Aleson passenger fleet grounded over Basilan ferry incident | The wRap

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

• DOTr grounds entire Aleson passenger fleet as ferry probe begins

The entire passenger fleet of Zamboanga City-based Aleson Shipping Lines has been grounded. This, as investigators probe the sinking of one of its vessels, M/V Trisha Kirstin 3, off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, a day earlier.

• Case goes on: ICC judges declare Duterte fit for pre-trial

The pre-trial hearing of former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court will finally push through on February 23. This, after three judges found that Duterte was fit to undergo the proceedings following the medical assessment of independent experts.

• 88% of students entering Grade 7 struggling to read at that level

Nearly 9 out of 10 Filipino students entering Grade 7 are not ‘grade-level ready’ when it comes to reading. This, according to a report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education released Monday, January 26.

• ‘Our house, our terms’: Senators condemn Chinese embassy remarks vs PH officials

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Erwin Tulfo condemn the remarks of Chinese officials against them and other Philippine officials. In a privilege speech, Hontiveros says Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warns Philippine officials they would ‘pay a price’ for what Beijing called provocations.

• Alex Eala saves day for home contingent with stellar PH Women’s Open win

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advances to the round of 16 of the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open after beating Alina Charaeva, 6 to 1, 6 to 2. — Rappler.com