THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) updated the list of national candidates posted on its website on Thursday, removing four from the roster of presidential aspirants, including one with a Marcos family name. 

THE PHILIPPINE capital and nearby cities were now at critical risk from the coronavirus, the country’s Health chief said, as the country struggles to contain a fresh surge in infections spurred by the highly mutated Omicron variant.

AT LEAST three Cabinet officials were under quarantine after being exposed to staff and housemates who had tested positive for the coronavirus.

SENATOR and boxing legend Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao, Sr. on Wednesday said all government officials must disclose their net worth if he becomes president.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has asked the Interior department to deploy at least two police personnel in every hotel used as a quarantine facility to keep watch on and arrest those who will violate rules.

THE TOURISM department has temporarily suspended the accreditation and revoked the multiple-use permit of the hotel where a guest violated quarantine protocol, later tested positive for coronavirus and infected contacts during the breach.

CONGRESS should swiftly pass the proposed law that will strengthen the country’s anti-trafficking measures to counter the rising incidence of online child sex abuse, a senator said on Wednesday.

A HOUSE of Representatives leader and chair of the creative industry committee called on colleagues to hasten the passage of a bill that will give tax relief as well as subsidies to the entertainment industry, which has been battered by coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

UNVACCINATED individuals and minors are barred from Consular Offices and off-site passport service centers within shopping malls in areas under Alert Level 3, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Wednesday.

WATER QUALITY in parts of Manila Bay has improved with lower fecal coliform levels, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Data suggests that most Omicron cases will be mild, thus eliminating the need for stringent lockdowns, a science expert said. However, the country will still need to brace for the next month as the Omicron wave passes, and individuals will still need to be responsible for their personal health.

THE PHILIPPINE government on Tuesday raised the coronavirus alert in three provinces adjacent to the capital region as the country confronts threats from the more transmissible Omicron variant.