Here are the stories ANC will be covering today:

Murdered mayors
The League of Mayors of the Philippines said mayors now fear for their lives after the killings of Mayors Antonio Halili and Ferdinand Bote. They are asking for a talk with President Duterte on the killings and the inclusion of some mayors in the government’s narco-list. Also, the PDEA linked Halili to illegal drugs, something his family has denied. Probers say Mayor Bote’s killing might have been related to issues about his quarry business. The Palace said the killings may be an attempt to discredit the President. Sen. JV Ejercito echoed something similar, saying the killings were meant to “shame” Duterte. ANC will continue to monitor developments related to these stories.

Divine word war
President Duterte broke a promise to keep quiet about the Church and said many Catholic beliefs run counter to policies of government, like family planning. And in an apparent escalation of a word war, Fr. Ranhilio Aquino said the claim of presidential spokesperson Harry Roque that the Church was involved in a plot to oust the President was not conducive to a dialogue. Roque said the claim is not “fake news” but failed to provide proof.

Public funds
The Ombudsman has filed charges against former Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas for the alleged misuse of his PDAF. Also, the COA has flagged the Ilocos Norte government for supposedly fabricating documents and making doubtful purchases and deliveries worth millions. ANC will stay on top of this story and get the sides of those involved.

Where gods hold court
Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen will make a rare appearance as guest on ANC’s Headstart. He will talk the search for the next Chief Justice and other issues. Hopefully, we will get a glimpse of the inner workings of the High Court and how the “gods of Padre Faura,” as one senior journalist called them, work and think.