Here's a Heads Up from Reportr.World on news that you need to know today, April 13:
YOUR MECQ CHEAT SHEET:
- First up, here's what changed as Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Lagun and Bulacan shifted to MECQ from ECQ.
- Here are the general gudelines on the MECQ. Which businesses are allowed to operate and at what capacity.
- Shopping malls operate for longer periods as the curfew is adjusted. It now runs from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- There's still no indoor dining, only outdoor or al fresco.
- Here are the general guidelines for hotels.
- Masses and religious gatherings are allowed at 10% capacity or higher, depending on the local government.
- Cebu Pacific offers rebooking and tavel fund options for those who don't want to fly during the MECQ.
MONEY EXPLAINED
- Banks were authorized to increase interbank ATM fees under a new acquirer-based charging regime. Here's what you need to know about it.
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- President Rodrigo Duterte addressed the nation last night for the first time in two week. He said he's fit for office and those who wish him dead just have to pray harder.
- There were 11,378 new COVID cases yesterday, the start of the MECQ. Total deaths crossed the 15,000-mark.
- Good job getting vaccinated. However, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto requests: don't send him photos of yourself while getting jabbed in the butt.
- How did Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque get a hospital room when other COVID patients had to queue up? That's an "unchristian question" according to the Palace official.
- A curfew violator in Laguna has died and his family accused barangay tanods of roughing him up. The DILG is investigating the incident, the second case of a quarantine offender dying from alleged abuse of authorities.
- Filipino and U.S. soldiers will resume Balikatan war games as tensions simmer between China and the Philippines in disputed waters.
- China is considering mixing vaccines to improve the efficacy of the jabs.