#ThewRap: Things you need to know, February 8, 2017

Hello Rappler readers,

The Commission on Appointments wants Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr to respond to the issue over his US citizenship. The Bureau of Immigration, meanwhile, is on alert for possible attempts by communist consultants to leave the Philippines.

An explosion and a fire also hit the headquarters of the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command, while Catholic bishops are preparing for a procession against “anti-life” measures.

Overseas, a former Colombian president has unsolicited advice for President Rodrigo Duterte, and China said it would be a lose-lose situation to go to war with the United States.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

Yasay faces U.S. citizenship issue at CA

The Commission on Appointments delayed the confirmation of Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr over questions on his US citizenship. The CA’s House contingent asked for the postponement, citing the Rappler article that showed Yasay owned US passports.

Immigration told: Keep eye on NDF consultants

The Department of Justice ordered the Bureau of Immigration to keep an eye on consultants of the National Democratic Front who could try to leave the country. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said these NDF consultants should be imprisoned again.

Blast, fire hit military base in Tarlac

A woman was hurt in an explosion and massive fire inside Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac, the headquarters of the military’s Northern Luzon Command. The police report on the incident identified the woman as the wife of the commanding officer.

CBCP urges Filipinos to join ‘Walk for Life’

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines wants Filipinos to join a procession called “Walk for Life” on February 18, which will oppose drug-related killings, the death penalty, and other “anti-life” measures. It’ll kick off at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Colombian ex-president: Duterte repeating my mistakes

Been there, done that – former Colombian president Cesar Gaviria said President Rodrigo Duterte is repeating mistakes that Colombia already committed in its own drug war. In a New York Times opinion piece, Gaviria said he “learned the hard way” that using force doesn’t work.

China: No winner if we battle U.S.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both China and the United States would lose if they go to war over the South China Sea. “Both will lose and both sides cannot afford that.”