INQToday: Signal No. 2 in Batanes as Carina slightly intensifies; Guo says sorry to Escudero

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

Signal No. 2 up in parts of Batanes as Typhoon Carina slightly intensifies

The state weather bureau raises Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over several parts of Batanes as Typhoon Carina slightly intensifies.

Pagcor: Pogo ban to displace 42,000 Filipino workers; Dole assures support

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has committed to act on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s directive banning the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country, which will displace an estimated 42,000 Filipino workers.

Echoing what Marcos said in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), Pagcor chief Alejandro Tengco said instructions have already been issued to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help affected workers find new jobs before 2025.

PH, US set 2+2 dialogue on July 30

The Philippines and the United States are set to conduct a foreign and defense ministerial dialogue, otherwise known as 2+2 on July 30.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the matter in a statement issued to diplomatic beat reporters late Monday night.

Alice Guo says sorry to Escudero: No intention to dictate on Senate

Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has apologized to Senate President  Francis  “Chiz” Escudero over her earlier remarks against some senators.

“Nais ko pong humingi ng paumanhin kung nagkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan kaugnay nga aking mga naging pahayag. Wala po akong  intensyon na pagsabihan o diktahan ang Senado kung ano ang mga dapat bigyang prayoridad,” Guo wrote in her letter to Escudero dated July 22.