#ThewRap: Things you need to know, April 6, 2017

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#ThewRap: Things you need to know, April 6, 2017
Hello! Here's a roundup of news you need to know this Thursday.

Hello Rappler readers,

Going by the latest Pulse Asia survey results, the poor are now more distrustful of President Rodrigo Duterte. The better off who live in gated communities, however, tell a different story.

Meanwhile, the political environment continues to heat up with summer as a witness in Davao surfaced on Wednesday, April 5, claiming she was pressured to sign an affidavit that linked the President to drug activities. Lawyer Jude Matobato disputed her claims.

Elsewhere, the Philippine Red Cross has launched a contest to help find a name for its ship that will be used during disaster operations. Jump in and help.

Be up to speed with the news. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

 

Poor trust Duterte less

President Rodrigo Duterte is losing the trust of more poor Filipinos, but not among the rich. The latest Pulse Asia survey conducted in March 2017 shows that Duterte’s overall trust ratings remain high at 76%, but reflects a 7-point decline from his 83% in December 2016. Filipinos who belong to socio-economic class D – the poor who make up the bulk of the country’s 100 million people – pulled down Duterte’s numbers.

 

If UN fails to act on Syria, U.S will take action

Unilateral action from the United States will be forthcoming if the United Nations fails to respond to a suspected chemical attack in Syria that has left several people, including children, dead. US Ambassador Nikki Haley issued the warning during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by France and Britain after an attack on April 4 in a rebel-held town in Idlib province. 

 

Davao witness claims pressure to invent Duterte drug links

Is she telling the truth? A witness claiming to have been a supporter of the Liberal Party, Guillermina Barrido, said on April 5 she was pressured into testifying against President Rodrigo Duterte. Barrido said she was coached and financed by a group to link Duterte to the illegal drug trade via an affidavit she refused to sign. She named lawyer Jude Sabio, Father Albert Alejo SJ, and Senator Antonio Trillanes as being part of the group. 

 

Duterte tells Sison to come home, not fear arrest

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison can come home. In a speech on April 5, Duterte said Sison, who has been living in the Netherlands for the past 3 decades is “sick, very sick.” He told Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III – both in the Netherlands for the 4th round of talks with the communist National Democratic Front – he would offer Sison freedom of movement and even pick up the tab for his hospitalization.

 

Inflation hits 3.4% in March

Higher electricity and gas prices, among others, are pushing up inflation this year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. NEDA said inflation rose to 3.4% in March, up from the 3.3% in February. It’s the fastest that inflation has risen since November 2014, but still within the government’s target for 2017 and within market expectations for the month.

 

Can you name that Red Cross ship?

Do you have any bright ideas about an apt name for the life-saving ship of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)? A one-of-a-kind vessel, it can roll up to shore in shallow waters during a disaster. The PRC needs your help to name its ship that can be converted from a barge to a twin-hulled vessel, so join the contest if you care to help.

 

Summer’s here!

Summer’s officially here so expect hotter days ahead, state weather bureau PAGASA declared. But there will be occasional relief provided by isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings. Because of the showers, summer this year won’t be as sizzling hot as the past two summers.

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