ALTERNATIVE WORK AND LEARNING ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN EFFECT IN METRO MANILA AND 17 PROVINCES

Government offices in Metro Manila and 17 provinces are using alternative work arrangements today because the southwest monsoon continues to bring heavy rain over parts of Luzon. The covered provinces are Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Occidental Mindoro.

Schools in the same areas are using alternative learning modes unless a local chief executive issues a different instruction. Agencies responsible for health, disaster response and other essential services remain operational. Contract of Service and Job Order workers covered by the government arrangement will continue to receive their corresponding pay, subject to existing rules.

Private employers make their own decisions on work suspension or remote arrangements. Employees should check an announcement from their employer rather than assume that the government directive automatically covers their workplace.

PAGASA said Tropical Depression Neneng had weakened slightly as it moved near Taiwan, but the storm continued to strengthen the monsoon. Heavy rain, strong gusts and rough seas can continue even without a tropical cyclone wind signal in a particular area.

DOH IS WATCHING FOR A RISE IN LEPTOSPIROSIS AFTER THE FLOODS

The Department of Health recorded 3,440 leptospirosis cases from January 4 to August 8, including 220 deaths. The total was 35 percent lower than the number recorded during the same period last year, but the department found a more recent rise: 348 cases were recorded from July 12 to 25, up from 275 during the preceding two-week period.

Leptospirosis can be contracted through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Floodwater can enter the body through cuts, scratches, the eyes, nose or mouth.

DOH advised people to avoid wading through floods. Anyone who was exposed to floodwater or mud should go to a health center within 24 to 48 hours for a risk assessment, even if no symptoms have appeared. Doxycycline requires a doctor’s prescription and should not be taken without medical advice.

PGH RECEIVES ₱1.855 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING

The Department of Budget and Management released ₱1.855 billion in additional funding for the Philippine General Hospital.

Of the total, ₱1.04 billion is intended to support medical services. Another ₱800 million will expand zero-balance billing for patients admitted to PGH’s basic ward, while ₱15 million is for the treatment of X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism, also known as Lubag syndrome.

PGH is the national university hospital and a referral center for complex cases from across the country. The release can support current services, but it should not be confused with the hospital’s proposed budget for 2027. The next national budget remains subject to the congressional process.

MAGALLANES FLYOVER REPAIRS ARE SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 21 TO 23

The Department of Public Works and Highways said the theft of critical components from expansion joints damaged the southbound portion of the EDSA Magallanes Flyover and caused debris to fall.

The agency installed safety nets and temporary steel plates after inspecting the structure. Repair work is scheduled from August 21 to 23, weather permitting.

The immediate concern for motorists is the possibility of lane restrictions and heavier traffic during the repair period. The incident also raises a longer-term maintenance and security question because bridge components were reportedly removed before debris began falling.

OMBUDSMAN SEEKS RECORDS ON TAGUIG RECLAMATION PROJECTS

The Office of the Ombudsman has issued subpoenas to several government offices for documents related to reclamation activities along the Taguig side of Laguna de Bay, according to Senator Panfilo Lacson.

The offices named in the report are the Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Reclamation Authority, Land Registration Authority and Taguig City Registry of Deeds. Lacson said the inquiry covers eight sites and at least 85 hectares. He also said seven projects were ongoing without required permits and that the Philippine Reclamation Authority was preparing possible forfeiture proceedings.

These statements describe an active fact-finding inquiry. A subpoena for records is a step in gathering evidence. It does not establish criminal liability or prove the allegations against any person or office.