[Rappler’s Best] Fault traces 

‘The fault that prompted the Cebu quake has been discovered…. There have been tremors, too, on the Senate.’

Our hearts exit to Cebu, significantly the northern aspect, which was devastated by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30. Hours after the quake, veteran geologist Mario Aurelio wrote on Rappler that the province is just not identified to be earthquake-prone and that the fault that prompted the catastrophe had but to be recognized.

A phrase of warning from Mario: There have been 4 earthquakes right here within the final 13 years that had been triggered by unknown faults. Examine it right here.

The fault that prompted the Cebu quake has been discovered, in keeping with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on this story. 

There have been tremors, too, on the Senate.

Final Wednesday, October 1, a complete of 15 senators — together with these from the bulk bloc reminiscent of Majority Flooring Chief Migz Zubiri, a Mindanaoan — permitted a decision urging the Worldwide Felony Courtroom to place former president Rodrigo Duterte beneath home arrest for “humanitarian issues.” Three senators rejected the decision: Deputy Majority Flooring Chief Risa Hontiveros, and Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan. Senate President Tito Sotto abstained.

On Saturday, October 4, Senator Ping Lacson mentioned that the blue ribbon committee is suspending hearings on the flood management scandal. The next day, Lacson mentioned he intends to step down as chairperson of the committee.

What offers? It’s a precarious majority that the Tito Sotto management — barely a month outdated — is making an attempt to maintain within the face of destabilization makes an attempt by the Duterte bloc. 

• Together with Sotto, the bulk bloc consists of 15 senators towards the 9 from the minority/Duterte bloc. Verify the record right here.
• The minority simply wants 4 senators to flip and switch the tables once more.
• When the Senate opened in July, Chiz Escudero was elected president through 18 votes whereas Sotto received solely 5. Verify the record right here.
• So, who’re the potential flippers who want Sotto’s…handholding? Your guess is pretty much as good as mine.

Senator JV Ejercito, a member of the bulk, did specific displeasure over how Lacson has been conducting the hearings (which have to this point yielded testimonies towards fellow senators Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Ejercito’s half-brother Jinggoy). 

With Ejercito lately getting appointed chair of the ethics committee, Lacson’s impending resignation ought to additional make him pleased. However let’s see how the veteran Sotto will navigate this.

Listed here are a few of Rappler’s bests that you just shouldn’t miss:

Lian Buan tells it straight: The Senate decision calling for a Duterte home arrest is all optics. 

Jairo Bolledo walks us by way of the method of “restitution,” which is the idea for a justice division demand for the Discayas to return their ill-gotten belongings in the event that they need to turn into state witnesses.

Dwight de Leon appears to be like into the federal government contracts entered into by the household of Cagayan congressman Jojo Lara. Dwight additionally reveals how ayuda, or social support, has now turn into the new pork barrel — and why watchdogs ought to be sure that to cease this within the 2026 nationwide price range.

Gelo Gonzales explains how blockchain could make the price range course of clear. 

Joey Brillantes reminds us of the Leila de Lima intercourse tapes that by no means existed and asks: “Will we let rumors dictate our politics? Or will we demand proof, accountability, dignity?”

– Rappler.com

Rappler’s Finest is a weekly e-newsletter of our prime picks delivered straight to your inbox each Monday. Go to rappler.com/newsletters to subscribe.

The views expressed by the author are his/her personal and don’t essentially mirror the views or positions of Rappler.