INQToday: China launches air, sea patrols near Scarborough Shoal
Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
China launches air, sea patrols near Scarborough Shoal
China on Wednesday carried out a combat patrol to test “strike capabilities” near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, a flashpoint area also claimed by the Philippines.
Beijing has continued to press its claims to almost the entire South China Sea despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
PH holds joint patrols with US, Canada, Australia
The Philippines launched on Wednesday two days of joint sea and air exercises with the United States, Canada and Australia, a joint statement said, as Beijing presses its territorial claim over the South China Sea.
The maneuvers will be held “within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone” and showcase “our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” top military officials of the four nations said.
Trillanes files new plunder complaint vs Duterte, Go over frigate deal
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday filed a second plunder complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and other personalities involved in the allegedly anomalous Philippine Navy (PN) Frigate Acquisition project.
Other respondents are former Defense Undersecretary Raymundo Elefante, former Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, former Navy chief Admiral Robert Empedrad, and seven private individuals.
CA approves appointment of Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary
The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) approved on Wednesday the appointment of Sonny Angara as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
This, after the CA panel recommended the plenary approval of the former senator’s post.
Jobless rate falls to 3.1% in June, PSA says
The country’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in June as more Filipinos entered the labor force, particularly in the construction sector, which saw a boost from increased economic activity.
The report comes from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday.
