INQToday: Teodoro says China a ‘squatter’ in West Philippine Sea

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

Teodoro says China a ‘squatter’ in West PH Sea

In a fiery response to China’s remarks against the country, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday called Beijing a “squatter” and an “illegal occupant” in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Teodoro fired back after China claimed that the Philippines is “illegally occupying” Pagasa Island, which is inhabited by hundreds of Filipinos as it serves as the seat of the local government of Kalayaan municipality in Palawan.

Senators on Bongbong Marcos’ MIF suspension: A very good development

Five senators on Wednesday expressed relief at the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to stop the enforcement of the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) law.

Marcos, in a memorandum dated October 12, directed the suspension of the implementation of the law’s implementing rules and regulations.

Solons back Marcos’ decision to suspend Maharlika fund

Lawmakers from the majority have expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s suspension of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), with Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo saying that the Chief Executive may have reasons for doing so.

In an ambush interview with reporters on Wednesday, Arroyo said that she trusts Marcos’ judgment on the issue, adding that the country has nothing to lose with this move.

Gov’t pressed to cooperate with ICC as Duterte admits using secret funds for EJK

A resolution urging the government to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation of human rights abuses has been filed at the House of Representatives in the wake of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged admission that he used secret funds to kill people.

In a statement on Wednesday, lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc confirmed filing House Resolution No. 1393 on Tuesday, asking Marcos Jr.’s administration to allow the entry of ICC probers.

16 OFWs from Israel now back in PH — DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers says the 16 repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Israel arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday.

UN chief ‘horrified’ by Gaza hospital blast that killed hundreds

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he was “horrified” by hundreds of people killed in a blast at a Gaza hospital.

LTO now producing one million license plates a month

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is producing one million license plates monthly to solve its backlog.

“We are now producing one million plates a month. We have dedicated machines that cater only to motor vehicles,” said LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II in a statement.