#ThewRap: Things you need to know, September 14, 2016

Hello Rappler readers,

President Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines wants to buy defense assets from Russia and China, through deals with “no strings attached.” The President also announced he would reveal a “thick” list of more people allegedly involved in illegal drugs, which means more storms are brewing.

Speaking of storms, typhoons Ferdie (Meranti) and Gener (Malakas) were both inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of Wednesday morning, but Ferdie is leaving within the day. Gener won’t make landfall but it might enhance the southwest monsoon.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

 

PH eyes defense assets from Russia, China

President Rodrigo Duterte told Department of National Defense officials to visit Russia and China to buy defense assets. Duterte said he wants weapons for anti-insurgency operations, not jets.

Duterte: New drug list already validated

The President plans to release another list of people allegedly involved in illegal drugs, saying this new list has already undergone “final validation.” He also said he’s convinced that the Alcala political clan of Quezon province is linked to drugs.

Ferdie leaving PAR; no landfall for Gener

Typhoon Ferdie (Meranti) is leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday, September 14. The other tropical cyclone inside PAR – Typhoon Gener (Malakas) – won’t hit land but could enhance the southwest monsoon.

Drilon: Tourism budget should be higher

Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon thinks the proposed P2.40-billion budget of the Department of Tourism isn’t enough. The senator said more funds would be needed to market the country properly to tourists.

No toll fees for 1 month at NAIAX

Motorists can use the first phase of the NAIA expressway (NAIAX) starting September 22 without paying toll fees for a month. The first phase of the NAIAX connects terminals 1 and 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Oil oversupply seen to continue until mid-2017

The International Energy Agency expects the oil oversupply to continue at least until mid-2017. This oversupply has hurt producers, but means cheaper fuel for consumers.

North Korea slams ‘US imperialist warmongers’

North Korea lashed out at the United States again, accusing it of pushing the Korean Peninsula to “the point of explosion.” The US had flown supersonic B-1B Lancers over Seoul in a show of force against Pyongyang.