Big Dick in public?
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WE had just celebrated Christmas but it seems that Santa is still not done making his list. It was reported that the enactment of the US 2020 Appropriations Act included an amendment sponsored by US Senators Patrick Leahy and Dick Durbin banning the entry of Philippine government officials responsible for the alleged wrongful filing of criminal charges and detention of Sen. Leila de Lima. The Bicolano legislator plans to submit her list of persecutors to the US State Department, which is supposed to implement the ban. She admitted, however, that her list is only recommendatory and that she would defer to the US authorities who should be included in the ban. I can imagine de Lima carefully weighing on each and every name to be included in her list and, like dear Santa, must be making her list, checking it twice, and to find out who has been naughty or nice. Reports said that she has kept the names in her mind and she knew exactly who’ve been good or bad to her. Some prominent names have already been bruited about but so far only Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has been mentioned as being the good guy. So you better watch out, you better not cry, and you better not pout in case you will be on the list.