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‘Bato’ told to come clean, stop weaving conspiracy theories By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta A LAWMAKER challenged Senator Ronald Dela Rosa to simply cooperate
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 197• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2024 •
Ombudsman files graft charges vs. Duque, Lao Says transfer of P41-b COVID funds illegal, unjustified By Rio N. Araja
BSP SEES LOWER AUGUST INFLATION BUSINESS/ B1
FUEL, LPG PRICES UP NEXT WEEK NEWS / A2
PH-Vietnam bolster defense ties; PCA opening Manila arm
HE Office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges against former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Christopher Lao for supposed illegal fund transfer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Prosecutors alleged Duque authorized the transfer of P41 billion that was not provided under a memorandum of agreement, while the required certifications of liquidation of previous transfers prior to the subsequent release of funds were not submitted. "With conscious and deliberate disregard or reckless abandonment of their obligation to ensure that the applicable requirements for the transfer of funds be observed effectively, caused the DOH to
with the Lower House’s investigation into the deaths of an estimated 27,000 Filipinos as a result of the previous administration’s supposed drug war instead of creating a false narrative that there is a conspiracy against him. Next page
By Charles Dantes and Rachelle Tonelada
CLOSER TIES. President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. and Vietnam National Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang show mementoes of the Vietnamese leader's courtesy call at Malacañan Palace yesterday. Looking on in the background is Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. PPA Pool
THE Philippines is seen to be gaining the favor of the broader international community as evidenced by the forging of defense ties with more of its neighbors and its emerging role as a hub for international justice. In a meeting on Friday, President Marcos emphasized to Vietnam’s National Defense Minister Phan Van Giang the importance of strengthening ties between Manila and Hanoi. “We are grateful that you have come today,” Mr. Marcos said during the minister’s courtesy call in Malacañang. “Your visit, though quiet, marks a very significant point in the history of our countries.” Next page
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PH seeks Interpol blue notice for Alice Guo THE Department of Justice has requested a blue notice from Interpol for fugitive Alice Guo who now faces 87 counts of money laundering charges before the Department
of Justice. Justice Undersecretary Hermogenes Andres said the request for a blue notice would oblige member countries to report
Guo’s presence. He added that a “red notice” would subsequently be sought against Guo once the charges are filed in court. Next page
Quiboloy fears standing trial in US, says lawyer MEDIA JOINS ANTI-FAKE NEWS ALLIANCE NEWS / A2 GMA Network, in collaboration with some of the country’s most reputable and prominent media organizations, including Manila Standard, academic institutions, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), convened in a landmark event to form the largest partnership in the fight against disinformation.
By Vince Lopez PASTOR Apollo Quiboloy’s lawyer admitted that the main reason for the fugitive televangelist’s refusal to surrender to police was because he feared American justice more than he feared Philippine justice. Israelito Torreon, the Kingdom of Next page
LEGACY OF GUIDANCE. SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee, Hans Sy (right), and his son, SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr. (left), shared their stories as father and son during the special session “Legacy of Guidance: How my Father Shaped My Life” at the 30th National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) held at the SMX Convention Center Manila on August 30, 2024. The event’s theme was “Retail today, empowering tomorrow.”