#ThewRap: Things you need to know, May 4, 2018

Good morning, Rappler readers!

More than one million candidates start campaigning Friday, May 4, for posts in the village and youth councils in 42,000 barangays across the country. They have until May 12 to convince voters they should be entrusted with powers and perks that go with the positions.

Elections in the smallest unit of government have been postponed by various laws since 2013. 

Here are the major stories you shouldn’t miss. 

1 million barangay, SK candidates start campaigns

The campaign period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections 2018 kicks off just after the national government releases a list of village officials allegedly linked to drugs.

Philippine inflation rises to 4.5% in April 2018

Inflation reaches another 5-year high amid price increases for alcoholic beverages and tobacco; transport; as well as housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

Beijing ‘installs missiles’ on South China Sea islands

The United States network CNBC reports, citing sources close to US intelligence, the Chinese army installed anti-ship and air-to-air defenses on outposts also claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines over the last 30 days.

Iran envoy to UK warns it may scrap nuclear deal if U.S. withdraws

“When the United States is out of the deal, it means that there is no deal left,” says Hamid Baeidinejad, the country’s top envoy in London.

Aside from tourism ads, auditors flag PTV’s P157-M spending

The Commission on Audit flags P67.179 million in damages not charged to suppliers, P10.456 million in incentives without approval, and a P1.3-million non-existent parking lot project.

DAR mulls distribution of idle government lands to farmers

The Department of Agrarian Reform eyes two controversial areas and a Bureau of Corrections facility for agrarian reform.

Media groups record 85 attacks on press freedom under Duterte

‘Separately and together, these 85 cases have made the practice of journalism an even more dangerous endeavor under Duterte,’ says Malou Mangahas, executive director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism