INQToday: South China Sea collision not reason to invoke defense pact with US – Marcos

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

SCS collision not reason to invoke defense pact with US – Marcos

A recent collision of Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea is not the time or reason to invoke a Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

But the continuing dangerous maneuvers and actions against the Philippine coastguard is viewed with great alarm, Marcos told reporters in Australia. The 1951 treaty between the Philippines and United States binds them to defend each other if under attack.

China ships in Benham Rise clear intrusion, of great concern – Marcos

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the recent reported presence of Chinese vessels in Benham Rise was a “clear intrusion” into Philippine territory and a matter of “great concern.”

“Once again, this is a clear intrusion into our Philippine maritime territory and it is, as usual, of great concern,” he said said in a video statement released by the Malacañang Presidential Communication Office on Wednesday before his return flight to Manila Wednesday night.

Asean, Australia decry actions that ‘endanger peace’ in South China Sea

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday that maritime security, trade and clean energy will shape the country’s future with the ASEAN bloc as Beijing looks to increase its presence in the contested South China Sea.

Australia is hosting the ASEAN summit in Melbourne, which marks the 50th anniversary of its ties to ASEAN even as differences remained across the 10-member bloc on China’s plans to extend diplomatic and military presence in the region.

Zubiri: Economic Cha-cha may face ‘problem,’ ‘challenge’ in Senate

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he personally told President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that passing proposed amendments to the Constitution may face a problem and is, in fact, a challenge in the upper chamber.

In a press conference, Zubiri maintained that he did not ask Marcos’ help to convince senators who are against economic Charter change (Cha-cha).

Sen. Marcos on blocking Quiboloy’s contempt order: Let’s not oppress him

Senator Imee Marcos has formally joined Senator Robin Padilla in his bid to block the Senate panel on women’s contempt order against alleged rapist Apollo Quiboloy.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Marcos said she already talked with Padilla regarding the matter, adding that other Senate panel members are likely to join their call.

DFA: 2 Filipino transwomen face assault, battery raps after Bangkok fight

Two transgender Filipinos are currently facing charges for assault and battery after a fight involving around 20 Filipino and four Thai transwomen in Bangkok, Thailand, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said Wednesday.

The fight occurred at a restaurant in Soi Sukhumvit 11 near Nana BTS station on Monday night, resulting in one Thai being injured.

Cannes Film Festival honors late best actress awardee Jaclyn Jose

Cannes Film Festival is among those grieving the death of Jaclyn Jose, the first Filipina to win the best actress award in the prestigious film fest in France.

The film festival paid tribute to Jose, showing a photo of her with her award through its official Instagram page on Wednesday, March 6.