Catch up on the midweek stories in today’s Daily 8:
8. Friday the 13th franchise gets its own TV series
It’s not the 13th and not even Friday yet, but the chills are already setting in. American broadcast network CW confirms making a drama series about the infamous Friday the 13th movie. Reports say that Jason Vorhees, the deranged masked killer in the franchise, will be portrayed with a “stronger feel of grounded reality.” CW will also be working on other movie-based series The Notebook, Little Women, Frequency, and Archie Comics’ Riverdale.
7. Peace groups: We want in
Mindanao peace groups and several individuals asked the Supreme Court to let them in on the peace talks involving the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Mindanao-based petitioners want more participation in the hearings after claiming that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) are different from the memorandum signed by the MILF and the administration.
6. NAIA to install full body scanners
Instead of the usual body search, full body scanners, called EQO model portals, are to be put up in all Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal departure areas within the month. This initiative is to ensure the safety of all passengers from well-concealed and possibly dangerous objects on a person’s body. According to the Defense and Protection System Philippines Inc (DPSPI) president Jose Castaneda, the people have nothing to worry about as the scanner will only screen a caricature of the body; its radiation is harmless and won’t penetrate the skin.
5. Marijuana will benefit ill patients
Amid the talks on legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, Isabela Representative Rodolfo Albana III lightly talked about his fair share on using the grass when he was younger. He clarified that it was not a “gateway drug” to use other illegal and more dangerous drugs, and that it should be used only for medical purposes, benefiting patients who have or are experiencing pain, nausea, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV-AIDS.
4. The SIM card registration bill
After news of thefts and scams involving a subscriber identity module (SIM) swap resurfaced, Senator Tito Sotto pressed that the SIM card registration bill will help protect the subscriber’s right to life, identity, privacy, and transactions. Several cell phone service providers, however, disagreed and argued that the proposed bill will violate the right to telecommunicate and counter the policy of providing telecommunication services to the country.
3. The scariest movie trailer of all time
Austrian horror film Goodnight Mommy recently topped search results after being hailed as the “scariest trailer ever made.” The movie, which is scheduled to hit cinemas in September, is about a mother coming back home to her twin sons after having major facial reconstructive surgery. Things start to feel different after her sons realize that their mother is not who they think she is. Dare to see it for yourself?
2. No law against Torre de Manila
DMCI Homes seems to have the upper hand after Associate Justice Antonio Carpio pointed out that there is no law that protects the background sight line of historical sights and monuments in the Philippines. Despite the clamor of several citizens and the Knights of Rizal, Carpio said that a hearing must first take place before demolishing the building and to tear it down without due process means depriving someone of property.
1. LTFRB to start nationwide clampdown on Uber, Grab
Heads up, commuters! Starting August 21, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will apprehend operators of online ride-sharing service providers from Uber and GrabCar. The ruling came after LTFRB said that some operators were unregistered or were unable to secure LTFRB franchise and authority. Operators have until August 20 to secure their accreditation.
Did we miss any of today’s top stories? Let us know by commenting below!
