Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Alice Guo to reveal Pogo ‘most guilty’ in Senate executive session
The Senate panel on women on Tuesday convened in an executive session after dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo (real name: Guo Hua Ping) swore to disclose the “most guilty” behind crimes linked to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).
During the hearing, Sen. JV Ejercito asked Guo if she is the “mastermind” behind crimes linked to Pogos and whether she is willing to disclose the persons involved.
Ex-PNP Chief Acorda’s photos with Pogo figures bared in Senate probe
Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday presented during a Senate hearing several photos showing former Philippine National Police Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. with some personalities being linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).
At the resumption of the Senate committee on women’s hearing, Hontiveros confronted Yang Jian Xin also known as Tony Yang with a photo of him and three others, including Acorda.
Michael Yang’s family tried to make CDO their ‘kingdom’ – PAOCC
The family of Michael Yang, the former economic adviser of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, tried to make Cagayan de Oro their “kingdom,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz told senators on Tuesday.
Yang was a central figure in the Pharmally scandal. His family is also allegedly involved in the illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) which the Senate is investigating.
OVP delaying budget process, but House says no reenacted budget
Vice President Sara Duterte and her office’s absence from the House of Representatives plenary debates on their proposed budget is causing delays, but lawmakers have assured that a reenacted budget will not be an option.
In a briefing at the Batasang Pambansa complex on Tuesday, Deputy Speaker David Suarez; Assistant Majority Leaders Paolo Ortega, Jefferson Khonghun, and Raul Angelo Bongalon; and 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez maintained that the House would not allow a reenacted budget, as it would affect other agencies who complied with lawmakers’ questions and requirements.
Marcos: Expect rice prices to fall further
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he is expecting rice prices to further decrease amid the current price trend happening in Southeast Asia.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a statement, Marcos made the pronouncement during a sectoral meeting on managing food and non-food inflation in Malacañang.
West PH Sea: Warships deployed to monitor China survey vessel off Palawan
The Philippines has deployed a coast guard ship and three warships to monitor the presence of a Chinese research vessel conducting a survey off Palawan, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said on Tuesday.
According to SeaLight director Ray Powell, six militia ships were escorting the Haiyang Dizhi Hao research vessel just 27 nautical miles away from the shores of Palawan on Monday. The research fleet, however, is still outside Palawan’s 12-nautical mile territorial sea, a red line that, once crossed by Beijing, could be seen as a direct threat to Manila’s sovereignty.
Disbarment of Harry Roque sought
A disbarment complaint was filed against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque over a malicious Facebook post linking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the viral “polvoron” video.
But Roque dismissed it as a mere “desperate act of attention” and something that should not be made public.