Daily News Highlights – February 10, 2016 Edition

The Philippines’ 90-day campaign period for national candidates officially began on Tuesday, February 9, with emotion-charged proclamation rallies in and outside Manila. Presidential bets Grace Poe, Manuel Roxas II, Rodrigo Duterte, Jejomar Binay, and Miriam Defensor Santiago all have a genuine chance of succeeding President Benigno Aquino III. Brace yourselves – this tight race can only heat up further. 

Check out the highlights of the campaign period kick-off here.

Read all our latest stories on the 2016 elections.

The Commission on Elections will hold mock polls on Saturday, February 13, in 20 key locations across the Philippines. The Comelec said it expects more than 25,000 voters to participate in the exercise, which aims to test the Philippines’ automated election system. While the Comelec prepares for the mock polls, however, it continues to face a technical issue that has led to the delay in the printing of ballots.

Here is the latest story on the Comelec’s preparations.

The fate of presidential candidate Grace Poe remains unknown as the Supreme Court is still plodding through issues surrounding her eligibility. The 4th round of oral arguments on Poe’s petition against the Commission on Elections was held on Tuesday, February 9 – the same day that the campaign period began. The SC set another hearing for next Tuesday, February 16.

When is the earliest that a decision will be out? Find out here.

The family of the late presidential candidate Roy Señeres sought to block a move to take his spot on the ballot for the May 9 elections. Señeres’ family told the Commission on Elections that he wanted no one to substitute for him, because “no one is qualified.” Señeres’ party reportedly wants to field a substitute candidate for the late presidential aspirant.

Get more details about the Señeres family’s bid.

United States media have projected that Republican front runner Donald Trump and Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders won the presidential primaries in New Hampshire. The small northeastern state, home to just 1.3 million people, sets the tone for the primaries to come. New Hampshire’s primaries, however, are also known for their surprises.

Read more about the White House race on Rappler.

The FBI formally confirmed it is investigating Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. The Democratic presidential candidate has repeatedly denied doing anything wrong, but the Republican Party said Clinton should be disqualified over the controversy.

Here is the full story on the FBI’s Clinton probe.

Two commuter trains collided in Germany on Tuesday, February 9, leaving at least 10 people dead and dozens injured. German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed shock at the accident, which involved trains that had automatic braking systems. The Bavarian rail company that operates the trains said it would “do everything” to help its employees, travellers, and their relatives.

Get more details about the deadly train collision.

Experts from the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have recommended the first binding limits on carbon emissions for the aviation industry. Under negotiations for the past 6 years, the measures are now expected to be approved by the 36-nation ICAO in September. The recommendation had been highly anticipated as aircraft carbon emissions were not part of the historic climate change deal hammered out in Paris last December. 

Read more about the binding limits on carbon emissions here.

The 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup begins Wednesday, February 10, with defending champion Talk N’ Text and the Star Hotshots going up against Blackwater and Meralco, respectively. Both familiar and new imports are also in town for the Commissioner’s Cup, while new team Phoenix will make its debut.

Check out the schedule for the eliminations.

Take a look at this PBA conference’s imports.

Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith spoke about the viral photo showing her closeness with Erwan Heussaff, the boyfriend of her older sister, Anne. Jasmine clarified that her closeness with Erwan was never an issue among the 3 of them. Social media users had questioned if there was something going on between Jasmine and Erwan – a rumor that Anne also brushed off earlier.

Here is more on Jasmine’s reaction, plus a message from Jasmine and Anne’s mom.