#ThewRap: Things you need to know, March 23, 2017

Hello, Rappler readers! 

Here are the big stories from the Philippines and around the world that you shouldn’t miss: 

 

‘Islamist-related terrorism’ at UK parliament kills 4, wounds 40 

Four people were killed and 40 injured after being run over and stabbed in a lightning attack at the gates of British democracy on Wednesday, March 22, attributed by police to “Islamist-related terrorism.” The attack unfolded across Westminster Bridge in the shadow of Big Ben, a towering landmark that draws tourists by the millions and stands over Britain’s Houses of Parliament – the very image of London.

 

North Korea, Chinese middlemen, behind $81-M Bangladesh bank theft – report 

United States federal prosecutors suspect the North Korean government directed 2016’s theft of $81 million from Bangladesh’s account at the New York Federal Reserve Bank. Citing unnamed sources, The Wall Street Journal said prosecutors were developing cases showing Chinese middlemen helped the North Korean government orchestrate the enormous theft. Thieves transferred the funds from Bangladesh’s account to accounts in the Philippines using authenticated international bank access codes in the SWIFT system, not by hacking the bank. 

 

Duterte to allies who want to impeach VP: Leave Robredo alone 

President Rodrigo Duterte said early Thursday, March 23, he will not allow an attempt to impeach Vice President Leni Robredo. “Guys, lay off. Stop it. You can do other things but do not tinker with the structure of the government. I will not countenance it,” he said when a reporter asked for his comment on threats by his allies. “Why do you have to? Is it just because she keeps on harping on me? Hayaan mo (Let it be) because this is a democracy. Freedom of speech. There are no overt acts…. You know this is a democracy. Leaders are elected. [Even if one] is a son of a bitch, it’s still the people’s choice. Remember that.”

 

Overseas Filipinos remit $2.17B cash in January 

Cash remittances coursed through banks by overseas Filipinos started the year strong, hitting $2.169 billion in January, based on preliminary data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Wednesday, March 15. January’s figure is 8.6% higher than the $1.997 billion seen in January 2016. Remittances of land-based workers totaled $1.8 billion, 13.5% higher compared to the level posted in the same month in 2016. Meanwhile, sea-based workers’ remittances declined by 8.3% year-on-year, which the BSP attributed to stiffer competition in the supply of seafarers. The bulk of cash remittances came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, Kuwait, Hong Kong, and Australia, which combined accounted for 79% of total cash remittances.

 

 

PH education dep’t sets healthy canteen menu for public schools 

The Department of Education strengthens its campaign toward healthier food and beverage choices in all public elementary and high schools in the country. In a March 14 order signed by Education Secretary Leonor Briones, the department lists down suggestions on what should be served for a healthy and balanced diet. The DepEd order cited the 8th National Nutrition Survey which showed that for children 5-10 years old, 29.1% were underweight, 29.9% were stunted, 8.6% were wasted, and 9.1% were overweight.