VOL. XXIX NO. 224 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 THURSDAY : SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph
Poe cousin pressured to recant statements
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PNOY’S HAND SEEN
‘Aquino authorized military to conduct anti-lumad campaign’ By Christine F. Herrera and Maricel V. Cruz
PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III authorized the Armed Forces to close down and occupy lumad schools in Mindanao and had a direct hand in the campaign of violence and harassment against the tribal communities, a leftist lawmaker charged Wednesday. “Malacañang can no longer feign ignorance, wash its hands, or pretend to conduct an investigation. The campaign against the lumad apparently has the sanction of the President,” said ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio. Tinio said during deliberations on the 2016 national budget, Education Department officials in the Davao region admitted there was a plan to close down some 24 schools set up by the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center and replace them with schools run by soldiers. Next page
Inspection. President
Benigno Aquino III sits with Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson after inspecting the refurbished Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center in Apayao. Malacañang Photo Bureau
NYT report: Escudero defends palace By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Francisco Tuyay ONGOING investigations into alleged irregularities in the purchase of helicopters and armored personnel carriers do not mean that the government of President Benigno Aquino
III is corrupt, Senator Francis Escudero said Wednesday. “I’m not in a position to say that this, in general, is the [state of Aquino’s] government,” Escudro said. The senator, who is running next year for vice president in opposition to the
ruling Liberal Party, was reacting to a New York Times report that said the US government turned down a Philippine request for $300 million in military aid because it was worried about official corruption under the Aquino Next page administration.
Thousands of troops sent to find 3 foreigners
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