HEADS UP: A Rare Interview with The Mr. M (January 20)

Here's a Heads Up from reportr on news that you need to know today, Jan. 20.

• Summit Media sat down with former Star Magic Head Johnny Manahan. Mr. M pondered stardom in the age of influencers and social media. He also discussed his departure from ABS-CBN.
• Why did the Defense Department unilaterally terminate its agreement with the University of the Philippines on prior notice in case troops need to go to campus? Sec. Delfin Lorenzana said the state university has become a safe haven for enemies of the state.
• UP Law Professor Tony La Vina, who was a student leader when the agreement was forged in 1989, said the government can't abandon it unilaterally.
• Vice President Leni Robredo said the move was intended to sow fear and discourage dissent.
• Robredo also spoke yesterday during the Liberal Party's 75th anniversary, where she urged fellow Liberals to "Persist (Tuloy lang)" in the face of adversity.
• EXPLAINER: There are P5,000 and P100,000 bills, why does the Bangko Sentral make commemorative notes and coins?
• A band called Converge humored its way past an irate customer of Filipino internet provider Converge, who vented on the rockers' Faebook page.
• Joe Biden will be inaugurated 46th president of the U.S. late Wednesday Manila time. If you thought Trump's snub of the rites was a first, America has a long history of bad blood and sore losers during the handover of power.
• Get to know President-Elect Biden in this profile. We also asked analysts what his ascent to power would mean for Manila-Washington ties.
• First Lady Melania Trump released a farewell video where she reminded supporters to be "passionate" without being violent. The U.S. is on alert for protests from pro-Trump supporters after a mob stormed the Capitol last Jan. 6.
• Here's what you need to know about educator Jill Biden, who will be the new U.S. First Lady.

Here's an update on COVID-19 cases as of 4 p.m. of Jan. 19: