QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — The Philippine Senate’s Committee on Justice and Human Rights inquiry on the alleged extrajudicial killings has resumed on Monday night, October 3.
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AMLC ready to return part of stolen $15 million to Bangladesh
QUEZON City, Philippines – The Anti-Money Laundering Council assured that part of the $15 million stolen from the Central Bank of Bangladesh can now be returned to the Bangladeshi government. All that is needed is a court order or a writ of executions for this, the AMLC said. https://youtu.be/-Biba7ll8Bs
Senate probe postponed after Senate row
QUEZON City, Philippines – The Senate joint probe on the extra-judicial killings was postponed after a row between the members of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Before this, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV informed the senators during the hearing Monday night (October 3) that Senate witness and former member of Davao Death Squad Edgar Matobato was no longer in his custody. This surprised and angered Senate committee on justice and human rights chair […]
DFA — No need to review EDCA
QUEZON City, Philippines – Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said there is no need to further review the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Yasay said the Supreme Court has already upheld the legality of EDCA, and should thus be respected. The EDCA is an agreement between the United States and the Philippines intended to bolster the U.S.–Philippine alliance. The agreement allows the United States to rotate troops into the Philippines for extended stays and allows the […]
World Bank, confident of Philippine economy’s growth
QUEZON City, Philippines – The World Bank expressed confidence on the continued growth of the Philippine economy despite the concern of investors regarding the unconventional speeches and pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte. World Bank said that the Philippines may have a higher growth rate if the Duterte administration would push through with its infrastructure projects.
Suspension of Senate probe, premature – CHR
QUEZON City, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights described the suspension of the Senate probe on extra-judicial killings as premature. The CHR said that the probe should not be suspended as aside from Edgar Matobato, there are many other witnesses still waiting to give their testimonies. The CHR asked Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights to reverse the suspension so that the truth regarding extra-judicial killings can […]
PHL, Malaysia, Indonesia to conduct joint air patrols
(Eagle News)– Top defense officials from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to conduct joint air patrols to address criminal activities in maritime areas of common security concerns, according to an official of the Department of National Defense. Defense undersecretary Raymund Quilop said that the chiefs of the defense officials of the three countries have agreed to “explore joint air patrols” in a meeting on October 1. “The three ministers [Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Malaysian […]
Peso remains very strong, says DOF
MANILA, Oct. 4 – The Philippine peso remains “very strong” in real terms and the current movement of the local currency will actually help improve the competitiveness of our exports and the value of our dollar remittances, which benefits around 40 percent of the domestic economy, according to the Department of Finance (DOF). DOF undersecretary and concurrent chief economist Karl Kendrick Chua said the Philippine peso is expected to remain “broadly stable” over the medium term […]
Cop denies involvement in broadcaster’s slay
(Eagle News)– SPO3 Enrique “Jun” Delos Reyes Ayao– the Davao policeman tagged by supposed hitman Edgar Matobato as the murderer of broadcaster Jun Pala– denied the latter’s claim during his testimony before the Senate justice committee on Monday (October 3). “Dina-drag niya ‘yung pangalan ko sa assassination ni Jun Pala. That accusation, your honor, is categorically denied by me,” Ayao said. He said he was even one of those who responded to an attempted murder […]
Jaybee Sebastian seeks Bilibid transfer
(Eagle News)– Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge Rolando Asuncion said high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian has appealed for a facility transfer inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) following last week’s stabbing incident. “Nagpapatingin ako ng lugar sa maximum security compound na malapit din sa Building 14 para hagip pa rin ng signal jammer,” Asuncion said. Sebastian’s legal counsel Eduardo Arriba said earlier that his client must be transferred to another facility since his assailants are staying […]
Philippines, US hold war games after Duterte tirades
MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — The Philippines and the United States launched war games on Tuesday against the backdrop of the unusual threat of American forces being ejected from the Southeast Asian nation, as its firebrand leader pivots to China. President Rodrigo Duterte has sustained a verbal assault on the United States, the Philippines’ former colonial ruler and mutual defence partner, since he took office on June 30 in response to criticism of his deadly […]
Inmates involved in NBP riot, to be transferred to Camp Crame
QUEZON City, Philippines – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre confirmed that the four high-profile inmates in the New Bilibid Prison will be transferred to Camp Crame in Quezon City. Said inmates were involved in the NBP riot. https://youtu.be/__SgQ1EwbH0
