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Communist Rebellion
Communist terrorism persists despite pandemic: Palace exec
While the country battles coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), internal armed conflict continues to beleaguer the country as the threat posed by local communists persists. Thus, said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in his statement read at a webinar on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) on August 20, in observance of IHL Day.
Philippine News Agency

General Parlade denies red-tagging, points to Joma Sison
Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. denied on Monday that he red-tagged people and stressed that he was only exercising his duty to inform the public in his capacity as part of the Armed Forces.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News

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A Covid-19 prognosis of the Filipino jeepney
Duterte is using Covid-19 as a smokescreen to pursue his anti-poor jeepney phaseout — a ruthless maneuver during a global crisis.
Communist Party of the Philippines

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Why celebrate the death of a false hero?
“YOU have to be ready with your hand cameras because action can become very fast. In a matter of three or four minutes, it could all be over, and I may not be able to talk to you again after this.”
The Manila Times

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Paralegal exec contracts COVID-19 after arrest for securing Echanis’ remains
The paralegal officer of progressive group Anakpawis who was previously arrested for securing the remains of a slain peace consultant has been tested positive for coronavirus.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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25 Former Rebels(FR) complete the 14days Deradicalization Program
25 Former Rebels had completed the 14days Deradicalization Program on August 23,2020 conducted at Headquarters 3rd Infantry Battalion, Brgy. Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. They originated from Toril, Paquibato, Tugbok, Marilog, Baguio and Calinan Districts all of Davao City and Kitaotao, Bukidnon. 
Kalinaw News

2 NPA Members with Firearms Surrender in Aurora
Two NPA members in Aurora Province voluntarily surrendered themselves to the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) in Baler, Aurora on August 21, 2020.
Kalinaw News

NPA Medic Surrenders, Yields Firearm in Davao de Oro Town
Another Ranking NPA Member Surrenders, Yields High Powered Firearms in Davao de Oro Mawab, Davao de Oro – As the NPA unceasingly looses its foothold in Davao de Oro, another high ranking member of the New People’s Army (NPA) laid down 2 high powered firearms as he surrenders to the 71st Infantry KAIBIGAN Battalion (71IB) under the leadership of LTC Sonny E Gonzales, Sunday.
Kalinaw News

25 more CNTs surrender to 23rd IB in Agusan Norte
The number of Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) members who surrender to the government continues to rise in the province of Agusan del Norte.
Kalinaw News

Peace talks

Incidents/Operations

 
Extremism
OSG asks Supreme Court to cancel oral arguments on anti-terror law
Government lawyers have asked the Supreme Court (SC) to cancel oral arguments on the petitions challenging the anti-terrorism law.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News, Philippine Daily Inquirer, CNN Philippines

Parlade supports socmed regulation under anti-terror law, says platform being used in bomb-making
Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. on Monday said he supports the proposal to regulate social media under the anti-terrorism law.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News, Rappler

MARAWI 

Philippines inks €24.5M financing agreement for Bangsamoro development, Marawi rehab
The Philippines has inked a €24.5-million financing agreement with the European Union, its third so far this year, to finance initiatives in the Bangsamoro region and assist in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
GMA News, Business World Online, Manila Standard

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD

Strengthening global cooperation on counter-terrorism must remain a priority during and after pandemic, Security Council told 
With Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) and other terrorist groups attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for their own ends, the international community must respond with stronger collective action and cooperation, the to UN counter-terrorism official said on Monday. 
United Nations

A Radical German Program Promised a Fresh Start to Yazidi Survivors of ISIS Captivity. But Some Women Are Still Longing for Help
When Hanan escaped from Islamic State captivity, there wasn’t much to come back to. She and her five children had survived a year in a living nightmare. After her husband finally managed to arrange their rescue in the summer of 2015, they joined him in a dusty camp in Iraq where he lived in a tent. 
TIME

New IRA investigation: Six terror suspects appear in court
They were arrested as part of a major PSNI and MI5 investigation into dissident republican group the New IRA. All six have been accused of belonging to a proscribed organisation and of directing terrorism.
BBC News

 
Bangsamoro
BARMM 

BARMM gov't condemns deadly Jolo bombings
The Bangsamoro government has condemned the bombings on Monday in Jolo town in Sulu that killed eleven people and injured 20 others. 
NDBC News, Philippine Star

BTA consults more sectors on proposed Admin Code
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) continues to gather the concerns and suggestions from various sectors to further polish the proposed Bangsamoro Administrative Code, through a series of public consultations held last week.
NDBC News

6 more persons test positive for COVID-19 in BARMM
Six more persons have tested positive for the coronavirus disease  (COVID-19) in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the region’s Ministry of Health (MOH) said Monday.
Manila Bulletin

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY 

Maguindanao police training camp shut down after 34 cops, trainees infected with coronavirus
The police training facility of Maguindanao province has been put on lockdown after 34 trainees tested positive for SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The trainees were from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Barmm extends relief to Maguindanao orphans
FIFTY “yateem” or orphans have benefited from the relief operation conducted by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) in Maguindanao.
Sunstar Zamboanga

NORTH COTABATO

Cotabato guv condemns murder of lady tribal leader
Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco today strongly condemn the murder of a lady leader of an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Magpet, North Cotabato on Sunday.
NDBC News, Philippine Daily Inquirer

LANAO PROVINCES

BASILAN

SULU 

Police: Jolo, Sulu hit by huge explosion
A huge explosion transpired in Jolo, Sulu on Monday. Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao chief Police Brigadier General Manuel Abu told GMA News Online that the incident happened in Barangay Walled City at 11:40 a.m.
GMA News, Kalinaw News

15 killed, 77 hurt in two Jolo bomb blasts
At least 15 persons, including seven soldiers, were killed while 77 others were hurt after two explosions believed to be caused by a bomb placed inside a parked motorcycle and another detonated by a “foreign-looking” female suicide bomber rocked two separate places in Jolo, Sulu on Monday, the military and the police disclosed.
Manila BulletinMindanews, RapplerGMA News, NDBC News, Benarnews, The National UAE, Anadolu Agency, The New York Times, CNN Philippines

Jolo placed under lockdown after deadly explosions
Jolo has been placed under lockdown following the two explosions that hit the Sulu town on Monday, a military official said on Monday.
GMA News

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Military to look into whether Jolo blasts retaliation for ASG leader Susukan’s arrest
The military will look into whether Monday's deadly blasts in Jolo, Sulu blasts were retaliatory attacks by local terror group Abu Sayyaf for the arrest of its leader Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan.
GMA News

Philippine military eyes Abu Sayyaf as responsible for twin Jolo bombing
Authorities suspect the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) masterminded the twin bombing in Jolo, Sulu which left at least 13 people dead and over 70 injured, a military official said Monday afternoon.
ABS-CBN News

WestMinCom chief: Blood ties of cops involved in Jolo shooting to 2 suicide bombers possible
Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said Monday there is a possibility that the nine police officers may have conspired with the two suicide bombers being tracked by the four soldiers who got killed in Jolo, Sulu last June 29.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News

Palace condemns deadly Jolo blasts
Malacañang on Monday condemned the deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu as it urged the public to remain vigilant. At least 12 people were killed, including seven soldiers and a suicide bomber, while 34 others were injured in the blasts, which could be the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf Group, according to Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Mateo, civil military relations officer of the Army’s 11th Infantry Division.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News

Gov’t vows to hold bombing perpetrators accountable
The government is determined to hold accountable the perpetrators of the two deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu as terrorism has “no place in a civilized world,” according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
Manila Bulletin

Robredo condemns deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu
Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday condemned the explosions in Jolo, Sulu which has so far killed at least 15 people and left over 50 others injured.
GMA News

Galvez condemns ‘brutal, soulless’ Sulu bombings
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday decried the twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu that killed at least 15 people and wounded 55 others.
GMA News

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Army private from Mlang, North Cotabato among fatalities in Jolo twin bombings
The Armed Forces of the Philippines today released the names of fatalities and wounded victims of the Jolo twin bombings Monday.
NDBC News

Western Mindanao military chief Corleto Vinluan Jr: Forged in fire from Marawi to Sulu
New Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lieutenant General Corleto “Corly” Vinluan Jr earned his first star in the middle of a raging battlefield. While his troops were exchanging heavy gunfire with militants in Marawi during the siege of the city in September 2017, he was promoted commander of the elite Light Reaction Regiment (LRR) in a hastily prepared ceremony in an empty lot.
Rappler

TAWI-TAWI 

 
Shadow economies
DRUGS

Operations/ Incidents

Police seize P1.167 worth of shabu in Bulacan
Police Regional Office III (PRO3) Regional Director PBGen. Rhodel Sermonia announced yesterday that a total of P1.167 million worth of shabu was seized and three suspects were arrested by authorities in separate anti-drug operations conducted by joint operatives of Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) and PNP Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) in Barangay Caingin and Barangay Mojon, City of Malolos Bulacan on Sunday.
Sunstar Pampanga, Philippine Daily Inquirer

6 nabbed in anti-drug operations
SIX people, including a former elected government official, were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Zamboanga Peninsula, the police reported Monday, August 24, 2020.
Sunstar Zamboanga

2 gov’t hospital workers nabbed in Sarangani drug bust
Two contractual employees of a local government-run hospital in Sarangani province who allegedly doubled as drug pushers were arrested in separate anti-drug operations on Sunday.
Philippine News Agency

Recovery and Rehabilitation

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

KIDNAPPING

ILLEGAL GAMBLING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
 
Land issues
After decades of struggle, farmers inside USM reservation area to get CLOAs
After almost 60 years of struggle to own the farms they plow, farmers in hinterland Arakan town in North Cotabato will finally receive tomorrow, August 25, their land titles as proof of ownership, an official said.
Mindanews
Indigenous People's
Human Rights
Duterte’s admin supports activists: PCOO
The Duterte administration supports the role of activists in society, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said on Monday amid allegations that state agents are behind the deaths of two activists who were murdered just days apart.
Philippine News Agency

Slain activist Alvarez received death threats for years –rights group
Zara Alvarez, a human rights paralegal, had been receiving death threats for years before she was killed in Bacolod last week, a rights group said on Monday.
GMA News

Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression

Martial Law 
Governance

COVID-19

Cases


Philippines’ COVID-19 cases top 194,000 as deaths breach 3,000
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines leapt to 194,252 on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,686 new infections.
GMA News, ABS-CBN NewsPhilippine Daily Inquirer

19 more overseas Filipinos sick with COVID-19; total now over 10,000
The number of Filipinos abroad who have contracted the COVID-19 climbed to 10,003 on Monday, with 19 new additional cases, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
ABS-CBN News, CNN Philippines

Over 800 students, teachers tested positive for COVID-19 –DepEd
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said that 823 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported among students, teaching and non-teaching personnel from January 31 to August 23, 2020.
GMA News

870 PCG personnel already recovered from COVID-19, Coast Guard says
A total of 870 Philippine Coast Guard personnel have already recovered from COVID-19, the PCG said on Monday. According to the PCG, of the 997 infected personnel, the number of active COVID-19 cases is now 127.
GMA News

Department of Health

Gov’t short of 3,000 health workers amid COVID-19 pandemic
The government is in need of 3,000 health care workers across different professions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Monday. 
GMA News

DOH exec: 40% to 80% incomplete forms on COVID-19 patients hamper contact tracing
Around 40% to 80% of the case investigation forms on COVID-19 patients are incomplete which delays the government’s contact tracing efforts, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday.
GMA News

5 months into pandemic, PH says it has tested over 2 million for COVID-19
The Philippines has tested more than 2 million Filipinos since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Department of Health said Monday.
ABS-CBN News

DOH says suspect COVID-19 cases who refuse free swab test can face penalties
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said identified close contacts of COVID-19 cases or those showing symptoms may face penalties if they do not undergo the free swab testing offered by the local government.
ABS-CBN News

DOH: Don't stigmatize people with mental health issues amid pandemic
Communities should not stigmatize but rather support people experiencing anxiety and other mental health issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Monday.
GMA News

DOH ensures safeguards in skipping Phase 4 trials for COVID-19 vaccines, drugs
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said there would be safeguards in place in the government’s decision to do away with the Phase 4 clinical trials requirement for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines.
ABS-CBN News

Vergeire on Duque calling COVID-19 a ‘blessing in disguise’: Pandemic is a trigger for reform
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified on Monday that COVID-19 served as a trigger for the  expeditious implementation of the Universal Healthcare Program, after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III drew flak for calling the pandemic a “blessing in disguise.”
GMA News

After local makers' lament, DOH says it looks forward to buying PPEs from them
The Department of Health (DOH) is looking forward to buying personal protective equipment (PPE) from local manufacturers, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Monday.
GMA News

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FDA clarifies COVID-19 vaccines would still undergo Phase IV trials
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday clarified the Phase IV trials for COVID-19 vaccines will continue as part of the post-registration process.
GMA News

IATF/NTF COVID-19

UP experts say COVID-19 curve flattening towards September, but warn trend is ‘reversible’
Experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) on Monday said the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is on the downward trend and approaching a flattened curve towards September, but warned against complacency.
GMA News

Gov't urged to hire more guidance counselors, mental health personnel amid COVID-19 pandemic
Cagayan De Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez on Monday urged the government to hire more guidance counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health personnel to help Filipinos cope with mental issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News

Regions

Luzon including NCR


Bataan posts highest single-day record of 42 new COVID-19 cases
Forty-two new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were recorded Sunday in this province, the highest registered in a day since the first patient was logged here.
Manila Bulletin

Manila allocates P151 million for hazard pay of city gov't workers
The city government of Manila has allocated P151 million for the hazard pay of its employees who reported for work under the enhanced community quarantine.
ABS-CBN News

Visayas

Covid-19 cases in Western Visayas now at 3,555
Confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in Western Visayas climbed to 3,555, the region’s Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) said in its August 24 bulletin.
Philippine News Agency

COVID-19 virus infects Capiz governor
Governor Esteban Evan Contreras II of Capiz province has become the first major local government official in Western Visayas region to be infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

92-year-old Negrense recovers from Covid-19
A tale of hope and inspiration amid the gloom of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) sprang from a southern Negros city, which has recorded one of the oldest in the country to recover from the illness – 92-year-old Antonina Gargoles.
Philippine News Agency

5 cities, towns in Negros Occ to be placed under lockdown for mass testing
Five areas in Negros Occidental will be placed under a four-day lockdown beginning August 28. According to an Unang Balita report by GMA News' James Agustin, the lockdown will be enforced for the conduct of mass testing among 10,000 residents. Areas which will be placed under lockdown include the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, Silay, and the town of Murcia.
GMA News

COVID-19 beds full in Iloilo, Bacolod
Hospitals in Iloilo and Bacolod cities have breached their bed capacity for patients with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with some temporarily stopping the admission of patients due to the continued surge in cases.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Samar stops accepting LSIs due to Covid-19 case spike
Samar’s provincial government is suspending the entry of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) in the next four weeks to help contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

PRO-7 reports 17 COVID-19 free personnel
The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas reported 17 newly recovered personnel from COVID-19, this Monday, August 24, 2020.
Cebu Daily News

Efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines
Worldwide hunt is on for a COVID-19 vaccine. Several clinical trials are being conducted to find possible treatments for the deadly virus. Let's discuss these trials and the safety measures we should practice as we await the vaccine.
CNN Philippines

Mindanao

GenSan suspends incoming commercial flights over Covid-19 cases
The city government canceled all incoming commercial flights at the airport here starting Monday, Aug. 24, “until further notice” amid fears of possible coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) local transmission.
Philippine News Agency

24 Davao officials under probe for SAP anomalies
TWENTY-FOUR local elected and appointed public officials in Davao Region and their civilian co-conspirators are currently investigated for their alleged anomalies in the pay-outs of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
Sunstar Davao

Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

3M grants PH COVID aid
The Philippines is one of eight countries across Asia Pacific receiving a share of a 3M grant totalling $950,000, approximately P46 million, which is being directed to projects supporting nutrition, mental and physical health, education and COVID-19 awareness, according to the most pressing local needs and country status of the pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Incidents and Violations

Batangas fire marshall denies breaking quarantine rules during ‘despedida’
An outgoing Batangas City Fire Department official found herself in hot water after leaked photos circulated show her and other Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) employees breaking quarantine rules.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

Anatomy of a failed pandemic response
Being unjustly detained for trumped-up charges has not sidelined Senator Leila De Lima who continues to perform her duties as elected senator of the Republic within the four walls of her detention cell. Her analysis of the government’s response to the pandemic is a searing critique on how the government is mishandling the most serious public health emergency of this generation.
Manila Standard

Unity needed in fight vs COVID-19
One of the major stumbling blocks, if not the biggest, in the national effort to contain the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or any future pandemic is the devolution of local health units under the Local Government Code.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘Virus has increased Filipinos’ distrust of China’
In conjunction with the letter (“Read the room: Filipinos do not trust China,” 8/17/20), allow us to also point out the undeniable fact that compared to the Chinese Embassy in this country, the United States Embassy is always swamped with Filipino applicants desiring to migrate to that country.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

World


172 countries and multiple candidate vaccines engaged in COVID-19 vaccine Global Access Facility
172 economies are now engaged in discussions to potentially participate in COVAX, a global initiative aimed at working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines, once they are licensed and approved. COVAX currently has the world’s largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio - including nine candidate vaccines, with a further nine under evaluation and conversations underway with other.
World Health Organization

What is blood plasma therapy and does it work for Covid-19?
On Sunday evening Donald Trump announced the emergency authorization of convalescent plasma, a method which has been used to treat flu and measles, for Covid-19 patients.
The Guardian

Six of the most promising treatments for Covid-19 so far
Many different drugs and therapies are being trialled and used on patients with Covid-19. There are some positive results, which may be beginning to bring the hospital death toll down, but there is still a long way to go towards something that will cure all comers. These are some of the most promising.
The Guardian

The Last Countries On Earth Free From Covid-19 [Infographic]
It's been more than four months since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of Covid-19 a pandemic and the virus has now spread to all corners of the world, devastating communities and throwing life into a state of previously unimaginable turmoil. 
Forbes

Hong Kong documents man twice infected by COVID-19
Researchers in Hong Kong Monday claimed to have proved that a man was infected by COVID-19 for a second time after having recovered from the illness.
Anadolu Agency

Italy begins vaccine testing, French cases soar: COVID-19 daily bulletin
Italy's government is not considering a new lockdown to slow the spread of fresh cases, the country's health minister, Roberto Speranza, said. 
CGTN

COVID-19 wreaks havoc on Australia's wool industry
Sheep farmers in Australia are hoping the price of wool rises before they go bankrupt. COVID-19 restrictions are just the latest disaster for the multibillion-dollar wool industry.
Aljazeera

French nudist resort reports 'worrying' level of COVID-19 cases
A French nudist holiday resort on the Mediterranean coast has reported a "very worrying" number of coronavirus cases, with around 100 people infected.
Euronews

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Duterte to report on COVID-19 expenses from Davao City — Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte’s weekly address to the nation on Monday will contain updates on the government’s expenditures for COVID-19 response, Malacañang said.
GMA News

Palace: Duterte's Monday night address to air Tuesday morning
President Rodrigo Duterte's address from Davao City, which was expected to be aired on Monday night, will be shown to the public on Tuesday morning instead, the Palace said.
Philippine Star

Bayanihan 2 now up for Duterte's signature
The proposed P165-billion Bayanihan to Recover As One Act is now up for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature after the House of Representatives on Monday ratified the bicameral committee report on the said measure.
GMA News

Duterte seeks COVID-19 spending reports of gov't agencies: Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte has asked government agencies to report their expenses for the COVID-19 pandemic response, Malacañang said Monday. The President is expected to report government spending for the pandemic when he addresses the public on Monday night, his spokesperson Harry Roque said. 
ABS-CBN News

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Roque says sorry to Duterte over ‘perpetual isolation’ remark
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday publicly apologized to President Rodrigo Duterte after claiming that the Chief Executive had been in “perpetual isolation” to protect himself against COVID-19.
GMA News

Roque calls Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Manny Pangilinan to seek assistance for COVID-19 response
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque used his regular press briefing on Monday to secure the support of top businessmen Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Manny Pangilinan for the government’s COVID-19 response.
GMA News

Roque on COVID-19 curve flattening soon: ‘Sana nga’
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday said he hoped the Philippines could record a downward trend of COVID-19 infections soon as projected by experts from the University of the Philippines (UP).
GMA News

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Roque on proposal for a revolutionary gov’t: No support from Palace
Malacañang on Monday said it does not support calls for the establishment of a revolutionary government being pushed by the supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte amid the COVID-19 crisis.
GMA News

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Why Dutertismo is not the answer
Often, our greatest problem is the failure to understand the true nature of the problems we face. And here lies the root cause of many developing countries’ inability to overcome perennial challenges of governance.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

'Confidence keeps the economy rolling': Robredo says gov't must ensure it keeps public's trust
Vice President Leni Robredo said the government should ensure that it still has the public's trust as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.
ABS-CBN News

ELECTION RELATED

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Revolutionary gov't won't solve COVID-19 problem —senators
Shifting to a revolutionary government would not solve the issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, several senators said as they opposed the idea pitched by some supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte.
GMA News

Former UP Law dean on RevGov advocates: Nagbibiro sila
Supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte who are calling for the establishment of a revolutionary government should not be taken seriously, law expert Pacifico Agabin said Monday.
GMA News

Lorenzana wants probe of pro-Duterte group behind call for revolutionary gov't
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana wants the pro-Duterte group behind the initiatives for a revolutionary government investigated, saying its moves were illegal and unconstitutional.
GMA News

Senators laud AFP generals for rejecting call for ‘revolutionary gov’t’ 
Two lady lawmakers – Senators Imee R. Marcos and Risa Hontiveros – lauded today the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for rejecting calls for the formation of a  revolutionary form of government.
Manila Bulletin

Call for RevGov aims to distract public from poor COVID-19 response – Bayan
Talks about installing a revolutionary government (RevGov) are only meant to distract the public from the government’s allegedly inadequate COVID-19 response, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

'79,500 doctors needed': Senate tackles medical scholarship bill to solve physician shortage in PH
The Senate on Monday began debating on a bill that would provide scholarships to Filipinos who want to be a doctor, to help the Philippines end its lack of physicians. The country needs 79,589 more doctors to achieve the ideal ratio of 10 physicians for every 10,000 individuals, Senate Committee on Labor chair Joel Villanueva said in plenary.
ABS-CBN News

Bong Revilla: Doctors have cleared me for discharge
Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., who tested positive for COVID-19, announced on Monday that he was allowed to continue his treatment at home.
GMA News

House of Representatives

Solons insist no ‘personal gain’ in pushing for tourism infra in Bayanihan 2
Lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Monday hit back at senators for supposedly insinuating that they had ill motives in pushing for funding for tourism infrastructure under the proposed Bayanihan to Recover As One Act.
GMA News

OFW Sovereign Fund bill gets House panel nod
The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (OWA) approved Monday a measure that seeks to institutionalize an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Sovereign Fund.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DILG not consulted about group’s call of revolutionary gov’t, proposal ‘ill-timed’ — spox Malaya
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) was not consulted by the pro-Rodrigo Duterte group of supporters on their call to establish a revolutionary kind of government, the ageny's spokesman said Monday.
GMA News

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE


DOJ should investigate call for revolutionary gov't —1986 ConCom member Monsod
One of the framers of the 1987 Constitution on Monday said the Department of Justice should investigate what he said was an "extraconstitutional" call for the establishment of a revolutionary government.
GMA News

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines


AFP bound by Constitution in case revgov is declared —Parlade
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will uphold what is in the Constitution if ever so-called revolutionary government is declared, Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. said Monday, adding there is no need for such.
GMA News

CA confirms appointment, nomination of 15 senior AFP officers
The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Monday confirmed the ad interim appointments and nomination of 15 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
GMA News

Philippine National Police

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

PH external debt remains manageable, says Diokno
The Philippines’ external debt is rising on account of the expanding list of foreign loans and bond issuances – and there’s more lined up – to finance the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the central bank chief said no worries, this is controllable.
Manila Bulletin

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS


Implications of COVID-19 pandemic on permanent establishments
The global pandemic has been an ordeal for our society and economy. Recently, the government presented a range of measures to contain the impact of COVID-19, including various forms of quarantine such as the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) as well as travel restrictions.
Business World Online

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

SMC to complete north-bound Skyway Extension in December
Despite a half year delay due to the pandemic, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said it is on track to deliver the entire northbound section of the Skyway Extension project this December.
Manila Bulletin

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION


Sandigabayan junks graft raps vs Abalos over P1.7-M vehicle purchases
The Sandiganbayan junked graft charges against former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos in connection with a P1.7 million purchase of two Toyota Revo vehicles in 2003 due to the prosecution’s failure to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
GMA News

Enough is enough
So sordid have been the revelations tumbling out of the Senate hearing on the PhilHealth mess that the senators have had enough, or so they say, of the muck assaulting their senses, and have announced the termination of the hearings.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Filipinos among volunteers in UAE’s Phase 3 trials of COVID-19 vaccine
Filipinos were among the thousands who volunteered in the Phase III trials of a potential COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Sunday.
Manila Bulletin

West Philippine Sea

'Not even an inch': Palace says Duterte firm in upholding PH sovereignty, territory
President Rodrigo Duterte is firm in protecting the country's territory and sovereignty, Malacañang said Monday after China told the Philippines to "immediately stop illegal provocative activities" in the South China Sea.
ABS-CBN News

Philippines insists on sovereign rights amid China’s claim of ‘illegal provocations’ in WPS
The Philippines on Monday insisted that it has sovereign rights over some features in the disputed West Philippine Sea after Beijing urged Manila to stop “illegal provocations” in the area.
GMA News

Lorenzana slams China for saying Philippines did 'illegal provocations' in West Philippine Sea
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana hit back at China for saying that the Philippines has been conducting "illegal provocations" in the West Philippine Sea. 
GMA News

Aquino administration's lack of political will paved way for China's reclamations in WPS —Solcom chief
The inaction of the previous administration allowed China to create a stronghold in the West Philippine Sea, Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. said on Monday.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News

China’s surprise request: Change the rules of international order
A series of Chinese officials, including the country’s top diplomat, have recently called on the United States for talks to halt the unraveling of the relationship and to pave the way towards stable, mutually beneficial ties in the future.
The Manila Times

Is Vietnam now ready to do “a Philippines” against China?
There are unmistakable signs that Vietnam may have already reached the point of no return in its maritime dispute with China. One such sign is Vietnam’s recent nomination of four arbitrators – including that of Professor Robert C. Beckman, a noted Law of the Sea expert based at the National University of Singapore, under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
VERA Files

LABOR

TRANSPORTATION

1,300 more jeepneys in Metro Manila allowed to operate
Over 1,300 additional traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) have been allowed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to operate in Metro Manila beginning Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH


FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

DA-12 set to release cash assistance to 50,000 rice farmers in Soccsksargen
Some 50,000 rice farmers in Soccsksargen region have yet to receive cash assistance from the Department of Agriculture – Region 12 (DA-12) as part of the government’s mitigating measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mindanews

EDUCATION

DepEd rejects 'pass or fail' suggestions for grading system
The Department of Education said Monday it would retain a numeric grading system in the coming school year, when most students would be learning from their homes as in-person classes remain suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABS-CBN News

440 private schools suspend operations due to lack of enrollees: DepEd
The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday 440 private schools would be temporarily ceasing operations in the coming academic year due to lack of enrollees.
ABS-CBN News

Out-of-school youths can continue education during pandemic: DepEd
Out-of-school youths may continue and finish their education even as the country faces the threat of the new coronavirus, the Department of Education said Monday as it bared how the Alternative Learning System was preparing to deliver lessons during the pandemic.
ABS-CBN News

DOH says online classes of children should include breaks, other activities
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said that children who will have to spend long hours on online classes should be given enough breaks and physical activity.
ABS-CBN News

WATER and ENERGY


POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Over 13.2 M families receive SAP 2 aid—DSWD
Over 13.2 million low-income families have received their second tranche of emergency cash subsidies under the national government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Sunday (August 23).
Manila Bulletin

Palace gives DSWD passing grade on cash aid distribution
Malacañang on Monday said it was satisfied with the performance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in connection with the distribution of COVID-19 emergency cash assistance to low-income households.
GMA News

HOUSING and SETTLEMENT

TOURISM

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Endangered centuries-old Toog tree brings back nostalgia to residents
For local residents and conservationists, the country’s tallest and oldest Philippine Rosewood tree (Petersianthus quadrialatus), locally known as Toog tree, in Barangay Alegria here was a nostalgic landmark that has been part of their lives in not so a distant past.
Mindanews

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY  

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