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COURT AFFIRMS DE LIMA ACQUITTAL
President signs Loss and Damage Fund Board Act
NEWS / A2
LONG ABSENCES FATAL FOR MARRIAGES NEWS / A2
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 196• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 •
House witness tags PNP as ‘biggest crime group’ Police leadership, Dela Rosa reject EJK accusation By Vince Lopez, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel Cruz
POLICE officer who served as witness in the ongoing House committee probe into the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs tagged the Philippine National Police as “the biggest crime group in the country.”
A
In his affidavit, Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido said the directive to eradicate illegal drugs during the previous administration involved a quota and reward system for every suspected drug personality killed. But when he dismantled the Kerwin Espinosa drug syndicate, Espenido said he was punished with a onemonth suspension because of people
who protected the group. “From my experience I can say that the PNP is the biggest crime group in this country. I did my job faithfully but I could not be promoted because I am always in some derogatory list,” he said. The Philippine National Police, however, rejected the accusation Next page
By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos signed into law the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act that will help the country push for climate change impact financing. The Philippines was earlier selected to host the LDF Board after earning a spot in the body during the United Nations 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai in December 2023. The new law grants juridical personality and legal capacity to the LDF Board, a global finance mechanism to help vulnerable states dealing with the effects of climate change, to operate in the Philippines. The board will also have the legal capacity to negotiate, conclude, and enter into a hosting arrangement with the World Bank as interim trustee and host of the global LDF secretariat. “We are honored to have a seat on the Board itself, ensuring that the Philippines will be a formidable voice in promoting and advancing global climate Next page
PCA head visits Marcos; AFP nixes US naval escorts By Rex Espiritu and Charles Dantes THE Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) head magistrate paid a courtesy call on President Marcos at Malacañang Palace on Thursday in an encounter that is widely seen as a reaffirmation of the international tribunal’s support for the Philippines’ claim over portions of the West Philippine Sea (WPS). PCA Secretary General Marcin Czepelak is touring the Philippines as part of the global dispute resolution body’s activities for its 125th anniversary. During their meeting Mr. Marcos assured his visitor that the Philippines will continue adhere to international law. The Philippine leader cited the importance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which he said is a vital part of Philippine foreign policy considering all the present challenges it faces. “The Permanent Court of Arbitration is an important part of our foreign policy considering all the challenges that we are facing right now. And our continuing adherence to international law,” the President told Next page Czepelak.
PH seeks 40 new fighter jets to boost defenses By Rex Espiritu
FRIENDLY VISITS. Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) Secretary General Marcin Czepelak listens intently as President Marcos, Jr. drives home a point during a conversation at the Malacanang Palace yesterday. Czepelak paid a courtesy call on the President as part of the PCA’s customary visits to member-states to further promote peaceful resolution of international disputes. Inset photo shows visiting Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo trying out the cockpit of a FA-50 jet, with General Brawner as his wingman during a visit of EDCA facilities at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga. PPA POOL / PAOAFP.
CA extends freeze order on Quiboloy assets till Feb. 2025 THE Court of Appeals has extended its freeze order on the bank accounts and properties of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy until February 2025. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said in a statement sent to GMA News Online that the CA issued the resolution extending the freeze order on August 20. The appellate court issued a
20-day freeze order last August 6 against the fugitive pastor’s 10 bank accounts, seven real properties, five motor vehicles, and one aircraft. Meanwhile, 29 members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) are facing obstruction of justice and direct assault complaints after 60 police officers were hurt implementing the arrest warrants against Next page
THE Philippine government on Thursday announced its intention to purchase 40 new multi-role fighters (MRFs) to enhance its ability to provide territorial defense amid mounting external aggression.
This initiative represents a significant expansion over the 12 MRFs it originally wanted to acquire to strengthen its lackluster aerial defense capabilities. Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro made the announcement during a House Appropriations Panel
hearing, wherein he disclosed that the Department of National Defense (DND) is now open to entertaining bids from prospective suppliers. He explained that that bidders must provide a financing plan allowing for spread out payments. Next page
DOJ: More cases to be filed against Shiela Guo, Ong By Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Department of Justice said yesterday that criminal charges have been filed against Cassandra Li Ong and Shiela Guo also known as Zhang Mier. DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Ty said Shiela Guo faces cases for disobedience to legislative summons and using a false Philippine passport while Cassandra Li Ong, representative of Lucky South 99 POGO, would face disobedience to summons and obstruction of justice cases. Next page
PARIS PARALYMPICS. Para archer Agustina Bantiloc, in wheelchair at right, proudly waves the Philippine flag as she leads the country’s Paralympic contingent at the opening of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Philippine Paralympic Committee