MANILA: The US yesterday urged China and other claimants in the West Philippine Sea row to “act in a responsible manner” and to craft a code of conduct that would govern stakeholders in the area. “We call on China and all other countries to act in a responsible manner to work with Asean nations to forge a serious code of conduct and to sit down at the negotiating table and do this in a peaceful manner,” US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr said. Thomas was asked about potential impact of the rebalancing of US troops to the region and whether he expects China to be more aggressive owing to Washington’s increased presence. “The rebalance or re-pivot to Asia is not about any one country, (Asia) is (an) economic engine, becoming the economic engine of the world,” Thomas said.
‘Free Mali’ cards for president
MANILA: An international animal rights group said last Wednesday they would send President Aquino cards containing drawings and handwritten appeals to transfer the elephant Mali from Manila Zoo to a sanctuary in Thailand. In a statement, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said that the appeals were from students of various schools in Metro Manila who have joined the group’s campaign to free Mali. “There’s one thing that children, politicians, celebrities, animal welfare groups, and elephant experts have all agreed on: Mali deserves to be transferred to a proper sanctuary,” said PETA Asia campaigns manager Rochelle Regodon. Aquino earlier issued directives to relocate Mali.
‘26th friendliest country’ honour
Philippines: The Philippines is the 26th friendliest country in the world. Based on the World Economic Forum’s 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, the Philippines has made significant improvement in the travel and tourism industry, from rank 94 in 2011 to 82 in 2013. The top 10 friendliest countries were Iceland, New Zealand, Morocco, Macedonia, Austria, Senegal, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland and Burkina Faso. The 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index has ranked 140 countries based on criteria, including competitiveness and attractiveness to the tourism and travel industries.AGENCIES
