USS Blue Ridge back in Manila after 3 years
A US Navy flagship has returned to Manila for the first time since 2016 to renew US commitment to its alliance with the Philippines. The warship made the port call after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave similar assurances during his visit earlier this month. —AP
Local bets told to remove campaign materials
Two weeks ahead of the start of the campaign period for local positions, the Commission on Elections on Thursday urged candidates to start taking down their campaign materials lest they be charged with violating campaign rules. The poll body said that it would build up cases against erring candidates. —TINA G. SANTOS
Military bishop warns against medical marijuana
Newly appointed military Bishop Oscar Florencio urged lawmakers to exercise prudence in approving proposals to legalize marijuana for medical use. Florencio warned of the possible misuse of marijuana once the bill was passed in Congress. —TINA G. SANTOS
Charges vs ex-PCSO chief sent to Ombudsman
Malacañang has referred the case against ex-Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander Balutan to the Office of the Ombudsman, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Thursday. —JULIE M. AURELIO