Here鈥檚 a quick roundup of today鈥檚 top stories:
There is a dramatic increase of Chinese ships when it鈥檚 time for the rotation and resupply mission (Rore) for the BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official said on Thursday.
鈥淥ur observation is when it鈥檚 time for Rore, they usually surge their numbers and presence in Ayungin Shoal,鈥� said AFP Western Command chief Vice聽Admiral聽Alberto Carlos in a phone interview with reporters.
The biggest resupply boat which was聽聽will be used again for the next mission in Ayungin Shoal, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official said on Thursday.
The Unaizah Mae 4 was deployed for the first time on Tuesday to test if it could come close to the BRP Sierra Madre, according to AFP Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.
Senator Cynthia Villar has signed a document seeking to reverse a Senate panel鈥檚 request to arrest Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
鈥淧umirma na ako kahapon (I signed yesterday.),鈥� Villar said in a phone patch interview with Senate reporters on Thursday.
Senator Cynthia Villar on Thursday said that she is not plotting a coup d鈥檈tat against Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
An聽alleged attempt to unseat Zubiri聽was confirmed on Monday by Senator Imee Marcos.
No irregularities were committed in disposing of the government鈥檚 rice stocks, suspended National Food Authority (NFA) chief Roderico Bioco maintained.
During a聽hearing of the House committee on agriculture and food聽on Thursday, Bioco said existing NFA rules and regulations were followed in the sale of the rice buffer stocks. He also explained that the sale was only made to ensure the rice was properly disposed of before it became unsuitable for human consumption.
Instead of facing charges for assault and battery, the two Filipino transwomen involved in a brawl in Bangkok may just be deported and obliged to pay a fine, said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de聽 Vega on Thursday.
De Vega, however, emphasized that the decision on the matter has yet to be finalized.