Let's Do The News! (March 19, 2018)

- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday called for other signatories of the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court to join his country in withdrawing from the treaty. Duterte’s comments during a speech to graduating cadets at the Philippine Military Academy in northern Philippines comes after ICC prosecutors last month opened a preliminary examination into the president’s “war on drugs”, which has led to the death of thousands since it began in July 2016.

- PISTON holds another Transport Strike against the government's plan to scrap old jeepneys. Several schools and local government units nationwide have suspended works and classes Monday due to the transport strike. Cities in Metro Manila have also deployed vehicles to assist commuters affected by the transport strike.

- The death toll at the Manila Pavillon Hotel fire is now five. Yesterday, a fire broke out at the hotel and later put out on Monday morning.

- The Department of Justice has issued a subpoena against former President Benigno Aquino III, former Budget Secretary Butch Abad and former Health Secretary Janette Garin over the Dengvaxia scandal.

- Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe was fired by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions last weekend, prompting McCabe to say he was targeted for being a witness into whether President Donald Trump tried to obstruct the probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

- Mazda announced their entry to the joint-venture project with Elity Power and Ube Industries to develop 12-volt li-ion starter batteries, which will serve as replacement for lead-acid starter batteries in cars and targeting a 2021 timeframe.

- Gandys collaborated with McLaren to make footwear inspired by the F1's halo cockpit. The news comes following their sponsorship.

- At last night's Binibining Pilipinas pageant, Catriona Gray is named Miss Universe-Philippines 2018. Alongside her, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo is named Bb. Pilipinas-International, Jehza Huela as Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational, Karen Gallman as Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental, Eva Patalinjug as Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International, and Michele Gumabao as Bb. Pilipinas-Globe. All six Filipina beauties will represent the Philippines this year in series of global pageants.

TTFN!!!