Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
House panel approves bill revoking SMNI franchise
The House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises has approved a bill that seeks to revoke the franchise given to Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) in light of several violations found by lawmakers.
During the panel’s hearing on Tuesday afternoon, House Bill No. 9710 by 1-Rider party-list Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez was approved without amendments by the committee chair and Parañaque 2nd District Representative Gus Tambunting.
House panel cites Quiboloy for contempt for snubbing hearings
Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy has been cited for contempt for still refusing to attend the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises hearing on the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) issue.
Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel moved to hold Quiboloy in contempt after the latter still failed to attend the panel’s hearing on Tuesday.
Zubiri advises issuance of show-cause order to Quiboloy: ‘That’s in SC ruling’
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Tuesday requested a Senate panel to issue a show-cause order to beleaguered Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
His request was directed to the Senate committee on women investigating the alleged sexual abuse and other human right violations being hurled at Quiboloy and his church, Kingdom of Jesus Chris t (KJC).
Over 50 Chinese ships, fishing boats spotted in West Philippine Sea
Over 50 Chinese ships and fishing boats were spotted in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday.
As of 4:00 p.m. on Monday, there were seven China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and 47 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) as well as small fishing boats in the western section of the country’s exclusive economic zone, according to AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
Comelec backs House probe into deal with Miru over solon’s worries
Commission on Elections (Comelec) head George Erwin Garcia said the poll body would support the call for an inquiry into its P17.99-billion deal with Miru Systems Co. Ltd. (Miru Systems) following doubts about its past.
The South Korean firm was awarded the contract to provide the automated system for the Philippines’ 2025 general election. ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro asked the House of Representatives to scrutinize the agreement.
Philhealth Konsulta package to add ultrasound, mammogram
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said that it had instructed the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) to include ultrasound and mammogram services in its “Philhealth Konsulta.”
“I have directed the PhilHealth Benefits Committee, chaired by Asec. [Albert Francis] Domingo, to work on adding ultrasound and mammogram services in the current nationwide Konsulta benefit package, for immediate implementation nationwide,” said Herbosa in a DOH statement.
More rats snared amid stepped-up pest control efforts at Naia
More rats fell into traps set up by the pest control team at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said.
On Tuesday, the airport manager reported that adhesive boards and baits captured the pest at the NAIA Terminal 3 departure area.