INQToday: PH slams Chinese claims of marine damage in WPS caused by BRP Sierra Madre

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

PH slams Chinese claims of marine damage in WPS caused by BRP Sierra Madre

The Philippines on Tuesday rejected the findings of Chinese experts alleging marine damage was caused by the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea.

NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya also labeled as misinformation the Chinese state tabloid Global Times’ report, which cited government-backed experts. The report claimed the grounded World War II-era warship in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal “seriously damaged the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem in the area.”

China slams Philippines-Japan defense pact

China slams the recently signed Reciprocal Access Agreement between the Philippines and Japan, which will serve as the legal basis for the joint military exercises in each other’s territory.

P10M reward for Quiboloy’s arrest ‘wrong on so many levels’ – Topacio

The announcement of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy was “wrong on so many levels,” his legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, said on Tuesday.

According to Topacio, the reward being offered should come from public funds and not from private individuals.

Guo skipping senate hearing; Hontiveros warns of arrest

Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday warned Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac province, that she risks being arrested after her lawyer sent notice that the suspended local official would again skip the ongoing Senate inquiry into the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in her town.

“If she doesn’t honor the subpoena, the Senate is well within its rights to issue an arrest order [against her],” Hontiveros warned the mayor. “She should just attend the hearing on Wednesday without any drama.”