Senators go after anti-laundering chief

By Fel V. Maragay
A top official of the Anti-Money Laundering Council was again summoned by the Senate Blue Ribbon committee to answer allegation that he connived with former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante in the withdrawal of bank deposits linked to the fertilizer fund scam. Senate probers will resume hearing on the Bolante case on Jan. 20.

World Bank seeks urban growth plan

Economic growth in the Philippines remains unbalanced with Metropolitan Manila accounting for a third of the country’s economy, economists said yesterday.

Impeach-Puno bid pure speculation, Nograles says

Chief Justice Reynato Puno drew more supporters from the Senate yesterday even as House Speaker Prospero Nograles branded the impeachment move as “pure speculation and devoid of factual basis.”

Death for drug dealing pushed trafficking

By Roy Pelovello
A bill has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to restore the death penalty solely on cases involving dangerous drugs.

Manila, Japan sign memo on nurses

A MEMORANDUM of understanding was signed yesterday between the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and its Japanese counterpart to pave the way for 500 Filipino nurses and caregivers to undergo training and get employed in Tokyo.