INQToday: Group denies ‘buying’ signatures for Cha-cha petition

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

Group denies ‘buying’ signatures for Cha-cha petition

Pro-Charter change group People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (Pirma) on Thursday denied allegations of buying the signatures it’s been gathering for constitutional reform.

Pirma National Convenor Noel Oñate said it is not true that they have been giving out P100 in exchange for a signature in their petition calling to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Contaminants found in 1 of 12 Baguio water sources – DOH exec

Health Undersecretary and spokesperson Eric Tayag said Thursday that one out of 12 water sources in Baguio City has tested positive for contaminants.

The testing was conducted to determine the cause of the increased diarrhea cases in the city, prompting Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong to declare an outbreak.

Sandiganbayan nixes Garin’s bid to dismiss graft raps over Dengvaxia deal

Sandiganbayan has denied the bid of Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin to quash the graft complaints filed against her and other former Department of Health (DOH) officials.

The cases involve the alleged realignment of public funds to purchase anti-dengue vaccines.

SMNI asks NTC to specify details of violations it allegedly committed

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) has asked National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to specify what franchise violations the network allegedly committed.

This inquiry by the broadcasting company was confirmed by the commission.

DA now saying SRP on rice is ‘counterproductive’

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday took a U-turn on its stance on implementing a suggested retail price (SRP) on rice, deeming it “counterproductive.”

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said that his department would not suggest price control on rice at the moment despite high retail prices of the grain in view of the threat of a prolonged dry spell.

Bongbong Marcos says he’ll visit Germany in March

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit Germany on March 12.

Marcos announced this during his meeting with German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Malacañang on Thursday.