Every week, we compile a rundown of major Philippine stories. Here are some of the top headlines from this first week of November 2020.
Signal No. 2 in Batanes, parts of Babuyan Islands due to Storm Siony
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was raised over Batanes and the eastern part of the Babuyan Islands (specifically Balintang Island, Didicas Island and Camiguin Islands including their adjoining islets) as Severe Tropical Storm Siony moved west-southwest toward the Luzon Strait on Thursday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said winds from 61 kph to 120 kph will be experienced in affected areas. The cyclone has maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near its centre and gustiness of up to 115 kph, while moving west southwest at 10 kph.
Inflation picks up pace in October with higher food, transport prices
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Prices of basic goods climbed faster in October led by food and public transport, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Thursday.
Inflation logged in at 2.5%, rising from September’s 2.3% and the 0.8% recorded in October 2019. This is the fastest increase since July, which also ended a two-month streak of decelerating price adjustments.
DPWH to build PH’s first long-distance mountain tunnel in Davao
The Department of Public Works and Highways is set to build the Philippines’ first long-distance mountain tunnel measuring 2.3 kilometres as part of the first 10.7-kilometre segment of the Davao City Bypass Road Project.
The project, which will connect the barangays of Sirawan in Davao City and J.P. Laurel in Panabo City, will cut travel time to 49 minutes instead of an hour and 44 minutes via the existing Pan-Philippine Highway Diversion Road.
Internet speed for fixed, mobile broadband increased since 2016 – NTC
The fixed and mobile broadband internet speed in the Philippines has increased since 2016, according to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), citing global speed test data.
NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said that as of September 2020, internet speed in the country increased by 229.7% for fixed broadband and 127.06% for mobile broadband as shown in OOKLA’s Speedtest Global Index.
PH records 1,594 new COVID-19 cases, total nearing 390,000
The Department of Health reported 1,594 new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, raising the country’s total cases to 389,725.
The city of Manila led areas in the Philippines that recorded the highest daily additional cases with 253, followed by the province of Cavite with 126. Davao City and Rizal both recorded 78 new infections, followed by Quezon City with 73.
Foreigners need visa to enter PH
The Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday asked airlines not to allow travelers bound for the Philippines to board if they do not have the appropriate visas to enter the country.
