Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Signal no. 1 up in 20 areas due to Tropical Depression Aghon
Tropical Depression Aghon slightly strengthened as the number of areas under Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 rose to 18 on Friday afternoon.
Based on its latest advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Aghon was last spotted 135 kilometers east northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Marcos may discuss West Philippine Sea issue in Singapore forum
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is likely to talk about issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea in his speech for the International Institute For Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau, of the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Asian Pacific Affairs, said during a Palace briefing on Friday that the forum is a chance for the Philippines to give precise and fair information on “international strategic issues.”
China rule vs West Philippine Sea ‘trespassers’ is ‘roguish’ – Teodoro
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday called “roguish” and “irresponsible” Beijing’s anti-trespassing policy.
Teodoro also considered China’s new rule “provocative” because it encroaches on the West Philippine Sea and disregards the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the western section of the country’s exclusive economic zone, as well as the rights of other claimant countries in the Spratly Islands.
PCG boosts Batanes presence by opening monitoring post
The Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday stepped up its presence in Batanes, the country’s northernmost province near Taiwan, with the inauguration of a monitoring station in Itbayat town.
PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armand Balilo said the facility would increase maritime domain awareness in the province. It would likewise help the Coast Guard regularly check the situation of local fishermen in the area, he added.
Zambales fishers lament China Coast Guard’s bullying in Scarborough
Zambales fisherfolk shared their personal experiences of harassment and bullying by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
During a public consultation and a joint hearing of the House committees on national defense and security, and West Philippine Sea, fishermen from the municipalities of Masinloc and Sta. Cruz turned emotional as they lamented how CCG’s presence in the area adversely affected their livelihood.
Gadon after gross misconduct verdict: ‘Supreme Court is politicking’
Presidential anti-poverty czar and disbarred lawyer Larry Gadon on Friday accused the Supreme Court (SC) of politicking after it found him guilty of gross misconduct.
The alleged politicking, according to Gadon, stemmed from a statement he made the day before the SC released its decision.
Binay pokes fun at claim Revilla’s toes ousted Zubiri: ‘The foot has spoken’
Senator Nancy Binay has poked fun at claims that the issue of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s injured foot led to former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s ouster.
Binay wondered if the foot had more “kick”than powerful people.
Misuari found guilty of graft for procuring missing learning materials
Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Nur Misuari has been convicted of graft by the Sandiganbayan.
This ruling is in relation to allegedly missing learning materials procured under his term between 2000 and 2001.