Here鈥檚 a quick roundup of today鈥檚 top stories:
The Philippines and Australia could expect more joint defense activities, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday.
In a joint press conference after his address to the Australian parliament,聽Marcos said he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a fruitful discussion聽to strengthen the ties between the two nations, including on defense.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday signed three agreements with Australia on maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and effective competition laws and policies.
鈥淭he three agreements exchanged today shall enhance information sharing, capability building, and interoperability between our relevant government agencies in the maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and competition law,鈥� Marcos said in a statement released by Malaca帽ang.
Commission of Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia said on Thursday that the proposal to hold the 2025 national and local elections and the plebiscite to amend the 1987 Constitution would be 鈥渓ogical and practical鈥� due to budget concerns.
According to Garcia, holding separate voting for the plebiscite would cost an additional P13 billion.
Televangelist and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy has not decided yet if he will appear in the congressional probe and comply with the聽subpoenas, his legal counsel said Thursday.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, however, said the legal options he offered are already being 鈥渃onsidered seriously鈥� by his client.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is proposing the registration of electric bicycles and tricycles as well as the issuance of licenses to their drivers.
LTO head Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II presented the proposal during a consultation meeting with representatives from various transport organizations and government agencies on Thursday.