Newscast: The World Tonight - Broadcast date: 11/26/96
Homepage: ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
Copyright © 1996, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

SUSTAINING THE MOMENTUM
RAMOS-JIANG MEET ON SPRATLYS
NOW IT CAN BE TOLD (SECURITY DURING APEC)
AFTER APEC, WHAT NOW, EDDIE?
APEC SUCCESS
SUFFER THE VICTIMS
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL (WITH THE VILLAS)
CLINTON IN THAILAND
HIJACKER IN ETHIOPIAN AIRLINER
NETANYAHU'S JEWISH VISIT
MOTHER TERESA'S CONDITION
INFO TECH AGREEMENT
BUSINESS SECTOR AS A FULL PARTNER IN APEC
CHEFS ON PARADE FOR APEC


Subject: SUSTAINING THE MOMENTUM
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

Yesterday, APEC leaders determined the steps needed to make APEC's goal of setting up the world's largest free trade zone a reality. Now that the summit is over, the real work is just beginning, especially for the Philippines.

It was a production of the grandest Filipino design with a cost just as grand. Hosting 17 heads of state and over 5000 APEC delegates cost the government close to 400 million pesos. For security alone, close to 100 million pesos and about 30 thousand sold iers and policemen. Then there was the much needed beautification and road widening. But at the same time the demolitions, the strikes, and the traffic jams. Despite APEC's apparent success, many still wonder if it was worth it.

If last week's cover of newsweek is any indication, the Philippines is no longer sick. Though the activism prior to APEC was prominent, it didn't equate to political instability; only democracy. But pro-APEC advocates admit the road ahead is long. Globali zation is inevitable and explaining its merits is difficult. But if there's anything the APEC summit made clear, it's the need to prepare.

Experts say the tell-tale signs of APEC's success are increased investments and higher employment rates. They say the Filipino will have to understand APEC is a process in which they will have to take part.

Subject: RAMOS-JIANG MEET ON SPRATLYS
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

Aside from attending the APEC summit, Chinese President Jiang Zemin is here for a 3-day state visit. Today, Jiang had a one-on-one meeting with President Ramos. Both leaders agreed to improve trade relations and set aside their conflicting claims over the Spratly Islands. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rodolfo Severino says the two leaders agreed to join tly develop the Spratlys while continuing peaceful discussions on the disputed territory.

Last year, Manila protested the construction of permanent structures on a reef claimed by the Philippines. And to prevent the dispute from escalating, the two countries signed a "code of conduct" governing actions concerning the islands.

Chinese and Filipino trade officials have signed four agreements enhancing ties between between their two countries. One agreement will allow the Philippines to continue operating its Consulate in Hong Kong after the British Colony reverts to Chinese rule in july 1997. The Chinese leader assured President Ramos that the Filipino workers will be allowed to stay in hong kong after the handover. Another agreement calls for the establishment of Consular Offices in Guangzhou and Cebu City. Chinese businessmen also signed two deals with their local counterparts for the construction of 2 power plants in the country.

Subject: NOW IT CAN BE TOLD (SECURITY DURING APEC)
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

Massive security arrangements during the APEC summit sparked a lot of criticisms. Critics rated the APEC security measures as overkill. Even the foreign media complained. Leftist protesters got a lot of it in the run-up to the APEC summit. Security offici als said it was the leftists that worried them, not foreign terrorists. There were no intelligence reports on them, they said. Officials even downplayed a bomb scare at the Ninoy Aquino Airport. Today, authorities admit there were threats, but declined to give details.

As the summit went along smoothly, Chief Organizer Lisandro Abadia refused to relax until it was over. Now that it is, he's all smiles. PNP Security Command Chief Victor Tiangco says local security forces coordinated with their foreign counterparts, those securing APEC leaders.

Weeks before APEC, there were apprehensions over the capability of security forces. Now that the party's over, the answer is clear.

Subject: AFTER APEC, WHAT NOW, EDDIE?
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

Almost everyone admits APEC was a huge success for the country and a crowning glory for the host, President Ramos. But they also fear APEC's free trade agenda is not the only agenda the President might have in mind.

The President played host to the hilt. Despite the barrage of protests, the summit went without a hitch. Because of APEC, the Philippines is again back on the economic map. Credit goes to the President. Speaker Jose De Venecia thinks a Congressional Commendation is in order. Even the President's staunchest critics concede the summit was a personal triump h for Ramos. Senate President Ernesto Maceda says he has guaranteed for himself a niche in history. But they warn the President against using the APEC success as a springboard to defy the Constitution and extend his term of office.

Many view APEC as a grand coming out party to mark the country's economic turnaround, much of it brought about by the kind of policies APEC espoused. But if the President tries to remain in office, He just might squander the fruits of his labor.

Subject: APEC SUCCESS
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

Speaker Jose De Venecia says American businessmen are planning to invest 1.5 billion dollars here. US President Bill Clinton told President Ramos they are particularly interested in Subic being their former home in Asia.

Other countries are also interested in doing business here. Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien is returning in January with Team Canada, the biggest business mission to visit the country ever. Indonesian President Suharto and Malaysian Prime Minister M ahathir are eyeing investments in Mindanao. De Venecia says the country should see these investments in 2 to 3 years.

Subject: SUFFER THE VICTIMS
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

Two people hit last week by speeding vehicles inside the APEC friendship lanes are now in critical condition. One of them, construction worker Francisco Alvarez, is suffering from brain hemorrhage and is now comatose. His family is asking the government f or help. Doctors gave him 10 days for his condition to improve. The other accident victim, PNP Recruit Eusebio Macinano, is also comatose. His doctors have already given up on him. They say only his heart remains functioning.
Subject: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL (WITH THE VILLAS)
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

The Villas along Subic Bay that housed the APEC leaders got a lot of attention. They were off limits even to the media for security purposes. Now that the summit's over, it's business as usual at the Subic Bay Freeport. At SBMA Chairman Gordon's office, c ongratulatory messages poured in, including a fax from the US with a clipping of a glowing editorial from the of most prestigous newspapers in the US.

Next on the agenda was a meeting at the newly constructed triboa bay clubhouse in the APEC village with a Papua New Guinea Governor who wants to set up a free port just like Subic. This was followed by a thank you speech to the staff who served the APEC l eaders at the Villas. The 21 Villas are now up for a 50-year lease. 5 APEC-member economies have already expressed interest. So have almost 80 local residents and corporations.

President Clinton's Villa, where he changed from a suit to a barong before he was welcomed by President Ramos to Subic, even had time for a jacuzzi, a German-made one provides a foot and head massage. The toilet even has an electronic flush. The flowers w ere flown in from Indonesia and arranged by a Taiwanese. The interiors were sourced from 4 continents and were the best money could buy. The Villas were completed in just seven months and are proof that the Philippines can indeed be world-class.

Subject: CLINTON IN THAILAND
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

In Thailand, President Clinton became the first US leader to make a state visit to Thailand since 1969. Clinton arrived last night, and then spoke today at chula-longkorn university. He praised the spread of democracy in Asia and assured Thailand that the US will give its support. In the war against drugs, environmental issues, and the spread of aids and ot her deadly diseases.
Subject: HIJACKER IN ETHIOPIAN AIRLINER
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

In the Comoros Islands, a co-pilot of the Ethiopian airliner that crashed Saturday failed to identify 2 suspected hijackers now being held in custody. But police say they will detain the 2 men while Investigation is ongoing.

Some of the survivors positively identified the men when they were escorted to the hospital where the men are detained. The suspects have denied any involvement.

Subject: NETANYAHU'S JEWISH VISIT
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

In the West Bank, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an official visit to a Jewish settlement site despite Palestinian protests. Netanyahu went to the town of Ariel where some 13-thousand Israelis live. Earlier, Palestinians called for a stop to all settlement activity. The p-l-o has been demanding the creation of an autonomous Palestinian state.
Subject: MOTHER TERESA'S CONDITION
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

In India, Mother Teresa has agreed to undergo a special x-ray test this week to see if an artery in her heart is blocked and an operation is needed. The 86-year-old nun was brought to hospital last week because of heart failure and chest pains. Despite he r critical condition, Mother Teresa is still reluctant to undergo any surgery.
Subject: INFO TECH AGREEMENT
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

Local exporters support the Information Technology agreement proposed by the United States. Philexport President Sergio Ortiz-Luis says it will further boost electronics exports. Currently the country's top export earner, electronics account for 42-percen t of total export receipts. He explains, the ITA will even attract more investments which would allow the entry of additional technology into the country.

During the APEC summit, the heads of state reached a consensus of reducing tariff rates. Though not on all IT products and not zero percent. While other Asean countries lobbied for more flexibility in the ITA, President Ramos has expressed support early on for the United States' proposal. Discussions will continue in the WTO meeting in Singapore next month.

Subject: BUSINESS SECTOR AS A FULL PARTNER IN APEC
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

Roberto Romulo, Chairman of the APEC Business Advisory Council says the leaders' declaration re-affirms their commitment to make the business sector a full partner in APEC. Romulo says ABAC's theme for instance of public and private sector partnership was one of the important higlights of their declaration.
Subject: CHEFS ON PARADE FOR APEC
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 11/26/96

64 chefs and food attendants from the Manila hotel prepared the sumptuous joint Filipino dinner of the heads of state and business leaders on their first night in the country.

MENU

Go Back To News Service Index