INQToday: China warns PH to ‘act with caution’ after maritime clashes

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

China warns PH to ‘act with caution’ after maritime clashes

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi warned his Philippine counterpart that Manila “must act with caution,” Beijing’s foreign ministry said, following a flurry of tense maritime confrontations in the disputed South China Sea.

Wang said on a Wednesday call with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo that the two countries were “facing serious difficulties,” blaming Manila for changing its policies, according to a readout.

Ex-cop Valeroso to recant accusations against De Lima

Another witness plans to retract his accusations against former Senator Leila de Lima and others wrongfully charged in court.

Retired Police Brig. Gen. Jerry Valeroso expressed his intention in a letter dated Dec. 18 to Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206. He aims to recant his initial testimonies against De Lima to “free all accused who were wrongfully charged” in court.

WHO says JN.1 COVID strain a ‘variant of interest’, poses low risk

The Omicron subvariant JN.1, which has been driving a resurgence in COVID-19 infections in some parts of Europe and Asia in recent weeks, is not seen to overwhelm the country’s healthcare system immediately should it enter the Philippines.

According to infectious diseases specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante, revising COVID-19 protocols may not be necessary at the moment as “we don’t expect a significant increase in hospitalization rates or even mortality or severe COVID-19 [cases.]”

Belmonte orders probe of Ronaldo Valdez video leak

Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte ordered a probe Wednesday after a video of late veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez circulated online.

“This is a breach of privacy and basic human decency against the individual and his bereaved family,” Belmonte said in a statement.