Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Beijing slams US-Japan-PH summit, says South China Sea actions ‘lawful’
Beijing on Friday criticized the United States, Japan and the Philippines and defended its actions in the South China Sea as “lawful” after US President Joe Biden hosted a trilateral meeting in Washington.
Biden on Thursday pledged to defend the Philippines from any attack in the South China Sea at the White House summit, which came amid repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed waterway that have raised fears of wider conflict.
Duterte denies he ‘conceded’ anything in WPS deal with China
Finally breaking his silence on the issue, former President Rodrigo Duterte denied “conceding” anything in the deal he supposedly forged with China on the West Philippine Sea.
In a press conference aired live on the page of SMNI’s “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” on Thursday night, Duterte said nobody – not even the Philippine President – “can concede anything of our territories.”
Duterte tells Quiboloy: You’re wanted, don’t drag me into this
“Pastor, ikaw naman ang wanted, huwag mo akong [idamay] dito.”
(Pastor, you’re the one who’s wanted, don’t drag me into this.)
Former President Rodrigo Duterte had this to say when he joked and veered away from allegations that he was hiding fugitive and alleged rapist Apollo Quiboloy.
MMDA: E-bikes, trikes banned on key NCR roads by April 15
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday reminded the public of the ban on e-bikes, e-trikes, and other similar vehicles on major roads in Metro Manila starting Monday, April 15.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said steep fines will be imposed on violators.