The Palace expresses its deep condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones left behind by former House Speaker Arnulfo “Noli” Fuentebella who passed away this morning, September 9, 2020.

This is in reference to IATF Resolution No.69, which approves the requests of Region VI, Iligan, and Lanao del Sur to suspend the inbound travel of locally stranded individuals.

We are pleased with the recent report of the New York Times, entitled “Coronavirus Map: Tracking the Global Outbreak,” which includes the Philippines as among countries “where new cases are lower and staying low” over the past week.

The Palace considers the easing of the August 2020 inflation to 2.4% a positive development. We credit this to the gradual re-opening of the economy, where we see a decrease in food prices.

The President’s marching order is to gradually re-open the economy, including the tourism sector, with the assurance that health and safety measures are in place.

The Palace confirms that Police Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan has been appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to be the new Chief of the Philippine National Police effective tomorrow, September 2, 2020.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is the chief architect of our country’s foreign policy. He charted an independent foreign policy course, with our national interest at the core.

This is to confirm that the Office of the President has received today, August 26, the resignation letter of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and Chief Executive Officer Ricardo C. Morales.

This pertains to the remarks made during my August 24 press briefing, to wit, “Konting tiyaga lang po. Take advantage of the opportunity na rin po to prove your worth in the Philippines as clinical nurses.”

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the explosion incidents in Jolo, Sulu today, which left scores dead and wounded, including soldiers. We likewise condole with the families and loved ones of those who died in these tragic incidents.