We confirm that the Office of the President has issued a memorandum today, August 14, to Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones to defer the opening of classes for Academic Year 2020-2021 to October 5, 2020.

We understand the concerns of certain quarters to have health experts guide local government units (LGUs) in the execution of their plans.

The Palace views that while the Administration continues to conduct information, education, and communication campaign on the use of face masks/face shields as part of preventive efforts to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, government scientists are working diligently to find local treatment for COVID-19 patients.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) National Mobile Phone Survey showing a big majority of Filipinos indicated that their quality of life got worse this year compared to a year ago is a cause of concern.

The Palace welcomes Russia’s gesture of considering the Philippines in developing and producing safe and accessible COVID-19 vaccines. This underscores the deepening cooperation between our two countries after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte charted an independent foreign policy course for our nation.

The Palace confirms that 50% of public school classrooms in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be used as temporary quarantine facilities as negotiated and agreed by both the Department of Education and the Department of Health.

We find nothing irregular in the PhilHealth Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) allocation of Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

We understand that the effects of the recent implementation of modified enhanced quarantine (MECQ) measures in the National capital Region (NCR) and nearby areas would be felt two to three weeks after its enforcement. The incubation period for COVID-19, according to health experts, is fourteen (14) days so we just have to wait for that time to ascertain the health impact of the MECQ classification.

We leave it to the Senate, a separate co-equal branch, to comment on reports that officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) may skip their hearing, scheduled on August 11, for medical / health reasons.

We express our deep condolences to the family, loved ones, friends and supporters of former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim who passed away today, August 8, at the age of 90.