INQToday: Around 50 Chinese ships, fishing boats monitored in West PH Sea – PH Navy

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

PH Navy: Around 50 Chinese ships, fishing boats monitored in West PH Sea

Around 50 Chinese ships and fishing vessels were monitored in the West Philippine Sea, a Philippine Navy official said on Tuesday.

Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said these were monitored as of Monday.

Chinese aircraft spotted over Scarborough Shoal

A Chinese aircraft was spotted patrolling over Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal for the first time in recent years, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea  (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported that a gray helicopter with Chinese markings was seen in the area.

South China Sea issue part of Marcos’ agenda in Australia visits – DFA

The South China Sea issue will be included in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda when he visits Australia by the end of this month and next month.

Marcos will go to Australia on February 28 to 29 for an official visit, where he will address the Australian Parliament; and on March 4 to 6, for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) – Australia Summit.

Hontiveros says Quiboloy not higher than law: ‘Hinihintay namin kayo’

Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros is standing firm on her decision to subpoena Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC).

In a statement on Tuesday, Hontiveros insisted on the power of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality to compel the attendance of witnesses – “no matter how well-connected they are.”

Senate panel summons suspects in Catherine Camilon’s disappearance

The Senate panel on public order on dangerous drugs ordered the issuance of a subpoena against Police Major Allan Magpantay and his driver Jeffrey Magpantay — both of whom are suspects in the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon.

It was Sen. Raffy Tulfo who moved for the issuance of a subpoena to the suspects.

Binay on Padilla’s apology over wife’s IV drip photo: May it serve as lesson

Senator Nancy Binay said she hopes that lessons have been learned following the “vitamin C drip” controversy in the Senate.

Binay’s remark came after Senator Robin Padilla sent her office a letter of apology, emphasizing that he does not mean to “intentionally ignore” the rules of the Senate.