Latest news with #MECO
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos Responds to China: ‘Playing with Fire? I Was Just Stating Facts'
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. fired back at China after Beijing lodged 'serious protests' over his remarks that the Philippines could be drawn into a conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan. In a press conference on Monday, Marcos expressed surprise at China's reaction, saying he was simply stating facts and not 'playing with fire.' 'I don't know what they are talking about. Playing with fire? I was just stating facts. We do not want to go to war. But I think if there is a war over Taiwan, we will be drawn in whether we like it or not — kicking and screaming,' Marcos said. He emphasized the importance of planning for such a scenario, especially given the presence of around 200,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island claimed by China. 'If a conflict arises — it's near us. What will we do? Just let anyone come in and out? That's not possible,' the President said, urging preparations to protect Filipinos in case of war. China's protest cited the Philippines' 'near geographic location' and large Filipino population in Taiwan, warning against using these as excuses to interfere in China's internal affairs. Though Manila does not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it maintains a de facto embassy, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). Marcos concluded that despite the country's strong desire to avoid conflict, war over Taiwan would inevitably drag the Philippines into the dispute.
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos to China: Playing with fire? I just stated facts
''Playing with fire? I was just stating facts.'' This was the response of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. to China after the latter had lodged "serious protests" against the Philippines over Marcos' statement that the country could be drawn into a conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan. During a press conference on Monday, Marcos admitted that he was a little bit perplexed that his remarks were characterized as 'playing with fire.' ''I don't know what they are talking about. Playing with fire? I was just stating facts. There… We do not want to go to war. But I think if there is a war over Taiwan, we will be indrawn, hihilaan tayo sa ayaw at gusto natin (We will be dragged whether we like it or not). Kicking and screaming,'' Marcos said. ''We will be drawn and dragged into that mess. Whatever you do…Come on, let's be – huwag na tayong mag… Hope. I love this saying, hope is not a plan. I hope it doesn't happen. I hope it doesn't,'' he added. Marcos, in a media interview during his state visit to India, said "there is no way that the Philippines can stay out of it" if an all-out war erupts in the Taiwan Strait due to its geographic location. The Philippine leader also acknowledged the presence of around 200,000 Filipino workers on the self-ruling democratic island China claims as part of its territory. Beijing, for its part, pointed out that "near geographic location' and 'a large amount of Filipinos in Taiwan' should "not be used as pretexts to interfere in the internal and sovereign affairs of other countries." Manila does not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a democratic self-ruling island which has been separated from the Chinese mainland since 1949. The Philippines, however, maintains a de-facto embassy in Taiwan, called the Manila Economic and Cultural Office or MECO. In case a war arises, Marcos said the Philippine government should plan for it already. ''And that's what I was talking about. How do we get our people out? How do we protect the – kung magkagulo – giyera na nga dito, eh malapit na sa atin. Anong gagawin natin? Okay lang, normal lang 'yan, pababayaan na lang natin kung sino pasok-labas dito sa atin.' Hindi naman puwede 'yun,'' he said. (If a conflict arises, in case there will be a war, it's near to us. What will we do? ''It's fine, it's normal, we just let whoever goes in an out of our country.'' That's not possible.) ''So, we'll have to do something. So, inevitably, despite our fervent wish to avoid any confrontation with anybody anywhere, war over Taiwan will drag the Philippines kicking and screaming into the conflict. That is what I was trying to say. That's why I don't understand,'' Marcos added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
19-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PH grants Taiwan passport holders visa-free entry starting July 1, 2025
The Philippine government announced it is granting Taiwan passport holders a visa-free entry starting July 1, 2025. In a social media post, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said Taiwan passport holders may enter the country for tourism purposes 'without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days.' The following requirements need to be presented: -passport valid for at least six months -confirmed hotel accommodation/booking -proof of financial capacity -return ticket or onward ticket to the next country of destination For Taiwan passport holders intending to stay in the Philippines for more than 14 days or for purposes other than tourism, a visa shall be required with the following requirements: -duly accomplished and signed visa application form -passport valid for at least six months -Taiwan ID -proof of round -rip ticket reservation, if any -visa application fee 'For other visa categories such as applications for multiple-entry visa, crew-list visa, and long-term visa, the standard requirements and procedures shall remain applicable,' MECO said. Earlier, Taiwan extended the visa-free privilege for Filipinos, as well as citizens of Thailand and Brunei for one year or from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. The current visa-free privilege policy enjoyed by Filipinos is supposed to end on July 31, 2025.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Globe and Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Markel announces completion of MECO acquisition
LONDON , June 2, 2025 /CNW/ -- Markel Insurance, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced that it has completed its acquisition of specialist marine MGA, The MECO Group Limited (MECO), following regulatory approvals. Andrew McMellin, President of Markel International, stated: "We're thrilled to finalise this acquisition and officially welcome MECO's people to Markel. MECO is a well-regarded brand, known for its professionalism, operational quality, and robust distribution channels in regions where we're actively expanding our presence. I look forward to the opportunities we can leverage as we join forces." Chris Else , Chief Executive of MECO, remarked: "This development represents an important milestone in the evolution of the MECO Group. Markel is a rapidly growing organisation that has built its success on a strong balance sheet, clear strategic vision, and philosophy of local empowerment. From early discussions with the leadership team, it was evident that their core values, as a people-powered business, make Markel an excellent fit for MECO as we embark on this new and exciting chapter." MECO, which has offices in London , Dubai , Shanghai and Hamburg , will trade as MECO Specialty, as part of the Specialty division of Markel International's Wholesale operation, led by Tom Hillier , Managing Director - Specialty. About Markel Insurance We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Markel announces completion of MECO acquisition
LONDON, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ -- Markel Insurance, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced that it has completed its acquisition of specialist marine MGA, The MECO Group Limited (MECO), following regulatory approvals. Andrew McMellin, President of Markel International, stated: "We're thrilled to finalise this acquisition and officially welcome MECO's people to Markel. MECO is a well-regarded brand, known for its professionalism, operational quality, and robust distribution channels in regions where we're actively expanding our presence. I look forward to the opportunities we can leverage as we join forces." Chris Else, Chief Executive of MECO, remarked: "This development represents an important milestone in the evolution of the MECO Group. Markel is a rapidly growing organisation that has built its success on a strong balance sheet, clear strategic vision, and philosophy of local empowerment. From early discussions with the leadership team, it was evident that their core values, as a people-powered business, make Markel an excellent fit for MECO as we embark on this new and exciting chapter." MECO, which has offices in London, Dubai, Shanghai and Hamburg, will trade as MECO Specialty, as part of the Specialty division of Markel International's Wholesale operation, led by Tom Hillier, Managing Director - Specialty. About Markel Insurance We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients – that differentiates us worldwide. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Markel View original content to download multimedia:
