Even as US President Trump managed to reduce the termination of the VFA to an issue of money, President Duterte still had fond words for Trump.

Brotherly love
President Duterte sent some brotherly love in the direction of US President Donald Trump when he said he hoped said Trump would be reelected in this year’s elections. Duterte also said Trump would’ve scrapped the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) too. Meanwhile, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison said Duterte should be able to assert Philippine sovereignty with China, and not just the US.

Bringing them home
Another 70 people on board a cruise ship anchored in Japan tested positive for COVID-19. The Philippines is planning to bring home the Filipino crew of the ship.

Franchise
Sen. Grace Poe said there should be an assurance on paper from lawmakers that the ABS-CBN network can continue operating past March this year. Rep. Edcel Lagman called on House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to stop foot-dragging on the network’s congressional franchise since, Lagman said, the House is used to multitasking anyway.

Presumption of innocence
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said police officers on the narco-list are innocent until proven guilty. The sad irony of that statement shouldn’t escape us. Were any of those killed in drug operations, including Kian delos Santos, accorded the same presumption of innocence?

Thank you for the music
News about the threat to ABSCBN’s franchise renewal sparked a sadness in Ogie Alcasid and Louie Ocampo, urging them to spontaneously create a song and record a DIY video. ANCX talks to the two legendary musicians.