#ThewRap: Things you need to know, January 10, 2018

Hello Rappler readers,

Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr is confident he’ll win his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, saying in a media forum that he sees no need to run for senator in the 2019 elections.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, just scheduled a new round of oral arguments on the extended martial law in Mindanao.

Overseas, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off Honduras, triggering tsunami threats and advisories.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

‘Why run for senator when I already won as VP?’ – Bongbong Marcos

Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr said he isn’t running for senator in 2019. Marcos is confident he’ll win his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.

SC sets new round of oral arguments on martial law

The Supreme Court will hold another round of oral arguments on the martial law extension in Mindanao on January 16 and 17. Martial law had been extended again until December 31, 2018.

Prosecutors tell Sandiganbayan: Jail Joel Reyes now

Prosecutors asked the Sandiganbayan to order the return of former Palawan governor Joel Reyes to jail. They argued that Reyes remains a flight risk.

Mary Jane Veloso’s birthday wish: ‘Hear my testimony in court’

January 10 marks the 33rd birthday of trafficking victim Mary Jane Veloso – the 8th time she’s celebrating it behind bars in Indonesia. In a recorded message, she appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to help her testify in the Philippines against her traffickers.

Joma Sison slams Malacañang for ‘fake news’ on Dutch citizenship

Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison slammed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque for spreading “fake news.” Sison denied he has become a Dutch citizen after decades of exile in The Netherlands.

Gov’t death toll in Marawi siege rises to 168

The death toll in the 2017 Marawi siege is now at 168. The latest confirmed fatality is Philippine Marine Private Alejandro Balean, who went missing during the fierce battle over the Mapandi Bridge. A DNA test was done on his remains.

Magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes off Honduras coast

A powerful and shallow magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit the waters off the coast of Honduras, triggering tsunami threats and advisories for nearby Caribbean shores.