Daily News Highlights – July 17, 2016 Edition

The biggest question facing the Philippines after its historic victory at The Hague is how to enforce the ruling of the arbitral tribunal, which had invalidated China’s expansive claim over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Enforcement is a problem because Beijing refuses to recognize the ruling, and it still continues to block Filipinos from fishing in the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. Now, “the game of the diplomats” begins.

Read Rappler’s in-depth piece on what’s next after the Hague ruling.

Here’s what the Zambales governor had to say about fishing in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were out on the streets on Saturday, July 16, celebrating the failure of the military coup. The fans of the strongman insisted the coup wouldn’t divide the country further, but would in fact unite the Turkish people.

Read more about the celebrations in Turkey.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, meanwhile, denied that the US backed the coup attempt.

Here are some reminders for Filipinos in Turkey.

In just one week, 5 people allegedly involved in drugs were killed in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The suspects were killed in separate incidents in the provinces of Benguet, Abra, and Kalinga.

Get more details about the suspects.

TV5 news anchor Cherie Mercado is joining the Duterte administration as new spokesperson of the transportation department. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade confirmed the news in a text message on Sunday, July 17, while Mercado broke the news in an Instagram post.

Here’s the story on Mercado’s new job.

The Commission on Elections has released the schedule of activities leading to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on October 31, 2016. the election period will be from October 1 to November 7, the filing of certificates of candidacy from October 3 to 5, and the campaign period from October 21 to 29.

Check out the schedule and other reminders from the Comelec.

The Philippine island of Luzon has the world’s largest collection of unique mammal species, according to the Chicago Field Museum. Scientists said they discovered 28 new species of cloud rats and earthworm-eating mice in a 15-year study, boosting the number of non-flying mammal species on Luzon to 56.

Read more about the scientists’ findings.

South Africa’s MeerKAT radio telescope just revealed 1,300 galaxies in a tiny corner of the universe where only 70 were known before. The image released was the first from MeerKAT.

Check out the image from the powerful telescope.

The Ateneo Lady Eagles defeated host team Singapore to clinch the bronze medal in the 18th ASEAN University Games. Queen Eagle Alyssa Valdez led the charge for Ateneo, most especially in the 5th set.

Here’s more on the bronze medal finish of the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is scheduled to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 18. The President has “approved in principle” the proposal for the Philippines to host the next Miss Universe pageant.

Take a look at photos of Pia’s arrival in Manila.

Grand Admiral Thrawn made an appearance in the new Star Wars Rebels trailer released at the Star Wars Celebration in London. Thrawn, one of the most formidable villains in the Star Wars expanded universe, will be voiced by Lars Mikkelsen.

Watch the new Star Wars Rebels trailer.