Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Quiboloy sexual abuse case ordered transferred from Davao to QC
The Supreme Court granted the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request to transfer the sexual abuse case against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy from a court in Davao City to Quezon City.
Quiboloy and several others are charged with violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment. They are also facing a case for qualified human trafficking before a Pasig City court.
21 firearms of Quiboloy’s personal assistant surrendered — PNP
The personal assistant of embattled Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy surrendered 21 firearms in Davao City, according to the Philippine National Police.
The PNP said 21 firearms belonging to Cresente Chavez Canada, also the Barangay Tamayong captain, were surrendered through a lawyer at KOJC Compound along the Phil-Japan Friendship Highway in Barangay Sasa at about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Philippines, Brunei sign deals on maritime, tourism, agri sectors
The Philippines on Tuesday signed three deals and a letter of intent during the two-day state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. here to generate more jobs and accelerate economic transformation.
The two countries signed memoranda of agreement on tourism cooperation, on maritime cooperation, and on Mutual Recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates, according to Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
China vessels, warships withdraw from Scarborough after convoy
The number of suspected Chinese maritime militia and coast guard vessels in Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal sharply decreased while all of Beijing’s warships also left after the trip of a civilian convoy there, according to the Philippine Navy data released on Tuesday.
Only 19 Chinese ships were spotted around Panatag Shoal from May 21 to 27, including five China Coast Guard vessels (CCGV) and 14 Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMV). No People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) warships were monitored this time.
Estrada’s survey shows tight tally on divorce bill at Senate
The initial result of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada’s survey showed a neck-and-neck fight for and against the controversial divorce bill.
Based on a list that Estrada released to the media on Tuesday, six senators have so far voted in favor of divorce while five said they are against it.
Marcos signs ‘Eddie Garcia’ law
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the “Eddie Garcia” law, said the Palace on Tuesday.
Republic Act 11996 was named after the multi-awarded veteran actor, Eddie Garcia (Eduardo Verchez Garcia), who died on June 20, 2019. The 90-year-old actor suffered a neck injury after he tripped and fell while shooting for an upcoming “teleserye.”