Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Marcos: China’s policy on ‘trespassers’ an escalation of SCS tension
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said Beijing was escalating tensions in the South China Sea (SCS) with its new policy authorizing its coast guard to detain “trespassers” who cross what it claims are its borders in the disputed sea.
Speaking to reporters at a press briefing here, Marcos said the new policy was “worrisome.” He earlier called it “unacceptable.”
Marcos says he had ‘nothing to do’ with change of Senate leadership
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that he had nothing to do with the change of leadership in the Senate but admitted that he was aware that Senator Zubiri would be ousted as Senate president.
“The decision to change the leadership was not made by me. That was made by the Senate,” the President said at a press conference here.
Comelec wants AI ban on election campaigns ahead of 2025 polls
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday that it is eyeing the prohibition of using artificial intelligence (AI), including campaign materials, during the 2023 elections.
Comelec Chairperson Garcia confirmed the matter to INQUIRER.net in a text message.
Suspect in fatal road rage incident in Edsa-Ayala tunnel arrested
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will file a murder case against the suspect who allegedly killed a stay-in driver during a shooting incident along the southbound lane of the Edsa Ayala tunnel in Makati on Tuesday afternoon.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced this during a press conference in Camp Crame shortly after identifying the suspect as Gerard Raymond Talusan.
Higher toll rates in NLEX effective starting June 4
Motorists will have to pay higher toll rates starting June 4 at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) approved the implementation of the second tranche of toll adjustments on the major expressway.
According to NLEX Corporation in a statement, under the new toll matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional P5 for Class 1 vehicles or regular cars and SUVs, P14 for Class 2 vehicles or buses and small trucks, and P17.00 for Class 3 vehicles.