INQToday: China, PH agree to boost sea dispute talks, conflict resolution

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

China, PH agree to boost sea dispute talks, conflict resolution

China and Philippines foreign affairs officials agreed to improve maritime communication and to properly manage conflicts and differences through friendly talks regarding issues around the South China Sea, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday.

China Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong and Philippines Foreign Ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro held a frank and in-depth exchange of views on the current situation while co-chairing the 8th meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai, according to the statement.

Teodoro blasts China’s spox ‘gutter-level talk’ after ‘insulting’ Marcos

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday slammed Chinese foreign affairs spokesperson for what he deemed to be a “low and gutter level talk” following her remarks against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged Marcos to “read more books” to understand the Taiwan issue after the Philippines’ chief executive congratulated Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te.

Tarriela: ‘It’s not PH provoking China in West Philippine Sea’

The Philippines has exerted so much effort in settling the West Philippine Sea dispute with China, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said during an INQSide Look interview on Thursday

His remark was in response to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian’s hopes that the government will steer towards bringing bilateral ties back on track.

PNP fires cop linked to beauty queen’s disappearance

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has dismissed from service an officer linked to the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon.

According to Police Regional Office 4A Director Brig Gen. Kenneth Lucas, the discharge of Maj. Allan De Castro from the police service took effect on January 16.

LTO eyeing mandatory registration of slower e-vehicles

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is looking into the possible mandatory registration of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) running at less than 25 kilometers per hour (kph).

Vehicles running at less than 25 kph are currently not required to register with the LTO.

PCSO admits viral photo of lotto winner ‘poorly edited’

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has confirmed that the viral photo of a lotto winner posted on Wednesday was altered, but an official clarified that it was for security purposes.

During the hearing of the Senate committee on ways and means on Thursday, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles was asked by Senator Raffy Tulfo if it is true that the image of a PCSO official handing a cheque to a supposed lotto winner was edited.