‘Not special’: House leader says Duque should answer COA | Evening wRap

Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• House leader: Everyone is suffering, Duque is not special

House public accounts panel chairman and PROBINSYANO AKO Representative Bonito Singson says Health Secretary Francisco Duque is not special and must still answer questions posed by the Commission on Audit and the public.

• Malacañang on COA reports: ‘Cool po muna tayo’

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque downplays the severity of state auditors’ findings that several agencies, among them the health department, have unspent funds that could have boosted the government’s pandemic response. 

• COA flags OWWA and agriculture department

The Commission on Audit flags a transaction made by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for hygiene kits distributed during the pandemic. It also flags the agriculture department for failing to spend over P9.8 billion in its allocations.

• Taliban go door-to-door telling fearful Afghans to work

Witnesses on Wednesday, August 18, say armed Taliban members knocked on doors in cities across Afghanistan, telling fearful residents to return to their jobs.

• Scarlett Johansson welcomes first child with Colin Jost

Black Widow’s Scarlett Johansson gives birth to her first child with husband Colin Jost. Jost announces the news Thursday, August 19, or Wednesday, August 18 in the USA, through Instagram. – Rappler.com