SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Hello Rappler readers,
After drawing flak for seemingly justifying the spread of misinformation, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued a statement denying that he ever encouraged fake news.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, meanwhile, faced the Commission on Appointments and denied that there’s a “DOH mafia.”
In the US, President Donald Trump called for unity in his first-ever State of the Union address.
Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.
Though he said “lies are part of the free marketplace of ideas,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque denied he ever encouraged fake news. He also said he was a “victim” of fake news himself.
At the Commission on Appointments hearing of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, he denied there’s a so-called “DOH mafia.” Duque’s confirmation hearing has since been suspended.
Nearly 60 doctors and experts, in a statement, slammed the “unsubstantiated” claims being made against the Dengvaxia dengue vaccine. They said these claims are causing the public to lose faith in other vaccination programs.
The camp of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro should raise issues she has with Sereno’s qualifications before the Judicial and Bar Council. Sereno’s camp pointed out that it was the JBC which shortlisted Sereno for the post of Chief Justice.
US President Donald Trump called for national unity and strong borders in his first State of the Union address. The full text and video of Trump’s speech can be accessed here.
Hawaii fired the officer who triggered mass panic with a false alert of a ballistic missile headed for the Pacific islands. The fired employee has reportedly been a “source of concern” for 10 years because of his “poor performance.”
Glee actor Mark Salling died at the age of 35. He was said to have committed suicide weeks before his sentencing for possession of child pornography.
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.