#ThewRap: Things you need to know, August 26, 2016

Hello Rappler readers,

The exchanges between President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Leila de Lima quieted a bit as the senator celebrated her birthday with the media two days ahead of her August 27 natal day. “This is serious. I hope the President spares me. I hope he puts an end very soon to this whole madness,” De Lima was quoted as saying in Filipino. In another part of the world, peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front and the Philippine government moved a step forward as both sides agreed to seek amnesty for all political prisoners. Meanwhile, another woman who got the ire of the President, Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno held her annual meeting with the media and was more cautious in her choice of words when she referred to the President. Careful, careful.

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

NDF, PH agree to seek amnesty for all political detainees

It was a good first round of talks in Oslo sealed with handshakes round the table. Representatives of the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front agreed to seek the release of all political detainees identified with the Communist Party – all of 500-plus. All this will need is the President’s blessings and a congressional nod.

 

Junk P55M-forfeiture case, ex-AFP comptroller asks

Forum shopping. On the basis of this, former Armed Forces comptroller and retired Lieutenant General Jacinto Ligot and his relatives are asking the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to dismiss a P55.6-million forfeiture case against them. The Ombudsman filed the case back in June 2013, hoping to recover the millions in cash investments and bank accounts that form part of the alleged ill-gotten wealth of Ligot’s family. Will the Sandiganbayan listen?

 

CJ gives Duterte benefit of doubt in naming new justices

The new president will be appointing new justices to the Supreme Court that will be almost triple the number that his predecessor named. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said on Wednesday, “I give him every benefit of the doubt. He has already said that he is strongly against the corrupt, he is strongly against the laggards.” She also said she trusts President Rodrigo Duterte’s judgment. During the same meeting with the press, Sereno said members of the judiciary must be careful to be perceived as not independent or lacking in integrity.

 

Duterte: P50M ransom paid to Abu Sayyaf to release hostage

President Rodrigo Duterte disclosed that P50 million had been paid as ransom to secure the release of Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad. But so far, still no release, at least, as of Thursday, August 25. Sekkingstad is the last remaining Abu Sayyaf captive from the group of 4 abducted in Samal Island in Davao del Norte in September 2015.

 

De Lima’s birthday wish: Truce with Duterte

First, a love affair. Then links to drugs. “No let-up. It seems he is not doing anything but gossip. It seems the war against drugs has turned into a war against De Lima,” the senator and former justice secretary told the media during her advance birthday celebration on Thursday, August 25. Leila de Lima just wants more peace and more love on her birthday.

 

WhatsApp, Facebook to share user data

Parent company Facebook will be getting access to the subscriber base of popular mobile messaging service WhatsApp. That’s an astounding user base of one billion. While that will make advertisers happy, privacy advocates are certain to be raising their eyebrows.