Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
NDRRMC: Over 6 million affected, 97 dead due to Kristine
The number of affected people due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) has climbed to over six million, while reported deaths are now at 97, the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed.
In its 8 a.m. situational report on Monday, the agency disclosed that 6,717,755 individuals, or 1,662,416 families, were affected by the inclement weather or flooding brought about by Kristine nationwide.
Rodrigo Duterte faces Senate probe into Philippines’ war on drugs
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s past rhetoric encouraging the killing of drug suspects and so-called “ninja cops” casts a long shadow over his expected Senate appearance today, which could be the first time he faces questions on the violent tactics used in his administration’s drug war.
Interviewed by reporters on Saturday, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa reiterated his assurance last week that his former boss will appear before the Senate. Dela Rosa had served Duterte as the former chief of the Philippine National Police and as Davao City police chief when the former President was its longtime mayor.
VP Sara may face plunder raps over DepEd funds
Vice President Sara Duterte and other ex-officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) could face plunder charges unless they can explain and account for how P112.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the agency was spent during the former education secretary’s tenure.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. on Sunday reminded the Vice President that she was not immune from suits and urged Duterte to explain the “questionable” disbursement of the DepEd’s confidential funds.