VP Sara Denies Franchise | Typhoon Champi Gains Strength | China Challenges Envoy Ouster

VP Sara Duterte denies owning fast-food franchises, Typhoon Champi intensifies outside PAR, and China challenges lawmakers to declare its ambassador persona non grata.

Happy Sunday. Come, pour yourself a fresh brew as you prepare to go to Church.

Here is what we’re tracking in today’s newsletter:

• Vice President Sara Duterte publicly denied owning any Jollibee or fast-food restaurant franchises following financial expert testimony in her Senate impeachment trial regarding holding company investments.

• Weather bureau PAGASA reported that Severe Tropical Storm Champi intensified into a typhoon as it tracks toward the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

• The Chinese Embassy explicitly dared Philippine lawmakers to declare Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata rather than calling for his expulsion over controversial public remarks.