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Poll shows anti-China stance on maritime dispute

By Camille A. Aguinaldo, Reporter
MAJORITY OF Filipinos reject the government’s “inaction” regarding China’s militarization activities in the West Philippine Sea, results from the latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.
The noncommissioned Third Quarter 2018 SWS survey, conducted from Sept. 15 to 23, asked 1,500 Filipinos if three activities related to the issue is right or not right. Its results were published on the first day of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit in Manila.
The survey indicated that about 84% of Filipinos said it is not right to “leave China alone with its infrastructures and military presence in the claimed territories.” The figure was up by three points from the 81% reported in June.
Meanwhile, 86% of Filipinos believed it is right to “strengthen the military capability of the Philippines, especially the Navy.” The figure was up by six points from the 80% in June.
And lastly, 71% of Filipinos said it is right for the government “to bring the issue to international organizations, like the United Nations or Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for a diplomatic and peaceful negotiation with China about the claimed territories.” The figure was three points below the 74% in June.
Majority of Filipinos (87%) also believed that it is important for the Philippines to regain control of the China-occupied islands in the West Philippine Sea.
‘POOR’ NET TRUST IN CHINA
The survey showed higher trust among Filipinos towards the United States, compared to China. US had a net trust rating of +59 (labeled as “very good”), followed by Japan with +28, Malaysia with +15, and Israel +13 (all “moderate”), and China with -16 (“poor”).
SWS also noted that net trust in the United States has remained positive since they first surveyed it in December 1994. But the latest figure was six points below the reported +65 rating in June.
Meanwhile, net trust in China has been positive in nine out of 47 surveys since SWS started the survey in August 1994. However, its latest -16 rating was 19 points above the reported -35 rating in June.
As for other countries, Filipinos’ sentiments towards Japan was declining after its record-high rating of +54 last December 2017. Malaysia stayed at neutral to moderate levels throughout the past surveys. Israel also remained in the poor to moderate levels.
The survey also noted higher distrust in China among the respondents who were aware of issues in the West Philippine Sea.
On Filipinos’ awareness in the issue of the West Philippine Sea, the survey found that 65% are aware of the Chinese coast guard confiscating Filipino fishermen’s goods in the West Philippine Sea.
The September survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide: 600 in Balance Luzon and 300 each in Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao, with sampling error margins ±3% for national percentages, ±4% for Balance Luzon and ±6% each for the remaining regions.
PALACE QUESTIONS SURVEY
In a statement, Malacañang questioned the timing of the survey, adding it could be “wittingly or unwittingly used for partisan purposes.”
Presidential spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo also criticized the “flawed questionnaire design regarding China and the West Philippine Sea.”
“We consider the question skewed as it misleads the public to believe and suggests that the current government has not acted on China’s activities on the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea. This is far from truth,” Mr. Panelo said, adding that the Duterte administration has been “consistent in its stance” on the issue.
“We, therefore, view the results with skepticism as the reliability of the data in question,” he added.
As for the public’s perception on China, US, and Japan, Mr. Panelo said it was expected for the US and Japan to have higher trust ratings since they were the country’s traditional allies.
“Our country’s renewed ties with our giant neighbor in the North provides us a welcome opportunity for the public to know and understand China better. It does not happen overnight but we are confident that a more favorable public appreciation of China could happen in the future,” he said.

Faeldon’s appointment as BuCor chief now official

By Vann Marlo M. Villegas
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed the appointment papers of former Customs chief Nicanor E. Faeldon as the new Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director-general, Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said.
“Nicanor Faeldon’s appointment papers as director-general of the BUCOR have been signed by the President and ready for release by the Executive Secretary,” he told reporters in a text message.
Mr. Guevarra told reporters on Oct. 12 that the President appointed Mr. Faeldon as the new BuCor chief and the Department of Justice does not oppose the “proposed appointment.”
A month after the announcement of Mr. Faeldon’s appointment, Mr. Guevarra said the ex-customs chief has not “shown up” in the BuCor.
In response, Mr. Faeldon’s legal team issued a statement saying there has been no official announcement of his appointment to the bureau, noting that the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013 states that the appointment of a director-general is made by the President.
“To begin with, there was/is no appointment to speak of,” the legal team said. “In fact, the DoJ Secretary himself was quite clear when he stated last 12 October 2018, that there was only a ‘proposed appointment’ and not an actual or official statement.”
The statement also added that Mr. Faeldon has “no record at all of being a ‘no-show’” in all of his public positions.
In his defense, Mr. Guevarra told reporters that the department requested the Civil Service Commission to evaluate and endorse Mr. Faeldon to the Office of the President as part of the legal requirements for the appointment.
He also noted that Mr. Faeldon cannot assume the position while the official appointment is still pending.
Mr. Faeldon now officially replaces Ronald M. Dela Rosa who filed his senatorial candidacy for the 2019 midterm elections.
Mr. Faeldon resigned as customs chief in August 2017 following the P6.4 billion-worth illegal drug shipment controversy that slipped past the bureau in May 2017.
He was then appointed by the President as deputy administrator III of the Office of Civil Defense in December 2017, before his next appointment as BuCor chief.

Senate bill creating judges-at-large to speed up court cases up for plenary

By Camille A. Aguinaldo, Reporter
THE bill creating judges-at-large positions in the lower courts was endorsed for plenary approval in the Senate last Monday.
Senate Bill No. 2065 or the proposed Judges-At-Large Act of 2018 seeks to amend Batas Pambansa Bilang 129 or the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980.
The proposed measure creates 100 positions of regional trial judges-at-large and 50 municipal trial judges-at-large who may be temporarily assigned by the Supreme Court as acting or assisting judges.
In a statement, Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara, one of the bill’s authors, said the judges at-large will help ensure the speedy resolution of cases and the unclogging of court dockets.
“This measure is but another step in our long-standing quest to make sure that justice is never delayed and denied in the Philippines,” he said.
He cited a study by the National Statistical Coordination Board from 2005 to 2010 which showed that the lower courts had an annual average load of 1,059,484 cases.
Under the bill, the length of the temporary assignment of the the judges-at- large shall not exceed six months without consent of the judge concerned.
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is tasked to recommend to the President the appointees to the judges-at-large positions. They may also recommend them for permanent sala.
They are also entitled to salaries, privileges, allowance, rank and title, and other benefits of their counterpart judges.
To compensate for their mobile nature, they will also be given “displacement allowances” to cover their housing, food, transportation, and other necessary expenses incurred during their detail to courts outside their places of residence.
Aside from Mr. Angara, Senators Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Richard J. Gordon and Loren B. Legarda are authors of the bill.
Its counterpart measure in the House of Representatives was passed in May 15.

NDFP consultant cancels trip, cites security concerns

NATIONAL Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Fidel V. Agcaoili said he cancelled his trip to Manila for security reasons.
“On November 18, I was told that the appointment with the President had been cancelled and that I would only be meeting with Sec. Panelo and Sec. Dureza but that such a meeting might not prove useful without a new perspective. As a consequence, we decided that I also forego with my trip scheduled for that evening for security consideration,” Mr. Agcaoili said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 20.
Mr. Agcaoili also said he and other NDFP leaders cancelled their trip to Manila after they were so advised by the government.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo were supposed to meet next week with NDFP leaders Messrs. Agcaoili and Luis Jalandoni to revive the peace talks.
Mr. Agcaoili also said in his statement, “On November 16, DILG Sec. Eduardo Año issued a statement that we would be arrested upon our arrival unless the President says otherwise. At around the same time on the same day, President Duterte said in Papua New Guinea that he was not yet prepared to resume talks with the revolutionary movement. As a consequence, we decided the following day to forego with the trip of Mr. Jalandoni and Ms. Ledesma whose names are in the so-called proscription case against the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) and NPA (New People’s Army).”
He added, “For the record, too, my name and that of Mr. Asterio Palima, as publicly known members of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, are not included in the list of 600 in the above-mentioned proscription case against the CPP and NPA. As far as I know, too, I have no outstanding case in any GRP courts.”
For his part, Mr. Panelo said, “The apprehension of the National Democratic Front (NDF) leader, Luis Jalandoni, that he would be arrested once he sets foot in Philippine soil is misplaced.”
He added, “Given that the President has opened a venue for informal talks with the NDF leaders to explore the possibility of resuming the peace talks, it goes without saying that no arrest shall be made during the days of informal talks.”
“Mr. Jalandoni’s intention in returning to the country is to promote the peace talks between their movement and the Philippine government. He is assured therefore that no arrest will be effected upon his person. To think otherwise is contrary to logic for certainly, a successful amicable discussion between the parties cannot be expected when one party’s liberty is…or (is) threatened to be…compromised,” Mr. Panelo also said. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Nationwide round-up

Jardeleza still richest SC magistrate

PHILSTAR

SUPREME COURT (SC) Associate Justice Francis H. Jardeleza, a former longtime corporate lawyer, remains the richest magistrate for 2017 with a net worth of P261.08 million based on his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), which was released yesterday by the SC.
A former senior vice president and general counsel of San Miguel Corporation from 1996 to 2010, Mr. Jardeleza’s net worth increased by P8.9 million from P252.17 million in 2016. His recorded real properties were P58.93 million and personal properties were P202.14 million without liabilities.
He also served as solicitor general from February 2012 until his appointment to the SC on Aug. 20, 2014.
The lowest SALN, meanwhile, was that of Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen, with P2.96 million.
He reported a P479,102.65 increase from P2.49 million in 2016. His real properties were P3.44 million and his personal properties totalled P3.14 million, while his liabilities tallied P3.62 million.
Following Mr. Jardeleza is Associate Justice Mariano C. Del Castillo with a P141.54 million net worth, which increased by P2.63 million from P138.91 million the previous year.
His real properties were P57.35 million and personal properties were P84.75 million with liabilities of P558,134.06.
Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa has a net worth of P123.8 million, higher by P2.25 million from P121.55 million in 2016. He has real properties worth P60.8 million and personal properties worth P63 million with no liabilities
Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio is fourth with P105.88 million.
His net worth increased the most in 2017 with an additional P23.24 million from P82.64 million in 2016. His real properties totalled P38.39 million and personal properties worth P67.56 million, and P75,000 in liabilities.
Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe’s net worth increased by P3 million to P81.3 million from P78.3 million in 2016. Her real properties were P55.73 million while her personal properties totalled P25.57 million. She has no liabilities.
Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta came sixth with P48.21 million, a P4.67 million increase from his 2016’s P43.54 million. His real properties amounted to P25.5 million and personal properties were P22.76 million with P50,000 liabilities.
Associate Justice Lucas P. Bersamin has a net worth of P44.45 million, a P3.14 million increase from P41.3 million in 2016. His real properties amounted to P33.15 million while his personal properties were P29.3 million. His liabilities were worth P18 million.
Former associate justice and now Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires’ net worth totalled P41.88 million. His real properties were P13.34 million while his personal properties were P28.54 million with no liabilities.
Ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno’s net worth increased by P3.09 million to P27.34 million from P24.25 million in 2016. Her real properties were P8.72 million and her personal properties were P18.87 million. She had P252,017 in liabilities.
Retired associate justice Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr.’s net worth was P22.08 million, an increase of P4.33 million from P17.75 million 2016. His real properties were P1.36 million while his personal properties were P20.73 million with no liabilities.
Recently retired chief justice Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro had a total net worth of P19.77 million in 2017, which is a P2.03 million jump from P17.73 million in 2016. Her total real properties accounted were P11.79 million and personal properties were P17.09 million. Her liabilities were P9.12 million.
Associate Justice Noel G. Tijam has a net worth of P19.1 million. His real properties amounted to P4 million while his personal properties were P15.11 million with P5,235.52-worth of liabilities.
Newest Associate Justices Andres B. Reyes, Jr. and Alexander G. Gesmundo had a total net worth of P5.7 million and P8.25 million, respectively. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

IRR for occupational safety, health standards law out soon

THE IMPLEMENTING guidelines for the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) Law is scheduled to be released as early as next month, Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Silvestre H. Bello said.
In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Mr. Bello said they will soon issue the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act (RA) 11058 or An Act Strengthening Compliance with Compliance with Occupational Safety and health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations.
“We will give that in 60 days,” Mr. Bello said, adding that its submission could be even earlier.
Meanwhile, Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, committee on labor chairman, said the labor secretary pledged to him that they will submit it next month.
“We are just waiting for the IRR which the Department of Labor and Employment promised that they will complete before their anniversary next month,” he told reporters, also on Tuesday.
The OSHS Law was signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte last August 17.
Section 32 of the law tasks DoLE to formulate the IRR within 90 days of the law’s effectivity.
Mr. Villanueva said the OSHS will apply to all sectors to ensure safety for all workers, regardless of industry.
“This (law) cuts all sectors whether you’re in construction or in agriculture or service, etc.,” he stressed.
Besides emphasizing the rights of works to a non-hazardous work environment, Mr. Villanueva said this law also specifies the role of the employer in terms of compliance with the standards.
“Claro ang (It’s clear what the) responsibility of the employers at claro din po sa (and it’s also clear for the) labor law compliance officers,” he said.
After the enactment of the OSHS Law, Mr. Villanueva said he now wants to focus on passing the Security of Tenure (SOT) bill.
The SOT is already on second reading at the Senate plenary. — Gillian M. Cortez

DA to allocate P150M for ice-making facilities in fishing villages

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) will allocate at least P150 million as loan for ice-making facilities in 50 fishing communities, targeted for installation within the first two month of 2019, DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said on Tuesday.
In a statement, Mr. Piñol said each ice-making facility could produce between one to five tons of ice flakes daily, which could help in decreasing post-harvest losses by about 40% of the total daily catch.
Mr. Piñol said the installation of the machines would be in time for the lifting of the three-month moratorium on commercial fishing in March 2019.
“Under this program, the fishermen’s groups or organized wives and daughters of fishermen will be given access to loans equivalent to the cost of the Ice-Making Equipment and a minimal operational fund for a shed, electrical connections and working capital,” Mr. Piñol said.
“The groups will be allowed to choose the brand of Ice-Making Equipment thus giving them a leeway in acquiring a machine that fits their requirements,” he added.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the DA has identified the different fishing communities in need of the equipment.
The distribution of ice-making facilities will be conducted under the DA’s Agriculture and Fisheries Machinery and Equipment (AFME) loaning program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), which has a 2% interest rate, payable in eight years.
“The next level of the campaign to lower post-harvest losses will be the establishment of cold storage facilities to enable fishermen to store their excess catch and release this to the market during the lean months to stabilize supply and prices,” Mr. Piñol said.
Earlier, BFAR National Director Eduardo B. Gongona said there is a need for cold storage facilities in the country to keep fish for later consumption and help avoid importation.
According to Mr. Piñol, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has approved the increase of DA’s rural credit funds to P3.4 billion. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio

Typhoon Samuel disrupts sea, air travel before Tuesday night landfall

TROPICAL DEPRESSION Samuel, the 19th typhoon to hit the country this year, disrupted sea and air travel in the Visayas, southern Luzon areas, and the northern parts of Mindanao before its expected landfall Tuesday evening. As of 8 a.m. on Nov. 20, the Philippine Coast Guard reported 5,656 passengers stranded in various ports in the Visayas islands and the regions of Northern Mindanao and Bicol as more than 900 vessels were not allowed to go out to sea. Several domestic flights from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport were also cancelled. As of the 5 p.m., Nov. 20 bulletin from weather bureau PAGASA, Samuel was forecasted to make landfall “in the area between the southern portion of Eastern Samar and Dinagat Islands…” Typhoon signal #1 was up over several areas and PAGASA warned against potential flooding and landslides. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, reported that it has 374,104 family food packs worth P1.37 million and non-food items amounting to P879 million ready for distribution. A P1.1 billion standby fund is also available for quick response operations.

US-PHL fisheries project focuses on Palawan, Visayas waters

A P1.3-billion sustainable fisheries project has been launched by the US government in partnership with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Dubbed Fish Right, the five-year program under the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will focus on addressing biodiversity threats, improving marine ecosystem governance, and increasing number and weight of fish in the Calamianes Islands in Palawan, Visayan Seas, and south Negros. “We will continue to work together to advance human and ecological well-being in the Philippines and to support initiatives that enhance sustainable resource use and conserve biodiversity,” US Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission John C. Law said during the launch ceremony held in Iloilo City. BFAR Director Eduardo B. Gongona, for his part, said, “BFAR is pleased to continue its partnership with USAID through the Fish Right Program. We are at the forefront of the country’s fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which to this day continues to imperil marine and aquatic resources and the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of fisherfolk.” — CAAGUINALDO

Cebu town port project fails to get DENR clearance

THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has returned the area clearance application for the reclamation component of a proposed international seaport in San Fernando town in Cebu. DENR-Central Visayas Regional Director Gilbert C. Gonzales, in a letter dated Sept. 17, 2018 to port developer Ruben Feliciano, said the application documents failed to comply with the recommendations of the Land Management Bureau. A memorandum dated June 8, 2018 issued by DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Juan Miguel T. Cuna ordered the suspension of the processing of Mr. Feliciano’s application until compliance of recommendations of the LMB. “With the aforementioned directive, please be informed that this Office can no longer proceed with the processing of your application until compliance of the recommendations of the LMB Acting Director,” read Mr. Gonzales’ letter. The recommendations include the submission of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC); evaluation and concurrence of the Biodiversity Management Bureau; and settlement of issues with the fishermen in the affected barangay, among others. Mr. Feliciano has proposed to build a multi-million international port at Barangay Sangat. — The Freeman

Military pursue NPA suspects in Magpet daycare center burning

THE CONTINUED battle between the military and the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the communist movement in the Philippines, has been affecting community schools, with the latest victim a daycare center in Magpet, North Cotabato. The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), in a statement, has pointed to the NPA as those behind the burning last week of the childcare facility in the town known as one of main rebel areas in the province. Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., EastMinCom commander, has ordered soldiers to support the police in running after the perpetrators. “The incident is clearly a manifestation of a grave criminal act,” said Mr. Madrigal in the statement. The NPA, on the other hand, accuse the military of using force to take over community schools, particularly in Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat and the Surigao provinces. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

Nation at a Glance — (11/21/18)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

La Salle and FEU dispute last UAAP Final 4 berth

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE final cast member of the Final Four of University Athletic Association of the Philippine Season 81 will be determined today when the De La Salle Green Archers and Far Eastern University Tamaraws engage in a one-game playoff at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ended in a three-way logjam for third place at the end of the elimination round with an 8-6 record along with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, the Archers and Tamaraws found themselves needing to slug it out for the last spot for having the lower quotient among the three.
La Salle had a grand chance to enter the semifinals complication-free but back-to-back losses to the Ateneo Blue Eagles and UP to end the classification phase prevented them from doing so.
FEU, meanwhile, gave its playoff push a boost with three straight victories in the wind-up, the last one a rout of the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 82-56, on Nov. 18 that assured the Tamaraws of at least a playoff for the last Final Four spot.
Despite missing out on good opportunities to advance previously, the Archers are still not losing hope of eventually catching the playoff bus.
“We’re still not out of it, We just have to care of our business,” said La Salle guard Aljun Melecio following their loss to UP.
For the Tamaraws, having earned another chance to book a place in the semifinals, they said they are bent on making full use of it.
“We’re getting the breaks here in the second round. This is a huge win for us and we have one game to play to make it to the Final Four and we will take full advantage of it,” said FEU coach Olsen Racela following their victory over Adamson.
“Of course, we lament the situation we are in. Had we took care of business early on we would not be here fighting for our playoff lives and maybe in a far better position. But we are now getting the breaks and players are getting back from injuries. We still have an opportunity though and we’re not giving up,” he added.
Mr. Racela went on to say that they expecting a tough match with La Salle and that they have to come in “prepared and ready.”
The do-or-die match between La Salle and FEU is set for 3:30 p.m.
The winner of the contest sets up a semifinal meeting with top-seed Ateneo where it will have a twice-to-win handicap.
GOMEZ DE LIANO IS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Meanwhile, UP’s Juan Gomez De Liano was named player of the week after helping the Maroons end a 21-year Final Four drought.
In their last six games, Gomez De Liano has been steady for 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists off the bench, a key part in their push to the semifinals.
The weekly plum, given by media which covers the league, coincided with his selection for the mythical team in UAAP Season 81 along with teammate Bright Akhuetie, who is set to be named most valuable player.
In winning player of the week, Gomez De Liano beat Akhuetie, Ateneo’s Angelo Kouame and Will Navarro, and National University’s Troy Rike.

Azkals, Thailand in Bacolod for key AFF Suzuki Cup match

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
A KEY Group B match in the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup is to take place today in Bacolod City as the Philippine national men’s football team takes on Thailand in a battle of unbeaten teams in the grouping.
Set for 7:30 p.m. at the Panaad Park and Football Stadium, both the Philippine Azkals and Thailand are hoping to sustain their unblemished start to the tournament and provide further wind to their assault to advance to the next round of the regional football joust.
As of this writing though there is still no word if the organizers would suspend the match amid anticipation of inclement weather in Bacolod brought about by Typhoon Samuel which is currently affecting parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Thailand and the Philippines, sporting identical 2-0 records, are coming off contrasting wins in their previous matches on Nov. 17 with the former dominating Indonesia, 4-2, and the latter given a scare by Timor-Leste, 3-2.
The Thais fell behind a goal early in the opening half but racked up fourth straight goals after to turn the tables on Indonesia en route to the victory.
The Philippines, meanwhile, had it strong to start the match against Timor-Leste
Philippine captain Phil Younghusband got the scoring going for the Azkals in the 27th minute.
It was the 52nd international goal for Mr. Younghusband in his 101st cap for the team.
Martin Steuble followed it up with another goal six minutes later as he blasted a shot to make it 2-nil for the Philippines heading into the halftime break.
In the second half, Carli de Murga made it 3-0 for the Azkals in the 68th minute as he was left unmarked following a Kevin Ingreso free kick.
Just when everybody thought the Philippines was on its way to an easy win, Timor-Leste sprung up a surprise.
In a span of two minutes, from the 73rd to 75th minute, it would score back-to-back goals to make a game out of it.
But that was the closest Timor-Leste would come as the Azkals reestablished their footing to hold on and preserve the victory.
Needing to dig deep to hack out a win against Timor-Leste, the Azkals said they have to do better as such effort would not make the cut against defending champion Thailand today.
“Of course we need to look back in this game and get some things straightened. It was not good enough, the players know it. It doesn’t feel like a victory right now because the way we played,” Azkals goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard was quoted as saying by the AFF Suzuki Cup Web site after their last game.
“Up with three goals, it should be a secured win easily and it wasn’t and now we have to focus on Thailand. We are going to meet an opponent that has the quality to make it hard for us and we need to prepare for that and be better in situations like this,” he added.
In the Suzuki Cup, the top two teams from each group at the end of the classification round advance to the crossover semifinals.

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