#ThewRap: Things you need to know, December 30, 2016

Hello Rappler readers,

Rappler Executive Editor Maria Ressa sits down for an hourlong interview with President Rodrigo Duterte. Here, “the Wartime President” talks about ISIS, dictatorship, and his style of leadership 6 months after taking office.

Duterte also has interviews with other news outlets, and we’ve got you covered.

In entertainment, Sunday Beauty Queen wins Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). We have the full list of other MMFF winners. 

Beyond all these, a Social Weather Stations survey says 95% of Filipinos feel hopeful about 2017. What do you think?

Below are the biggest stories you shouldn’t miss. 

Duterte: Martial law will ‘burden’ the innocent

In an interview with Rappler’s Maria Ressa, President Rodrigo Duterte said martial law is futile and will only “burden” the innocent. He then dispelled fears that recent bombings in Cotabato and Leyte will persuade him to impose military rule.

Watch the full Rappler interview, “Duterte: The Wartime President.”

Midsayap, Davao bombings ISIS-related – Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte linked the terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) to the Christmas Eve bombing in Midsayap, Cotabato, and the Davao City blast in September. In his interview with Rappler, he also said some of his relatives may have even pledged loyalty to ISIS.

China, Robredo tackled in series of Duterte interviews

In the middle of the holidays, President Rodrigo Duterte granted interviews with Rappler and other media outlets. Among other things, Duterte talked about the historic ruling on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), said he supports a longer maternity leave to allow mothers to breastfeed, and accused Vice President Leni Robredo of attending rallies for his ouster.

95% of Filipinos hopeful about 2017, survey says

 

A Social Weather Stations survey showed that 95% of Filipinos feel hopeful about 2017. This, despite the slew of political controversies, disasters, and deaths of influential people in the Philippines and around the world.

Syria truce in effect despite isolated clashes

A nationwide ceasefire in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey was in effect early Friday, December 30, a potentially major breakthrough in the nearly 6-year conflict, despite reports of isolated clashes.

‘Sunday Beauty Queen’: Best Picture in Metro Manila Film Festival

The documentary Sunday Beauty Queen won Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival. Paolo Ballesteros won Best Actor for his role in Die Beautiful, while Irma Adlawan won Best Actress for her performance in Oro. Check the full list of MMFF winners here.