#ThewRap: Things you need to know, August 24, 2016

Hello Rappler readers,

President Rodrigo Duterte plans to reveal what he calls the “Muntinlupa Connection,” which he said would show Senator Leila De Lima’s role in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison. A visibly angry Duterte also had strong words for the United States and the United Nations, amid criticism over his war on drugs and extrajudicial killings.

Overseas, a powerful earthquake rattled central Italy, and North Korea test fired another missile.

Below are the big stories we think you shouldn’t miss.

 

Duterte to reveal drug matrix

President Rodrigo Duterte said he’ll soon reveal a matrix of illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison – one that includes Senator Leila De Lima. But De Lima, reacting to the planned House inquiry, questioned why she should even be linked to drugs.

Duterte fires back at US, UN

The President is definitely not pleased that the US expressed concern over the extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. Duterte shot back that the US should address the killings of “black people.” He also criticized the UN again, but did say that he wasn’t serious about leaving the global body, after all.

Dela Rosa: More will die

PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa said in the Senate hearing on extrajudicial killings that more people would surely die as the war on drugs continues. So far, the PNP said there have been 756 killed in police operations and 1,160 outside police operations.

Strong quake rocks Italy

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake rocked central Italy around 3:30 am local time on Wednesday, August 24. Check this story for the latest updates.

North Korea test fires missile

The reclusive state is at it again. Early Wednesday, August 24, North Korea launched a missile from a submarine in the Sea of Japan. The missile flew around 500 kilometers – much better compared to similar tests in the past.

HSBC sees peso improving

HSBC expects the Philippine peso to improve to P45 to $1 by the end of the year. It said the peso got over the hump of the May elections and monetary policy uncertainty.

Giant pearl on display in Palawan

Could this really be the world’s biggest pearl? A pearl that weighs a whopping 34 kilograms is now on display at the Puerto Princesa City Hall in Palawan. It was reportedly discovered by a fisherman 10 years ago.