China says Philippines agreed to stay out of Panatag Shoal under Duterte admin

Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

Chinese embassy: Under Duterte, Philippines agreed to keep gov’t out of Panatag Shoal

Under former president Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines apparently agreed to stay away from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.

Philippines falls 2 places in 2024 World Press Freedom Index

The Philippines slips two places on the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index for 2024, ranking 134th out of 180 countries and territories.

Universal Music Group artists to return to TikTok after new licensing pact

Universal Music Group and TikTok reach a new licensing agreement that will restore the label’s songs and artists to the social media platform.

Harvey Weinstein will be retried in New York after rape conviction overturned

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is set to be retried in New York, a week after the state’s highest court threw out his 2020 rape conviction in Manhattan.