#ThewRap: Things you need to know, June 19, 2018

Hello Rappler readers,

For Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the China Coast Guard is simply engaging in “barter” with Filipino fishermen, not seizing their catch outright. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua also used the term “barter.”

Meanwhile, Supreme Court justices are holding an en banc session on Tuesday morning, where they’ll tackle the appeal of ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. The SC will also hold oral arguments on same-sex marriage in the afternoon.

Overseas, the United States and South Korea confirmed that their military drills have been suspended, in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

Duterte echoes China envoy: Just ‘barter’

President Rodrigo Duterte used the term “barter” to describe the uneven “exchange” of goods between the China Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen, a word also used by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua.

SC junks P51-B PCGG claim

The Supreme Court’s First Division upheld a 2010 Sandiganbayan ruling which dismissed a Presidential Commission on Good Government complaint that sought damages from the estate of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies.

LIVE: SC oral arguments on same-sex marriage

Listen to the oral arguments on same-sex marriage live on Rappler, Tuesday, June 19.

LIVE: House hearing on PH Code of Crimes

Watch the discussion on the Philippine Code of Crimes live on Rappler, Tuesday, June 19.

OFW remittances hit $2.35B in April 2018

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said remittances sent through banks stood at $2.35 billion in April 2018. The figure is 12.7% higher compared to the same month last year.

U.S., South Korea confirm suspending military drills