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The Philippine Palace on Tuesday denied accusations that it was hiding poverty in the lead‑up to the 49th ASEAN Summit. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration was focused on completing preparations and ensuring security for the visiting leaders. The comments followed allegations by ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio, who claimed that the government was removing street vendors and homeless people from areas near the summit venues. Tinio also criticized the installation of large displays featuring artworks by National Artists along J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City, saying the barriers were intended to conceal poor communities from foreign delegates. Castro rejected the criticism, stating that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the administration were “focused on how to organize and complete this preparation not only for Filipinos but to show the world how prepared the Philippines is to host the ASEAN Summit.” She added that providing adequate security for visiting leaders was a priority and that the country’s hospitality should be on display. “So, walang anumang issue na dapat pag-usapan o pamumulitika rito. Ang dapat pag-usapan ay ang magiging magandang epekto ng pagho-host ng Pilipinas sa ASEAN Summit,” she said. The controversy comes amid temporary business restrictions on street vendors in parts of Pasay City due to security and traffic arrangements for the summit. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said about 30 affected vendors would receive up to ₱10,000 each in financial assistance, along with family food packs. Castro also urged protest groups to hold demonstrations after the summit rather than during the arrival of foreign delegates. “Ang hiling lang naman, kayo ay may panahon, marami kayong panahon kung anong gusto ninyong sabihin sa gobyerno, mas maganda po sana kung hindi ito itapat sa pagdating ng ating mga bisita. Ipakita natin ang tunay na kagandahang-ugali ng mga Pilipino,” she said. In other matters, Castro said the administration remained hopeful about progress toward finalizing a Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China in the South China Sea, referring questions on the negotiations to the Department of Foreign Affairs. President Marcos was expected to inspect the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City as preparations entered their final stages. The Philippines will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from 16 to 18 November, bringing together regional leaders and international partners to discuss security, economic cooperation and other regional concerns. Article source: The Daily Tribune | Image credit: The Daily Tribune
The Philippine Palace on Tuesday denied accusations that it was hiding poverty in the lead‑up to the 49th ASEAN Summit. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration was focused on completing preparations and ensuring security for the visiting leaders. The comments followed allegations by ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio, who claimed that the government was removing street vendors and homeless people from areas near the summit venues. Tinio also criticized the installation of large displays featuring artworks by National Artists along J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City, saying the barriers were intended to conceal poor communities from foreign delegates. Castro rejected the criticism, stating that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the administration were “focused on how to organize and complete this preparation not only for Filipinos but to show the world how prepared the Philippines is to host the ASEAN Summit.” She added that providing adequate security for visiting leaders was a priority and that the country’s hospitality should be on display. “So, walang anumang issue na dapat pag-usapan o pamumulitika rito. Ang dapat pag-usapan ay ang magiging magandang epekto ng pagho-host ng Pilipinas sa ASEAN Summit,” she said. The controversy comes amid temporary business restrictions on street vendors in parts of Pasay City due to security and traffic arrangements for the summit. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said about 30 affected vendors would receive up to ₱10,000 each in financial assistance, along with family food packs. Castro also urged protest groups to hold demonstrations after the summit rather than during the arrival of foreign delegates. “Ang hiling lang naman, kayo ay may panahon, marami kayong panahon kung anong gusto ninyong sabihin sa gobyerno, mas maganda po sana kung hindi ito itapat sa pagdating ng ating mga bisita. Ipakita natin ang tunay na kagandahang-ugali ng mga Pilipino,” she said. In other matters, Castro said the administration remained hopeful about progress toward finalizing a Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China in the South China Sea, referring questions on the negotiations to the Department of Foreign Affairs. President Marcos was expected to inspect the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City as preparations entered their final stages. The Philippines will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from 16 to 18 November, bringing together regional leaders and international partners to discuss security, economic cooperation and other regional concerns.
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