#ThewRap: Things you need to know, August 2, 2017

Hello Rappler readers,

President Rodrigo Duterte met with Senate and House leaders, telling them of “new” terror plots in Mindanao.

We’re also following the case of the detained Parojinog siblings, Ozamiz City vice mayor Nova and her brother Reynaldo Jr, who remain in Camp Crame. Meanwhile, the Taytay priest accused of trafficking has posted bail.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

Duterte tells Congress leaders about ‘new’ terror plots in Mindanao

In a 3-hour meeting with leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives, President Rodrigo Duterte said “new” terror plots have been discovered in Mindanao. That’s according to Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who also said that the President wanted to update them on the developments down south.

Parojinog siblings’ arrest, inquest ‘valid’ – DOJ

A Department of Justice panel said the arrest and inquest of Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog and her brother Reynaldo Parojinog Jr are valid. But a resolution recommending that charges be filed against the siblings, who were detained following a deadly drug raid, has yet to be released.

Taytay priest posts bail for trafficking case

Monsignor Arnel Lagarejos posted bail of P120,000 after spending almost 3 days in the Marikina City police jail. The priest was accused of human trafficking for allegedly “booking” a 13-year-old girl through a pimp.

DBM: Gov’t can’t afford P100-B free tuition in SUCs

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the bill granting free tuition in state colleges and universities is “too costly for the government.” According to Diokno, the estimated total cost is P100 billion, and the government cannot afford that.

US sees ties with Russia getting worse

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned Washington’s ties with Moscow could still worsen, as they remain divided over Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, US sanctions against Kremlin allies, and Moscow’s support for the Syrian regime. Tillerson plans to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Manila on the sidelines of an ASEAN ministerial meeting.