Daily News Highlights – February 24, 2016 Edition

China deployed fighter jets to Woody Island in the disputed South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), according to American officials. It is the same island to which Beijing also sent surface-to-air missiles more than a week ago. “We are still concerned that the Chinese continue to put advanced arms systems on this disputed territory,” said US Navy Captain Darryn James.

Read more about China’s latest move in the contested waters.

Vice presidential candidate and senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr said the 1986 EDSA Revolution disrupted the good plans that his father had for the country. Marcos said many of the projects started by President Ferdinand Marcos were either not continued or not implemented after the revolution. The senator also said he will have no public appearances on Thursday, February 25, the 30th anniversary of People Power. 

Here is the full story on Bongbong Marcos’ remarks.

Take a look at the key players in the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Thirty years after the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ousted from power, Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II warned against making a “U-turn” to the ways of the past. In a campaign rally in Malolos, Bulacan, Roxas said the question for the entire country is whether it would want to progress further, or return to dark days.

Read more about Roxas’ statements on martial law.

United States President Barack Obama presented a long-awaited roadmap to close the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, saying it undermines US national security. Under the plan, the US will continue to transfer low-risk detainees to other countries. It also outlines possible replacement facilities.

Get the details of the plan for the Guantanamo prison.

Dozens are confirmed dead in the wake of super-cyclone Winston, which devastated Fiji. Concerns are also growing for remote villages still waiting for help after the most powerful storm in the Pacific nation’s history. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama asked for patience from affected communities, vowing that “we will not rest until we have reached you.”

Here is the latest on the aftermath of super-cyclone Winston.

Justin Trudeau is set to become the first Canadian prime minister to march in Toronto’s Pride Parade. “Very much look forward to being there again, this time as PM,” Trudeau confirmed on Twitter. The parade, which is set for July 3, has attracted up to one million visitors to Toronto in the past.

 Check out this story on Trudeau’s decision to join the parade.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees bright prospects and “huge potential” for the Philippine economy to grow further despite China’s economic slowdown. The IMF’s Shanaka Jayanath Peiris explained that the future will be dominated by the service sector, which the Philippines can take advantage of because of its skilled workforce.

Read more about the IMF’s predictions.

The European Union (EU) and Brazil signed a deal to cooperate on developing ultra-fast 5G mobile networks. The deal sets out goals on common 5G standards and research as well as timeframes for introducing the new technology. EU Digital Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said that “neither Europe, nor Brazil can afford to lag behind in the digital era.”

Learn more about the 5G agreement.

Madonna visited children’s shelter Bahay Tuluyan a few days before her two-night concert in Manila. The dancers and entourage of the Queen of Pop were also present to entertain around 70 kids. Bahay Tuluyan Executive Director Lily Flordelis told Rappler that Madonna had fun with the children and the visit was “very informal.”

Take a look at Madonna’s photos with the kids.

Rappler joined the 15 Hour Street Food Frenzy over the weekend, visiting 10 restaurants in just 15 hours. The ultimate food trip was part of promotions for the World Street Food Congress 2016, which will be held in the Philippines for the first time. 

Check out everything we ate during the 15 Hour Street Food Frenzy.