COVID-19

Cases

COVID-19 death toll nears 5,000-mark; cases up to 290,190
Cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country grew to 290,190 after 3,475 new confirmed cases were reported by the Department of Health Monday, September 21.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

DFA notes spike in COVID-19 cases, recoveries among Filipinos abroad
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday reported spikes both in the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases and recoveries among Filipinos abroad.
Manila Bulletin

Department of Health

COVID-19 swab test ‘price ceiling’ proposed by DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) said Monday it submitted a recommendation to the President to provide a “price ceiling” for coronavirus disease swab test to reconcile varying prices of the test in the country.   
Manila Bulletin

DOST to conduct nutrition assessment survey in effort to combat COVID-19
A Rapid Nutrition Assessment Survey (RNAS) is being conducted by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) as part of its response to combat COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin

DOH pushes for regulation of costs of RT-PCR test for COVID-19
The Department of Health has moved to regulate the cost on the conduct of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR or swab) test for COVID-19, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday.
GMA News

Trial results on VCO’s health benefits for COVID patients out by November
Four more subjects are needed so analysis can begin on one of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) trials on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with the results expected to be released in late October or early November.
Manila Bulletin

PH awaits clinical trial protocol for Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine from Russia
The Department of Health said it is now waiting for the clinical trial protocol for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine Sputnik V from Russia before it starts its evaluation for the conduct of clinical trials in the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin

UP eyes 700-bed PGH extension in Diliman
The University of the Philippines on Monday said it is planning to establish an extension of the Philippine General Hospital in Diliman, Quezon City to expand the health facility's existing capacity and create an additional training ground for more aspiring doctors.
GMA News

IATF/NTF COVID-19

Año: Three to two digits daily COVID-19 cases will lead to reduction of one meter distance in public transports
Once the number of daily cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) drops to three or two digits, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año assured on Monday that the one meter physical distance between passengers in mass transportation will be reduced.
Manila Bulletin

Over 227k contact tracers deployed nationwide, says Galvez
A total of 227,648 contact tracers have already been deployed nationwide as part of the government’s efforts to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday.
GMA News

Regions

Luzon including NCR

Indonesian embassy in Manila shut after COVID-19 case
The Indonesian embassy in Manila, Philippines, has been closed temporarily after a staff member contracted coronavirus.  Agus Buana, a spokesman for the embassy, said the staffer who tested positive for COVID-19 is stable.
Anadolu Agency

Actual opening of Baguio City to tourists will happen next week -Magalong
The "full execution" of opening Baguio City to tourists from Region I will happen next week, tracing czar and Mayor Benjamin Magalong said on Monday.
GMA News

Visayas

Several areas in Kalibo under lockdown to prevent COVID-19 spread
Several areas in Barangay Poblacion in Kalibo, Aklan were placed under granular enhanced community quarantine and surgical enhanced community quarantine to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
GMA News

Patients' watchers barred from DOH-run hospital in Bacolod
The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), a Department of Health-run hospital here, is strictly implementing its "no watchers" policy to minimize the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), its medical center chief Julius Drilon, said.
Rappler

Catbalogan City extends close Covid-19 watch on 3 villages
Three villages in Catbalogan City in Samar will remain under enhanced surveillance due to rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

COVID-19 casualty: 4,400 jobs lost in Cebu export zone
At least 4,400 workers in the biggest export-oriented economic zone in the Visayas and Mindanao will lose their jobs next month amid the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

3rd COVID-19 testing center opened in Iloilo City
This city on Friday opened its third COVID-19 testing center that is expected to hasten the processing of specimens and release of results amid the continued increase in cases.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Mindanao

GenSan to ramp up Covid-19 lab’s capacity to 200 tests a day
The city government is targeting to increase by next month the testing capacity for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) of its newly-accredited molecular laboratory to 200 tests per day.
Philippine News Agency

Sara lifts 24/7 liquor ban in Davao City effective Sept. 21
Mayor Sara Duterte lifted Monday the 24/7 ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks nearly six months after it was implemented to prevent the spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city.
Mindanews

13 schools listed as Zambo City Covid-19 isolation facilities
The Department of Education (DepEd) has identified 13 public schools that will be converted as temporary isolation facilities to help the city government address the shortage amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Philippine News Agency

Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

Incidents and Violations

PH Red Cross defends Gordon, says all transactions with PhilHealth legal
The board of governors of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Monday, September 21, defended the organization’s chairperson Senator Richard Gordon, and insisted that all of its transactions with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) were legal.
Rappler

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

IN CHARTS: How is PH doing after 6 months of lockdown?
It's been over 6 months since Metro Manila went on lockdown on March 15 due to the coronavirus. Two days later, the rest of Luzon was placed under quarantine. Since then, Filipinos have been introduced to multiple acronyms – from ECQ to MGCQ – as the country experienced different levels of community quarantines mirroring varying degrees of restrictions.
Rappler

Mediocrity in the Duterte administration
“IT seems that there is no cohesive plan…there’s no one leading. If you look at the work being done by the agencies, [it’s] as if they are working in silos,” said Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo of the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Manila Times

Covid-19 has ‘devastating’ impact on people displaced by conflict: report
The coronavirus pandemic is having a “devastating” impact on people displaced and affected by conflict, tipping many into hunger and homelessness, a new study by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) showed Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Media not exempt from economic blows of COVID-19 pandemic
Amid the global economic downturn due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), media workers may have continued working but it didn’t mean they were exempt from the economic blows of the pandemic.
Cebu Daily News

COVID-19 makes women more vulnerable to corruption - News
COVID-19 is changing women’s lives in ways that are likely to outlive the pandemic. It is taking a heavy toll on their health, social and economic well-being worldwide.
Transparency International

Studies trace COVID-19 spread to international flights
Three studies published late last week describe in-flight COVID-19 transmission, with one involving a single symptomatic passenger who likely infected at least 12 others during an international flight.
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy

World

Boost for global response to COVID-19 as economies worldwide formally sign up to COVAX facility
64 higher income economies have joined the COVAX Facility, a global initiative that brings together governments and manufacturers to ensure eventual COVID-19 vaccines reach those in greatest need, whoever they are and wherever they live. These 64 economies include commitments from 35 economies as well as the European Commission which will procure doses on behalf of 27 EU member states plus Norway and Iceland. 
World Health Organization

Saudi Arabia, Brunei still remain off-limits to foreigners, including Filipinos
Brunei and Saudi Arabia still do not allow general entry of foreign nationals, including Filipinos, and have imposed stricter medical protocols for those who are exempt from entry restrictions in the Sultanate and the Kingdom, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Coronavirus sparks overhaul of Britain's historic railway sector
Britain's privatized railway sector that drove the Industrial Revolution and was rescued by the state in March owing to coronavirus-ravaged demand, faces a major overhaul under government plans unveiled on Monday, September 21.
Rappler

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Let’s ‘spray pesticide’ over PH to ‘exterminate COVID-19,’ Duterte tells Robredo
“Spray pesticide” over the Philippines, or just Metro Manila, to get rid of COVID-19, a sarcastic-sounding President Rodrigo Duterte said, addressing Vice President Leni Robredo, in a pre-recorded address aired Monday night.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

Duterte commends Ombudsman: I find Martires a very reasonable man
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday commended Ombudsman Samuel Martires over his office’s good relations with the Executive Department as well as its efforts to aid investigations into corruption allegations hounding the state health insurer.
GMA News

Duterte congratulates Cimatu, says people enjoying white sand at Manila Bay
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday congratulated Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on the developments in the Manila Bay, the recent of which is the placement of white dolomite sand on a stretch of the baywalk.
GMA News

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Duterte to speak at virtual UN General Assembly debate
For the first time since he took office in 2016, President Duterte is expected to address the United Nations (UN) and discuss urgent issues on the coronavirus response, human rights concerns, peace and security in the Asia Pacific, among others.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, CNN Philippines

Duterte wants 2021 budget to be passed on time amid squabbles in House
President Rodrigo Duterte wants lawmakers to pass the proposed P4.506-trillion budget before the end of year amid squabbles among members of the House of Representatives over infrastructure funds allocated for legislative districts, Malacañang said Monday.
GMA News

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Duterte lifts deployment ban on nurses with valid contracts as of Aug. 31
President Duterte has allowed nurses and other health professionals with complete documentation as of Aug. 31 to leave for their jobs overseas amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Nurses thank Duterte for allowing them to work abroad
PrisoNurses, an informal group of nurses, thanked President Duterte on Monday for allowing nurses and other health professionals with valid contracts and complete documents as of August 31 to leave for abroad.
Manila Bulletin

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Palace to Robredo: Gov’t doing periodic assessment of COVID-19 response
Malacañang on Monday said the Duterte administration has been conducting periodic assessments of its COVID-19 response after Vice President Leni Robredo questioned the one-year extension of the state of calamity in the Philippines.
GMA News

Don’t panic, overcome fear over COVID — Palace
The public should not panic and instead “overcome the fear” about the coronavirus pandemic as the government is “in control” in mitigating the impact of the outbreak, Malacañang said Monday.
Manila Bulletin

‘New normal’ status to be restored for areas with zero COVID-19 cases, says Roque
The government is planning to implement the “new normal” classification for areas that post zero coronavirus transmission in the past month, Malacañang announced Monday.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

‘Enforce social distancing in ‘Manila Bay Sands’, says Roque; Ermita police head sacked for not enforcing protocols
Malacañang has asked the Manila Police to make sure that visitors of the newly-rehabilitated Manila Bay would observe basic health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin

Palace: Crowding at Manila Bay white sand project understandable
Malacañang on Monday urged the public to observe social distancing after large crowds flocked to Manila Bay over the weekend to see the shoreline that is covered with artificial white sand.
GMA News

Palace leaves karaoke ban to LGUs
Malacañang left to the discretion of local government units (LGUs) the fate of karaoke after Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla banned its use due to the number of karaoke-related complaints amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

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Duterte keeps hands off House leadership row
President Duterte will not meddle into the affairs of the House of Representatives pertaining to the ongoing speakership dispute caused by “disparity” in infrastructure budget allocations, Malacañang said.
Manila Bulletin

Alvarez: Next president ‘must have brains,’ MB readers guess who
Who was former House Speaker Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez referring to when he said that the country’s next president “must have brains?”
Manila Bulletin

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Leni to Duterte: Hospitals, funeral parlors, vaccine wait not enough vs. COVID-19
Vice President Leni Robredo quickly posted her comments to President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks on Monday night after he asked the public not to believe the Vice President when she said much had yet to be done in the campaign versus COVID-19.
GMA News

ELECTION RELATED

New Comelec commissioner nominated
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced today the nomination of Atty. Michael Braganza Peloton as poll commissioner.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte appoints lawyer as new Comelec commissioner
Malacañang is optimistic that incoming Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Michael Braganza Peloton will help ensure clean, credible and modernized elections in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Comelec asked to stop proclamation of Duterte Youth party-list as 2019 poll winner
Members of youth groups have asked the Commission on Elections to do away with proclaiming Duterte Youth party-list representative Ducielle Marie Cardema as a winner in the 2019 elections on the argument that the party-list was not registered before the poll body.
GMA News

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

‘DPWH has to explain lump-sum, ‘pork-barrel’ budget’, say senators
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said Monday that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will have a lot of explaining to do over ‘’pork barrel’’ appropriations when the DPWH budget is up for deliberation in the Senate in October.
Manila Bulletin

Senators express concern over House ‘power struggle’
When statesmanship goes out of the window, the Filipino people’s respect towards the legislative branch as an institution as well as its individual members somehow dissipates.
Manila Bulletin

House power struggle could affect 2021 budget OK — Sotto
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the passage of the P4.506-trillion proposed 2021 national budget could be affected should the House of the Representatives fail to resolve the power struggle among their members.
Manila Bulletin

‘Extra vigilance’ needed in preparing 2021 national budget – Drilon
Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon on Monday called on lawmakers to exercise “extra vigilance” in the preparation of the proposed P4.506-trillion national budget for 2021.
Manila Bulletin

Sen. Go recommends expanding scope of PhilHealth investigation to President Duterte
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate health and demography committee, has recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to expand the scope of the investigation conducted by Task Force – PhilHealth to include other national agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) following allegations of mismanagement and corruption.
Manila Bulletin

Ako Bakwit calls on Senate to prioritize IDP rights bill amid pandemic
Rights group Ako Bakwit on Monday called on the Committee on Justice and Human Rights to prioritize the pending Internally Displaced Persons Rights Bill, saying the lives of IDPs have been made “much worse” by the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News

House of Representatives

Velasco team ready for changing of the guard
Amid speculations of an impending leadership coup in the House of Representatives, Team Velasco has readied its lineup for key positions in the legislative chamber for the anticipated changing of guards that will involve the replacement of incumbent Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, and possibly, Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
Manila Bulletin

House abruptly ends Monday session; no motion to 'oust' Cayetano made
In an unprecedented move, the House of Representatives abruptly ended its session on Monday only 18 minutes after it was called to order amid the supposed plot to remove Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and other leaders of the chamber from their posts.
GMA News

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House to submit 2021 budget bill to Senate by October 14 —appropriations chairman
The House of Representatives is targeting to submit the General Appropriations bill to the Senate by October 14, House appropriations chairman Eric Yap said Monday.
GMA News

Bill to link all MSMEs in the country filed in Congress
The chairperson of the House Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development has proposed the creation of an integrated, computerized, web-based commodity supply inventory and registry linking all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Cagayan de Oro solon seeks lower pawnshop rates amid pandemic
Aware that many Filipinos are turning to pawnshops during this time of financial stress, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has urged the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to mandate lower interest charges for these establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DILG ready to replace suspended barangay officials
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it will appoint the replacements of barangay officials in case all of them are simultaneously suspended based on the recommendation of the mayor.
Manila Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

BuCor chief Bantag tests positive for COVID
Bureau of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag tested positive for COVID-19. In a radio interview on DZBB today, Bantag disclosed that he experienced chills for two nights as well as fever and cough.
Manila Bulletin

Ligtas Covid Centre for BI detainees in New Bilibid Prison opens
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has opened the BI Ligtas Covid Centre inside the New Bilibid Prison Compound in Muntinlupa City, Monday afternoon.
Manila Bulletin

BI puts up isolation ward for COVID-positive foreign detainees
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has opened an isolation facility for COVID-19-positive foreign detainees with mild to moderate symptoms. 
GMA News

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Año: Spies will only get gossip from cell site towers
Chinese spies will only pick up chatter from gossipers at cell sites that will be set up in military Philippine camps, assured Interior Secretary Eduardo Año as a former spy chief himself.
Manila Bulletin

PH receives 4 A-29 Super Tucano fighter planes from Brazil
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has received four fighter planes from Empresa Brasiliera de Aeronáutica (Embraer SA) of Brazil, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Manila Bulletin

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Newest PAF aircraft ferries PPEs, Cabinet execs to Davao City on inaugural flight
The newest aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Monday ferried personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and government officials to Davao City on its inaugural flight.
GMA News

Philippine National Police

PNP to further train cops to investigate and shoot well
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has embarked on a series of training programs aimed at improving the investigation and shooting capabilities of its more than 200,000 uniformed personnel.
Manila Bulletin

Año mulls placing human rights officers in PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) could put in place human rights officers who will keep policemen in check, said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday (Sept. 21).
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

Budget exec claims previous admin bought PPEs double current prices
Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao on Monday defended the Duterte government's purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), pointing out that the previous administration acquired PPEs at double the current prices.
GMA News

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

Villafuerte explains supposed massive infra funds for CamSur, Taguig
Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Monday explained the infrastructure allocations for the province of Camarines Sur and for Taguig City, which Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. questioned during the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget briefing last week.
GMA News

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

Foreign funds to fight COVID-19 hit $9.41B
The Philippines’ newest loan from Japan has increased foreign financing for COVID-19 response to $9.41 billion to date, the latest Department of Finance (DOF) data on Monday showed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

Sandigan denies bid of 2 former BI, gaming execs to junk plunder charges
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has denied the motions filed by former Bureau of Immigration (BI) Deputy Commissioner Al Argosino and Michael Robles, as well as Asian Gaming Service Providers Association Inc. (AGSPA) President Wenceslao Sombero Jr., to junk their plunder and other charges by way of demurrer to evidence.
Manila Bulletin

Iloilo official pleads guilty to lesser offense
Calinog Municipal Agriculturist Crispino Castro of Iloilo has pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of Failure of Accountable Officer to Render Accounts instead of graft before the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division. In doing so, he escaped a possible prison sentence of six to eight years.
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

West Philippine Sea

Philippines to object to exclusion of Western powers in South China Sea
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Monday indicated that the Philippines would object to the exclusion of Western powers from the South China Sea, as what he said China was demanding.
GMA News

LABOR

POEA assures seafarers’ welfare, benefits during pandemic
To further assure their protection and benefits during the national state emergency brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the  Philippine Overseas  Employment  Administration  (POEA) has issued the interim guidelines on the deployment and repatriation of Filipino seafarers.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

MRT-3 strictly enforcing one-meter distancing inside trains
The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) said Monday that it has reverted to the strict enforcement of one-meter physical distancing between passengers inside its trains.
Manila Bulletin

DOST develops rating system on recyclability, recovery of End-of-Life vehicles
A rating system designed to quantify the recyclability and recovery of vehicle components such as old jeepneys has been developed by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

EDUCATION

DepEd achieves 99% enrollment in public schools
Two weeks before the school year formally opens on Oct. 5, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced that it has achieved over 99 percent of the enrollment in public schools.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd boosts Child Protection Policy for online learning
Recognizing the risks and dangers children face as the education system shifts into distance learning, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced that a supplemental policy will be issued to strengthen its Child Protection Policy (CPP).
Manila Bulletin

DepEd eyes Guinness World Record for highest number of TV episodes produced
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced that it might apply for a Guinness World Record for producing an “unprecedented number” of television episodes to be shown in its very own channel.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd promotes low budget, crisis-resilient strategy for students amid COVID-19
To strengthen the implementation of its  Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) amid the COVID-19 situation in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) reinforces a crisis-resilient strategy in education which aims to encourage independent student learning.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd TV starts final dry run for Oct. 5 class opening
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday started airing lessons on television channels as part of the final test run of its broadcast media learning modality for the upcoming school year.
GMA News

CHED: Distribution of P900-M aid to teachers, students 'a challenge'
The distribution of the P900-million in subsidies and allowances to teachers and students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will be difficult, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Prospero De Vera III said on Monday.
GMA News

Some senators want foreign students banned in SUCs
Several senators on Monday said foreign students must not be admitted to state colleges and universities (SUCs) as they underscored that the government subsidy to these institutions must be enjoyed by more Filipino students.
GMA News

No fund for dev't of smart campuses in proposed 2021 budget —CHED chief De Vera
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Monday said the P3 billion earmarked for the development of smart campuses in the Philippines under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act will be utilized before the year ends, however, there is no appropriation to continue this program in the proposed 2021 budget.
GMA News

P4.6B needed to expand medicine program in Philippines —CHED chief De Vera
The state universities and colleges (SUCs) will be needing an additional funding of close to P5 billion to expand their medicine program under the Doktor Para sa Bayan bill passed by the Senate, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chief Prospero De Vera III said Monday.
GMA News

Gatchalian to DepEd: Use P4 B under Bayanihan 2 for digital needs of teachers
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to utilize the P4 billion allocated for the agency under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 to address its digital needs for the benefit of public school teachers.
Manila Bulletin

WATER and ENERGY

Legarda urges gov’t to strengthen country’s water security
Deputy Speaker and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda has urged the government to strengthen the country’s water security by pouring in resources to ultrafiltration systems and watershed development projects to ensure clean, safe, and potable water for all Filipinos.
Manila Bulletin

Solon cites payment by Meralco of P19-M fine
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said the Manila Electric Co. (Meralo) showed “good corporate citizenship” when it paid the P19 million fine it owed to the government.
Manila Bulletin

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

SAP 2 distribution 98 per cent completed —DSWD
The second tranche distribution of emergency cash subsidy under the national government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) has benefited more over 13.9 low-income families, receiving P83.1 billion worth of cash aid, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Monday (Sept. 21).
Manila Bulletin

DSWD: Over 91k waitlisted senior citizens may not receive pension next year due to budget cut
More than 91,000 waitlisted senior citizens may not receive their pension in 2021 amid budget cuts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said.
GMA News

DSWD vows to look after welfare of Filipino families
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) vowed Monday to continuously look after and promote the welfare and protection of Filipino families amid the gripping COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING and SETTLEMENT

Solon pushes House probe on alleged violations in the demolition of houses in Ozamiz City
Deputy Speaker and SAGIP partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta has urged his colleagues to look into the implementation of the P50-million Housing Project in Purok 6, Barangay Lam-An in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, and the alleged violations in the demolition of houses and eviction of the residents while the Philippines is placed under a state of calamity.
Manila Bulletin

TOURISM

DoT welcomes solons’ initiative to increase budget
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat welcomes the initiative of certain lawmakers at the House of Representatives to increase the budget of the Department of Tourism (DoT) for the fiscal year 2021.
Manila Bulletin

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Critics made public visit Manila Bay white sand beachfront – DENR
Criticisms on the government’s beach nourishment project prompted hundreds of onlookers to take a peek at the Manila Bay white sand beachfront last weekend, according to an executive of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Manila Bulletin

Año to discuss liability of officials on failed social distancing at Manila Bay white sand beachfront
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año vowed to confer with Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu to determine if other higher officials may be held liable for the failure of authorities to impose social distancing protocols at the Manila Bay Sands over the weekend.
Manila Bulletin

PNP blames relief of MPD Station 5 chief to Manila Bay white sand beach crowd
The Philippine National Police (PNP) blamed the people who flocked to the Manila white sand beachfront for the relief of a Manila Police District (MPD) station commander last Sunday.
Manila Bulletin

Manila Bay rehab should go beyond beautification — Villar
The rehabilitation of the Manila Bay should go beyond beautification as thousands of fisherfolks depend on the coastal area for their livelihood, Senator Cynthia Villar said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY