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Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the much-hyped medications didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It's a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It's all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person's response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are typically prescribed along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn't happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It's not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn't respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I'm hoping it's slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.In conclusion, the European Football Association's decision to remove Coot from its list of referees sets a precedent for accountability and transparency in the world of football officiating. It sends a clear message that unethical behavior will not be condoned, and that those who fail to uphold the standards of the game will face consequences for their actions. By taking a proactive stance against misconduct, the European Football Association is taking a step in the right direction towards ensuring the integrity and fairness of European football for players, clubs, and fans alike.
Overall, the December Political Bureau Meeting has been interpreted by brokerage firms as a positive development for the markets, with policies exceeding expectations and providing a welcome boost to investor confidence. As investors navigate the ever-changing market landscape, staying informed and adapting investment strategies in line with the latest policy developments will be crucial for maximizing opportunities and achieving long-term investment success.JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday that would end nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Hours before the ceasefire with Hezbollah was to take effect, Israel carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to pummel Hezbollah before the ceasefire takes hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. There appeared to be some lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement after it was presented by Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it says are Hezbollah targets across Lebanon as the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Aamer Madhani in Washington, contributed. Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Symbotic Inc. SYM securities between February 8, 2024 and November 26, 2024. Symbotic is an automation technology company that engages in the production of a robotics and automation-based product movement technology platform. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Symbotic Inc. (SYM) Failed to Disclose Material Weaknesses in its Internal Control Over Financial Reporting According to the complaint, on November 27, 2024, the Company filed with the SEC a Form 8-K/A, in which the Company revealed it had "identified errors in its revenue recognition related to cost overruns on certain deployments that will not be billable, which additionally impacted system revenue, income (loss) before income tax, net income (loss) and gross margin recognized in the second, third, and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2024." Further, the Company indicated that its previously issued financial statements for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 and the Company's supplemental presentation, should no longer be relied upon. On this news, the price of Symbotic stock fell over 35%, to close at $24 per share on November 27, 2024. What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Symbotic Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by February 3, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Symbotic Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact: Aaron Dumas, Jr. Robbins LLP 5060 Shoreham Pl., Ste. 300 San Diego, CA 92122 adumas@robbinsllp.com (800) 350-6003 www.robbinsllp.com https://www.facebook.com/RobbinsLLP/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/robbins-llp/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3edbf291-c5a4-45f0-a769-259266b2c15b © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.As the investigation into Tang Renjian's alleged misconduct unfolds, it is crucial for the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry to uncover the truth and hold those responsible to justice. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of agricultural governance in China and the integrity of the country's public institutions.Overall, the December Political Bureau Meeting has been interpreted by brokerage firms as a positive development for the markets, with policies exceeding expectations and providing a welcome boost to investor confidence. As investors navigate the ever-changing market landscape, staying informed and adapting investment strategies in line with the latest policy developments will be crucial for maximizing opportunities and achieving long-term investment success.
Looking ahead, the Chinese economy presents a plethora of opportunities, from technological innovation and sustainable development to cross-border collaborations and market expansion. However, challenges such as demographic shifts, income inequality, financial risks, and geopolitical tensions pose formidable hurdles that require strategic planning and decisive actions.Trump reportedly gives this loser a Cabinet post after costing her a Senate seatNoneCanada’s top telecom firms have been getting pretty heavy on the yield, at least over the past few years. Undoubtedly, the telecom stocks are still some of the brightest blue chips around. That said, industry headwinds seem pretty insurmountable at this point. And as the patience of Canadian passive-income investors is put to the test, questions linger as to how the top telecom firms are going to engineer some sort of meaningful comeback. Indeed, a sudden rebound seems off the table for now. However, the big question remains just how far off the telecom top dogs are from bottoming out. Indeed, if you’ve been actively buying the dip in shares of ( ) and ( ), two of the most yield-rich names in the industry, you’re probably off-put by the continued descent. Lower rates to the rescue? Not so fast! Of course, lower interest rates are welcomed relief for the capital-intensive firms, like the telecoms, that need to spend boatloads of cash on upgrading their network to the latest and greatest. Additionally, BCE, unlike Telus, has a media business that hasn’t been a source of strength in recent years. Though cuts to the business could shore up cash to invest in wireless efforts, I’m just not sure if the firm can find the right balance between returning cash to shareholders and investing in areas that could bolster future cash flows. For now, things aren’t looking all too bright for the dividend yield of BCE as it soars to new heights. Now standing at almost 10.5%, BCE stock’s dividend yield is but at risk of a reduction, perhaps sooner rather than later — at least in my opinion. BCE stock: A dividend yield now north of 10% Some bullish analysts out there are still optimistic but cautious as its yield climbs to levels some would have thought not possible just over a year ago. Notably, Desjardins Securities’s Jerome Dureuil has a hold rating on the name, with a price target — $43 per share — that actually entails positive gains. Indeed, if BCE can give its wireless business a jolt, perhaps there are realistic scenarios where the stock can rise and the dividend can stay intact. For passive-income investors with a high risk tolerance, BCE stock seems incredibly intriguing. But unless you’re willing to stick it out past another rough couple of quarters, you’ll probably be best served looking elsewhere. BCE just isn’t the same Steady Eddie dividend it used to be. Now, it’s a deep-value play and a falling knife — one that could prove difficult to catch without getting hurt. Telus Between BCE and Telus, I prefer the latter, even though the dividend yield isn’t yet in the double digits. At writing, T stock boasts a 7.44% yield. That’s still quite rich but a hefty commitment for the firm as it continues powering through turbulent times. With a 21.2 times forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, T stock isn’t all that cheap for a stock that’s shed more than 37% of its value. Either way, I view the dividend as on stabler footing. Recently, the company clocked in a decent quarterly number alongside a modest dividend hike. Sure, pressures remain, but I think income investors are in good company as Canada looks to steer higher going into 2025. Larger yields do not mean better yields. Between the two TSX telecom titans, I prefer T stock unless you firmly believe in BCE’s management team and their ability to pull off a wireless-driven turnaround. Indeed, BCE stock could have immense upside in such a turnaround scenario. Not to mention, you’d lock in that more than 10% yield should the dividend become better supported with time.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department's operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden's commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump's statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump's rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl's mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden's decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. _______ Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.Aries : Today, you possess all the innate qualities that will help attract and inspire people to join you. If you present a new project at the workplace or organise a team venture, your persuasive energy will be infectious, and people will be attracted to your confidence. This is the time to come up with that idea you have been contemplating – the heavens are telling you it is time to mobilise people and lead. Taurus : Today brings a flood of thoughts, and while this is good, it can also be a little tiring. The constant need to make the right decision might stress you out – but do not worry, not all choices are set in stone. Make sure you can consider other possibilities without being tied down to a particular plan. The universe reassures you that flexibility is on your side and that it’s not a failure to pivot later on. Gemini : You will be armed with charm and light-heartedness that are perfect for the workplace. A positive attitude and a touch of humour will not only make your tasks feel lighter but also draw people towards you. Your words have power over others not because you can compel them but because you can make them comfortable. Harness this energy to encourage compliance. Smile, and you’ll discover that each effort makes the day more fulfilling. Cancer : This is the day to broaden your focus rather than narrow it down. Let ideas come to you, and be receptive without trying to categorise them. This is the right time to assemble your group, call for diversity and let the ideas flow in. The energy around you is all about teamwork, and when everyone is given an equal voice, then the best solution will emerge. Remember that the answers are right there before you – all you have to do is wait for them to come to you. Leo : You are quite energetic today, and people will automatically be attracted to your energy. The workplace is less heavy when you walk into it with a positive attitude. Your capacity to make people believe in your actions will start things off, and you will discover that even the most bizarre concepts have a reasonable probability of succeeding. Follow your gut and let your beautiful soul guide you. This is your moment to shine. Virgo : Today will bring a change of pace, Virgo, and this will feel like a welcome move. Your willingness to embrace partnership can lead to success in uncharted territories. This will give you positive feedback. To your surprise, stop trying so hard and see how things work on their own. The gods are smiling and ready to compensate for your readiness to consider other positions. Don’t let the pace slow down – success is just around the corner. Libra : Today is about sharing, Libra. The energy of the day is giving; by giving out your thoughts and wisdom, you make waves that will return to you in ways you did not anticipate. You have the gift of being able to create harmony, which can brighten the whole workplace; embrace it. This is not a day to think about what you can get but to give – advice, words of encouragement, or ideas. The more you give, the more you will see the opportunities coming your way. Scorpio : Some underlying conflict might be present today, but do not let it bring you down. Your alienation from a person at work has nothing to do with conflict – it is simply a matter of perception. Step back and give room to develop. You will be shocked to discover that both are similar in ideas than you thought. A calm and rational discussion would lead to finding some similarities and changing the nature of the relationship for the better. Sagittarius : Your mind is looking for growth, and the cosmos is pushing you toward acquiring knowledge. Whether signing up for a class or just going down a rabbit hole of something interesting, learning feels so good right now. This is not just a fleeting idea – you might be surprised to find that it is possible to open new opportunities in your career by investing in yourself. Just have faith in the process and remain interested. Capricorn : Today you are filled with the energy and motivation that will help you achieve your goals, Capricorn, but do not forget to look at the bigger picture. Even if the current direction seems rather stable, there is much more to be achieved if you consider the long-term prospects. Your actions today are relevant, but the scope of your thinking will define long-term success. Take your time and think ahead. Aquarius : Your creativity is rising today, and you can easily develop new ideas based on what you watch or read. This can help trigger creativity, but the stars tell you to keep one foot on the ground. Remember to view them practically before applying them in your practice. It is possible to create something new if you combine the idea with the notion of possibility. This balance will help you turn inspiration into something that is of value. Pisces : Today, you need to be more active. Technology can be useful, but it can also be disadvantageous since details may be overlooked. Listen to your instincts and your inner self – sometimes, the solutions you need are not online. It is always useful to take a bird’s eye view of things. Allow words and feelings to get in the gaps where the machines might not see. By combining technology with interpersonal interaction, you will find a more accurate picture. ---------------------- Neeraj Dhankher (Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi) Email: info@astrozindagi.in , neeraj@astrozindagi.in Url: www.astrozindagi.in Contact: Noida: +919910094779
Former President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Vice President Sara Duterte —Official Facebook pages of Rody Duterte and Inday Sara Duterte MANILA, Philippines — Even Vice President Sara Duterte did not escape the sweeping report of the House quad committee calling for her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to be held liable for crimes against humanity for his vicious drug war. Among the recommendations in the panel’s 51-page report is for the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to further investigate the alleged joint bank accounts of the former President and his daughter “as alleged by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, containing funds coming from an alleged drug lord, Sammy Uy.” This could compound Duterte’s political woes as she is already facing three impeachment complaints and a separate inquiry by the House committee on good government for her alleged misuse of confidential funds as Vice President and as former education secretary. READ: Act on impeach raps vs Sara, House urged The quad committee cited Trillanes’ testimony about bank accounts shared by the Dutertes, into which millions of pesos were transferred regularly by Uy, one of Duterte’s election campaign contributors. From 2011 to 2013 alone, Trillanes claimed that the Dutertes received more than P133 million: P14.88 million was transferred to Vice President Sara Duterte’s account, P15.65 million to the former President, P41.2 million to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and P42.6 million to Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña. Some of the deposits were based on managers’ checks that were traced to Uy, who was later identified by confessed hit man Arturo Lascañas as a drug lord in his affidavit before the International Criminal Court (ICC). “That’s why we concluded that this war on drugs is fake to protect his syndicate, which includes (former presidential economic adviser) Michael Yang, Sammy Uy, and Charlie Tan,” the former senator said during one of the quad committee’s hearings. Duterte himself denied the accusations and even said he was willing to execute a bank waiver after being dared again by Trillanes. He later backtracked and said he would only do so if Trillanes hung himself. Testifying before the House panel, Duterte also said that he would take “full legal, moral responsibility” for his administration’s bloody war on drugs. The recommendations are all contained in the progress report submitted by the megapanel chaired by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers during Congress’ last working day, Dec. 18. Among others, the report said Duterte, along with his allies Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, should be held accountable for crimes against humanity for leading the brutal campaign that claimed thousands of lives over his six-year term. The same report, a copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer, also called for further investigation into the Vice President’s brother, Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, for his alleged involvement in a so-called Davao Mafia involved in the drug trade as alleged by former Customs insiders Jimmy Guban and Mark Taguba. When Barbers read his sponsorship speech, however, he only mentioned that the panel recommended further investigation into, among others, Uy for his alleged involvement in the drug trade. He did not name Sara Duterte or the bank accounts even though the call for AMLC to further investigate was part of the roster of recommendations to address “extrajudicial killings.” Based on official reports, the war on drugs left at least 6,000 people dead. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . However, data from human rights watchdog Karapatan showed that at least 30,000 drug suspects were summarily killed, 422 political activists were summarily executed, and 544 cases of frustrated extrajudicial killings.