Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• Comelec 2nd Division junks petition to cancel Marcos Jr.’s COC

The Comelec Second Division on Monday, January 17, junks the petition to cancel the certificate of candidacy of Bongbong Marcos. This petition is one among the three pending petitions against him. Two others for disqualification remain. 

• Robredo leads, Marcos snubs advertising on Facebook

A report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism says Bongbong Marcos is ‘more invested in meme wars and campaigning via political fan groups, community pages, and micro-influencers’ than spending for ads on Facebook.

• COVID-19 is Philippines’ 3rd leading cause of death – PSA

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority reveals that COVID-19 is the third leading cause of death in the country, but figures show a discrepancy between those written on death certificates and those reported by the DOH.

• BTS releases ‘7FATES: CHAKHO’ webtoon; Sassa Gurl as calendar girl

Korean entertainment giant HYBE releases the much-awaited fantasy webtoon of BTS titled 7FATES: CHAKHO on Saturday, January 15. Meanwhile, Filipino social media influencer Sassa Gurl makes history as the first openly queer calendar girl of White Castle Whisky. – Rappler.com