Let's Do The News! (June 21, 2019)

- Armed Forces of the Philippines vice chief of staff, Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., has formally retired after over 39 years in military service.

- The trial of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa for cyber-libel will begin this July 23rd at the Manila Regional Trial Court branch 46. According to Ted Te, Ressa’s lawyer, the court scheduled the first trial proper on July 23.

- Opposition Senator Francis N. Pangilinan said the recent Reed (Recto) Bank incident in the West Philippine Sea highlights the urgent need for the Philippine government to protect its exclusive economic zone as part of its food security.

- Lobby groups representing some of the world’s biggest polluters have sent thousands of delegates to negotiations aimed at limiting global warming since UN climate talks began, according to reports.

- Saudi Arabia’s controversial military campaign in Yemen suffered a double blow as US lawmakers voted to block President Donald Trump’s arms sales to Riyadh hours after Britain temporarily suspended similar sales.

- US President Donald Trump approved military strikes against Iran in retaliation for the downing of an unmanned $130-million surveillance drone, but pulled back from launching the attacks, according to reports.

- Russian President Vladimir Putin said the international community had failed to provide any evidence that Moscow was behind the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in which 298 people died five years ago.

- Boris Johnson will face Jeremy Hunt in a run-off to become Britain’s next prime minister after a final ballot of MPs yesterday, with the winner tasked with guiding the country through Brexit.

- Team Penske owner Roger Penske will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Donald Trump.

- Groupe PSA will open their Kenitra plant in Morocco.

- Ford confirms 760hp power output from the new Mustang Shelby GT500's 5.2L V8 Supercharged engine, making it the most powerful road-going Ford ever made.

- After yesterday's death, that shook the Philippine Showbiz industry at the age of 90, the remains of veteran actor Eddie Garcia has been cremated.

TTFN!!!