INQToday: Marcos looks forward to greater PH-Australia military cooperation

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

Marcos looks forward to greater PH-Australia military cooperation

The Philippines and Australia could expect more joint defense activities, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday.

In a joint press conference after his address to the Australian parliament, Marcos said he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a fruitful discussion to strengthen the ties between the two nations, including on defense.

Marcos signs 3 deals with Australia on maritime environment, tech

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday signed three agreements with Australia on maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and effective competition laws and policies.

“The three agreements exchanged today shall enhance information sharing, capability building, and interoperability between our relevant government agencies in the maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and competition law,” Marcos said in a statement released by Malacañang.

Comelec: Holding 2025 elections with Cha-cha plebiscite ‘logical’

Commission of Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia said on Thursday that the proposal to hold the 2025 national and local elections and the plebiscite to amend the 1987 Constitution would be “logical and practical” due to budget concerns.

According to Garcia, holding separate voting for the plebiscite would cost an additional P13 billion.

Quiboloy still undecided about attending congressional probe – lawyer

Televangelist and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy has not decided yet if he will appear in the congressional probe and comply with the subpoenas, his legal counsel said Thursday.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, however, said the legal options he offered are already being “considered seriously” by his client.

LTO chief wants e-bikes and e-trikes registered

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is proposing the registration of electric bicycles and tricycles as well as the issuance of licenses to their drivers.

LTO head Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II presented the proposal during a consultation meeting with representatives from various transport organizations and government agencies on Thursday.