#ThewRap: Things you need to know, August 19, 2016

Hello Rappler readers,

What a way to approach the weekend! Heated, spirited exchanges between the President and Senator Leila de Lima continue, as the country is shocked by the unprecedented tit for tat. The legislature is not to be left behind as the Senate continues with its own investigation into the alleged extra-judicial killings linked to the administration’s anti-drug war. The war on drugs is also attracting international attention from human rights groups and experts who are becoming increasingly concerned over what’s happening in this part of the world.

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

Stop drug-related killings, UN rights experts ask PH

Ensure the “right to life and security of every person in the country,” whether or not he or she is suspected of engaging in illegal drugs. This was the call of two United Nations human rights experts on Philippine officials, alluding to President Rodrigo Duterte. In a statement, they asked that drug trafficking offenses be “judged in a court of law, not by gunmen on the streets.” Will they be heeded?

Duterte, De Lima verbal tussle continues

Quite shocking and unpleasant to the ear to hear the exchanges between no less than President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Leila de Lima. After accusing De Lima of having an illicit affair with her driver supposedly linked to illegal drugs, she shot back, accusing him of misusing and abusing his executive power. That wasn’t the end of it – he countered that she ought not to complain since as a public official her life’s an open book. 

Dela Rosa: We’re probing drug-related deaths

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating 899 deaths said to be linked to illegal drugs. This is what Director General Ronald dela Rosa told a Senate hearing Thursday, August 18. At least 22 cases from the investigation of close to 900 deaths have been filed, according to him. The hearings on alleged extra-judicial killings will continue on Monday, August 22.

Philippine GDP grows 7% in 2nd quarter

Will the Philippines hit its target growth of 7%-8% for 2016? Government is confident, given sustained Gross Domestic Product growth in the second quarter of this year – from the previous 6.8% to 7%. Growth in the first 3 months made the Philippines the fastest growing economy in the region. That’s good news at last.

WeChat boosts China’s Tencent

The Chinese internet giant continues to grow. That’s Tencent, whose extremely popular WeChat messaging service, along with gaming and digital content, attracted over 800 million new users – that’s from 600 million users in June 2015. Profits soared by an impressive 47% in the second quarter of this year. What’s next for the Chinese giant?