Windows26: Weekend Roundup: INC rally, ballot printing halt, and more

Hi, reader!

Today, we're covering Comelec's suspension of ballot printing, Iglesia ni Cristo's massive rally, and Starbucks' new policy — plus Vic Sotto and Darryl Yap's first meeting.

This is your Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix for everything you need to catch up.

'SHOW OF FORCE'

Two million crowd

The Christian sect Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has flexed its muscles, mustering a mammoth crowd of almost two million for its peace rally on Monday, and an apparent forewarning of what numbers the religious group could gather for those seeking posts in the upcoming midterm elections.

The nationwide rally initiated not only drew over a million people in Metro Manila but also brought thousands of the religious group's members into the streets of major cities in the country on Monday.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile warned that the country would face a "very detrimental precedent" if Filipinos followed the implied reasoning of the recent INC rally opposing efforts to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Department of Justice also said that the rally would not influence the government's ongoing investigation against Duterte. "We just have to look at the law as something that equalizes everything between all of us," said Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla.

FROM THE NEWS DESK

Editors' Picks

BSP eyes PH shift to coin-lite society

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will double down on its efforts to promote digital payments in the country by eventually weaning the country from its dependence on coins for payments.

Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as it reverses open-door policy

If you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, you're going to have to buy something. Starbucks on Monday said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores.

Vic Sotto, Darryl Yap face off in court for first time

Vic Sotto and Darryl Yap were both present at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court on Friday, Jan 17, to attend the hearing of the veteran TV host's petition for the writ of habeas data.

Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds sued for $400M in 'It Ends With Us' row

Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are being targeted in a $400 million defamation suit by Justin Baldoni, Lively's co-star in bleak romance "It Ends With Us."

PVL All-Filipino resumption: what happened and what to expect

The departure of key players and the looming appearance of recruits for their new teams have added fuel to the anticipation for the resumption of the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

UAAP: Casiey Dongallo transfer to UP now official

University of the Philippines women's volleyball team officially welcomed its newest recruits headlined by star spiker Casiey Dongallo.

INQFOCUS

Ex-BFAR execs post bail

Two former executives of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources posted bail for four counts of graft charges filed against them by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with a controversial P2-billion vessel monitoring system project in 2018. Read this special report by Kurt dela Peña.

INQFOCUS

PH's oldest Santo Niño

Since the arrival of the conquistadores in 1521 and Spain's presence that lasted for over 300 years, the Philippines has always cherished the "gift of faith" it received over 500 years ago. But integral to the spread of Christianity was the Santo Niño. Here's another special report by Dela Peña on the origins of the country's oldest images of the Child Jesus.

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