INQToday: US VP Harris reaffirms defense commitment to PH amid WPS tensions

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

US VP Harris reaffirms defense commitment to PH amid WPS tensions

US Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed the US’ commitment to the defense of the Philippines amid Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, as well as maintaining the strong ties between the two countries.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a statement on Wednesday, Harris made the commitment during a phone call with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday night (Manila time).

Comelec halts printing of ballots for May polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Tuesday that it was immediately stopping the printing of 73 million official ballots for the May 12 elections after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing it from disqualifying five candidates, among them former Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice.

In a statement, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that while the poll body has yet to officially receive the copies of the TRO, “we commit to fully comply with said orders.”

South Korean President Yoon arrested over failed martial law bid

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday over his failed martial law bid, after hundreds of anti-graft investigators and police raided his residence to end a weeks-long standoff.

Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection over his short-lived effort to impose martial law last month, is the first sitting president in the nation’s history to be arrested.

80% of 400 Pogo hubs shut down; small-scale ops monitored

At least 80 percent of the 400 Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) hubs have already ceased their operations in the country, while those defying the total ban order have resorted to a “guerilla” style of operations.

This information was given by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Tuesday.