Australia is committed to supporting the Philippines’ access to vaccine. I am very pleased that 2,030,000 doses of AstraZanecca vaccines from the COVAX Facility arrived today in Manila.
We congratulate the Philippines on the holding of its national elections yesterday. We look forward to working with the next President, Vice-President and all the officials democratically elected by the Philippine people.
#mateshipandbayanihan
Called on Mayor
@VicoSotto
and was impressed by Pasig's
#COVID19
response and vaccine roll out plans. We discussed Australia's support to the Philippines; and I invited the Mayor and Pasig City to be part of the
#mateshipandbayanihan
75th Anniversary celebrations this year.
Today, I welcomed
@angatbuhay_ph
Chair Atty
@lenirobredo
to the Embassy. Together, we explored opportunities for collaboration in health, education and disaster preparedness to assist vulnerable groups in the Philippines.
We offer our condolences to the family of former President Benigno S. Aquino III and to the Filipino people. While the Philippines mourns his loss, we remember fondly his State Visit to Australia in 2012 and the legacy of partnership and bayanihan we shared.
Mabuhay! I'm very honoured to be here as Ambassador-designate of Australia to the Philippines. I look forward to continuing 🇦🇺🇵🇭 tradition of
#mateshipandbayanihan
.
Australia is concerned by the latest actions directed against the Philippines, which are dangerous and destabilising. We reiterate our call for peace, stability, and respect for UNCLOS in the South China Sea - a vital international waterway.
The oxygen concentrators and consumables pledged by Australia have arrived in Manila. These critical medical supplies will enhance the Philippines’s capacity to respond to this challenging phase of the
#COVID19
pandemic.
#PartnershipsforRecovery
Seriously concerned by reports of dangerous actions by Chinese vessels against Philippine vessels today. This endangers lives and livelihoods.🇦🇺 again reiterates the call for peace, stability and respect for UNCLOS in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway for us all
STATEMENT OF THE
NATIONAL TASK FORCE FOR THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
9 December 2023
Manila, Philippines
The National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS) vehemently condemns the illegal and aggressive actions carried out by the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia
The Australian Governor-General met President Marcos at Malacañang Palace following the inauguration. It was a rewarding and substantive meeting between two committed Heads of State 🇦🇺🇵🇭.
Australia is concerned by China’s dangerous manoeuvres that damaged 🇵🇭 vessels and disrupted a 🇵🇭 resupply mission in the 🇵🇭 EEZ. The South China Sea is a vital international waterway for us all. We again call for peace, stability & respect for UNCLOS.
🇦🇺🇯🇵🇵🇭🇺🇸 conducted the first multilateral maritime cooperative activity on 7 April, demonstrating a collective commitment to promote and strengthen regional and international support for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Australia remains steadfast in support of UNCLOS and international law. China’s further dangerous actions against Philippine vessels today, following yesterday’s incident, again risk lives and livelihoods and are deeply concerning.
Statement of the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea
December 10, 2023, Manila, Philippines
Today, 10 December 2023, China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous maneuvers on Philippine civilian supply vessels,
Australia is again concerned by dangerous conduct, including the use of water cannons, by China’s vessels in the Philippines’ EEZ. Upholding international law, especially UNCLOS, is fundamental to international peace and security. We call for UNCLOS to be respected.
We share the Philippines’ serious concerns about dangerous conduct by China’s vessels adjacent to Second Thomas Shoal today. This is part of a pattern of deeply concerning behaviour. UNCLOS is the basis for peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The Embassy is monitoring the situation following
#EarthquakeAbra
and keeping contact with Philippine government and partners to assess needs. Australia is prepared to respond if required.
#EarthquakePH
Tonight, I personally handed over Australia's initial donation to
@DFAPHL
Sec
@teddyboylocsin
and
@DOHgovph
USec Vega. These oxygen concentrators, announced just five days ago, complements our already extensive
#COVID19
bayanihan with the Philippines.
Wonderful to witness Philippine history as the Senate adopts the bicameral report on the Bangsamoro Organic Law - “the dawn of a new beginning for Mindanao” - Australia supports your vision!
Got my 🇵🇭 license and ready to drive. EDSA here I come! Planning future road trip to get to know the country better. Let me know places I should put on my list.
🇦🇺🇯🇵🇵🇭🇺🇸 will conduct our Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone tomorrow.
Together, we work to enhance maritime security cooperation, promote respect for international law, and maintain regional peace and stability.
Mabuhay! Today I presented my credentials to President Marcos. I am truly honoured to be appointed as Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines and very much look forward to elevating Australia-Philippines relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
Ambassador Amanda Gorely has finished her tenure in the Philippines and I’ve been trusted with looking after 🇵🇭🇦🇺 relationship until Ambassador-Designate Steve Robinson arrives. Will try not to break anything. 😉
Australia has consistently expressed support for UNCLOS, the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award and an open and inclusive region. We continue to work with and support our 🇵🇭 partners on maritime issues and are concerned with recent destabilising incidents in the SCS.
I’ve lived in NZ, Switzerland and Scandinavia and the mountain scenery between Sagada and Banaue is up there with the best of them! 💖Mountain Province!!
I have informed Secretaries
@teddyboylocsin
@SecDuque
Galvez & Dizon of Australia’s additional commitment of AUD13.72M (PHP480.2M) to buy
#COVID19
vaccine for the 🇵🇭. This will make an important contribution to meeting the country’s vaccine needs in 2021.
#mateshipandbayanihan
Concerned by further reports of unprofessional and dangerous conduct against the Philippines in its Exclusive Economic Zone. Australia reiterates our call for peace, stability and respect for UNCLOS in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway.
That’s wheels up for three special flights to bring Australians back home. Salamat po
@teddyboylocsin
,
@BernaPuyat
and
@flyPAL
for the bayanihan 🇦🇺🇵🇭 to make this happen.
Delighted to be with my friend Secretary
@teddyboylocsin
to witness the lighting up of the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe with the 75th Anniversary logo. We have much to celebrate for
#FilAussieDay
– the deep trust between our countries and the strong bonds between our people.
An historic moment – Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr have elevated our 🇵🇭🇦🇺 relationship to a Strategic Partnership. An exciting outcome from the Prime Minister’s visit to Manila! Read more:
Australia is providing life-saving family kits to the most affected communities in the
#BARMM
. This assistance will ensure that those most severely affected by
#PaengPH
will have fast access to priority needs.
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by
#OmpongPH
We are in close contact with our humanitarian partners and as always in times of need stand ready to provide assistance. 🇦🇺🇵🇭
China’s dangerous manoeuvres and obstruction encountered by Philippine Government vessels in the South China Sea - today at Scarborough Shoal - create risks of miscalculation and endanger peace. Disputes must be resolved peacefully under
#UNCLOS
.
Yesterday, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP BAGACAY (MRRV-4410), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel, BRP BANKAW (MMOV-3004), were assigned to carry out a legitimate maritime patrol in the waters near Bajo De Masinloc. The primary objective of this
Australia sends its heartfelt sympathy to the communities affected by
#KardingPH
. We are saddened by the loss of lives and stand ready to support recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Honoured to be conferred the Order of Sikatuna by President Duterte at the Malacañan Palace; a recognition of the deep bonds between Australia and the Philippines. There is no doubt that our tradition of
#mateshipandbayanihan
will only grow stronger in the future.
This morning I handed over to
@DOHgovPH
@SecDuque
and
@ntfcovid19ph
Chief Implementer Sec Carlito Galvez another 100 oxygen concentrators. This brings up to 200 our 🇦🇺 total donation of this critical medical equipment in line with 🇵🇭 needs.
#mateshipandbayanihan
Australia always stands ready to support Filipinos hit by disasters.
We are working with
@IOM_Philippines
to support
@DHSUDgovph
through the distribution of 1,800 shelter tarps prepositioned in Mindanao to assist families that continue to be affected by the recent floods.
Discussing peace and stability at the
#ASEAN50Aus
Summit. Australia shares Philippines’ concerns about dangerous actions by China’s vessels at Second Thomas Shoal today. We call for restraint and respect for international law, particularly UNCLOS.
Warm and festive atmosphere in Davao for the inauguration of Sara Duterte as 15th Vice President of the Philippines. Honoured to be part of it, and witness her passion for her country and the future. Australia is fully committed to our
#mateshipandbayanihan
🇦🇺🇵🇭
I was pleased to join the President for the arrival of the first dozes of
#COVAX
Astra Zeneca vaccines. Australia advocated to ensure the Philippines was eligible for
#COVAXAMC
.
#mateshipandbayanihan
🇦🇺🇵🇭
Australia is committed to assist our friends at
@TeamAFP
deal with the continued challenges of COVID-19. Together with
@del_lorenzana
, I handed over medical and personal protective equipment to boost the capacity of AFP Health Service Command and its health service centers.
Australia supports an
#IndoPacific
region which is secure open and inclusive. The South China Sea – a crucial international waterway – is governed by international rules and norms, particularly UNCLOS. We remain concerned about destabilising actions that could provoke escalation.
Last week, Prime Minister Albanese & President Marcos formally signed our Strategic Partnership! This exciting milestone is reflected in a new joint logo, which incorporates elements from both 🇵🇭🇦🇺 & symbolises the strength of our relationship and its elevation to a new level.
Hibiscus flowering for the first time ever on my last day in Manila- cultivated by a Filipino who spent time in Aus learning his craft! My favourite colours 🌼🌸
Australia is proud to support 🇵🇭 to boost its national vaccine rollout by delivering 700,000
#COVID19
vaccine doses to
@DOHgovPH
@SecDuque
and
@ntfcovid19ph
Secretary Galvez. By the end of 2022, we will share a total of 2.2 million 🇦🇺-made vaccine doses with the Philippines.
I had a great discussion with
@dndphl
Secretary Teodoro covering our many 🇦🇺🇵🇭 defence cooperation activities. We are proud to work together with the Philippines to keep our shared region safe, stable and prosperous.
Australia supported an important forum on the Philippines’ Maritime Zones Bill.
Defining maritime zones, consistent with UNCLOS, is crucial for upholding sovereignty, bolstering maritime security and protecting the marine environment.
Australia shares concerns about unsafe and intimidatory actions directed against the Philippines. We continue to call for peace, stability and respect for international law in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway.
Mabuhay from Malacañang where I presented my credentials to President Rodrigo Duterte. Excited to be Australia's Ambassador to the 🇵🇭, a long-standing and important partner to 🇦🇺 .
Today, President
@bongbongmarcos
made an historic address to the Australian Parliament.
This is our 🇦🇺🇵🇭🫱🏻🫲🏽 Strategic Partnership in action, where we work together and listen to each other on issues that are important to us.
Read more
@PhilstarNews
:
Today marks the 6th Anniversary of the South China Sea arbitral award. It's as important as ever the parties abide by the decision. Respect for international law, including
#UNCLOS
, is fundamental to peace, prosperity and stability in our region.
🇦🇺 is proud of the deepening defence partnership with our friends from 🇵🇭🇺🇸🇯🇵.
We will continue working to support our collective security for a peaceful and prosperous region.
@RichardMarlesMP
@dndphl
@SecDef
@ModJapan_en
The cooperation and alignment between the United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines is as crucial as ever.
Together we share a common focus of working together to ensure a stable and prosperous Pacific region.
As an Ambassador, I know how historic the visit of President Marcos is—it demonstrates the value we place on each other 🇦🇺🇵🇭 as trusted friends. It also reinforces our commitment as Strategic Partners to shape a region that is open, stable and prosperous.
Australia is proud to support the Philippines in its fight against COVID-19 through our long-time partner
@philredcross
, with testing lab equipment, supplies and an ambulance – such cooperation is a symbol of bayanihan and Aussie mateship. Read more here:
Thrilled to have the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy in Manila. The Philippines will participate in the 🇦🇺🇳🇿 hosted event later this year for the first time ever! A great moment for women's sports and gender equality. Hoping for a Matildas vs Filipinas final. 🏆⚽
Three months after
#OdettePH
made landfall, Australia continues to help families and communities by providing food, hygiene kits, shelter and cash assistance through our network of international organisations and NGOs.
#mateshipandbayanihan
🇦🇺🇵🇭
Today marks the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait where Australia stood by the Philippines in the spirit of mateship and bayanihan. May we always remember the courage and sacrifice of the men and women in the pursuit of peace.
I am pleased we supported the recent
@DOSTphl
official visit to Australia. It further strengthened and deepened 🇦🇺🇵🇭ties, forming new partnerships in science, technology and innovation with Australian universities & research organisations
@ACIAR
@CSIRO
.
After following
@teddyboylocsin
on Twitter meeting him in person did not disappoint! Great to hear his perspectives on regional security and the South China Sea. The 🇦🇺🇵🇭 relationship is in good hands too.