#ThewRap: Things you need to know, May 1, 2017

Hello Rappler readers,

We commemorate Labor Day today! 

Filipino workers nationwide hold Labor Day rallies to push for higher wages and an end to contracual labor. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was expected to announce policies affecting these two issues on Monday afternoon.

And while in Davao, Duterte will also officially welcome Chinese warships docked at his city’s port, two days after ASEAN leaders ended their Summit in Manila. As chair of the ASEAN 2017 Summit, the Philippines managed to water down the regional bloc’s statement vis-a-vis China, a move that disappointed analysts.

US President Donald Trump didn’t seem to mind. In a phone conversation with the Philippine president, Trump invited Duterte to the White House. 

Be up to speed with the news. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

Trump invites Duterte to visit U.S. 

US President Donald Trump called President Duterte at the conclusion of the 30th ASEAN Summit, inviting him to visit the White House. It was a “friendly conversation,” said the White House, but it stunned Trump critics who considered the call as the American president’s endorsement of Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

Duterte in Davao to welcome Chinese ships 

The Philippine President was scheduled on Monday, May 1, to board one of 3 Chinese warships that arrived in his hometown on April 30. The ships’ visit came a day after the ASEAN 2017 Summit in Manila that held difficult discussions on China behind closed doors.

Defense, police chief downplay ISIS role in Quiapo blast

Despite claims made by ISIS that it was behind the blast on the Philippine capital as Manila was hosting the ASEAN 2017 Summit, defense and police officials refuse to believe them. They said the incident that injured 11 was apparently caused by feuding gangs.  

Philippines, Indonesia launch ferry route 

Leaders of the two neighboring countries launched on April 30 the Davao-General Santos-Bintang ferry route between the Philippines and Indonesia. The roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) ferry on this route is expected to boost trade, cutting shipping time of goods from 5 weeks to 2-3 days. 

Pope appeals for ‘negotiated solutions’ in Venezuela  

In the wake of what he described as “dramatic news” of deaths and injuries in crisis-torn Venezuela, Pope Francis asked for “negotiated solutions” to the standoff between protesters and Socialist President Nicolas Maduro. “United in sorrow with the families of the victims… I issue a sincere appeal to the government and all sectors of Venezuelan society to avoid all forms of violence henceforward,” said the pontiff from Latin America said.

6 apps to make you disaster-ready 

A country often visited by earthquakes and other disasters ought to be always prepared. We have here a list of a few apps that can help you during a disaster by keeping you informed of its status and all the latest reports.

Rachel Peters is this year’s Miss Universe Philippines

She won Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit. Plus more. Rachel Peters was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Sunday night, April 30. Check our photo recap.

#AnimatED: The PNP’s skeletons

The back-to-back fiasco involving the Manila police last week should prompt PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa to stop abuses in the campaign against illegal drugs, lest he finds himself at the mercy of local police bosses. Read Rappler’s editorial.