Ferry Tragedy in Palawan: A passenger ferry (MV June Aster) caught fire off Coron, leaving at least 5 dead and 87 still unaccounted for, as 42 people were rescued; the coast guard says the manifest listed 134 passengers and crew and search-and-rescue is ongoing. South China Sea Tensions: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro publicly read and condemned a Chinese note during a Seoul forum, while Beijing hit back, urging Manila to stop “provocations” and “theatrics.” Severe Weather Disruptions: Pagasa issued yellow rainfall warnings for parts of Bataan and Zambales as habagat continues; several areas suspended in-person classes, and the House of Representatives shifted to work-from-home by noon due to heavy rains and possible flooding. PNP Vehicle Probe: The PNP launched an investigation after a police vehicle was spotted without a license plate, ordering checks of PSPG motor pool assets and documentation. Politics and Courts: Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez remains confined at Cardinal Santos as the Sandiganbayan ordered custody under BJMP, while the Supreme Court acquitted Imelda Marcos of graft charges. Energy and Costs: IEMOP reported record-high spot power prices in the Visayas and Mindanao due to coal plant shutdowns, warning consumers may pay more.