Thread by @PhilstarNews

HAPPENING NOW: Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque holds a press briefing in SM City San Mateo, Rizal on Monday, August 23, 2021 after updates from the IATF, NTF-COVID-19, and other government officials.

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Roque says more than 30 million people in the country have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose; 13 million persons have been fully vaccinated. | via @alexisbromero

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Roque gives thanks to Sen. Manny Pacquiao for the unparalleled honor he brought to the country.

"Sen. Manny fought a very good fight with his heart and soul... Ikaw pa rin ang aming People's Champ." | via @alexisbromero

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Roque says the executive department will submit the proposed 2022 budget to Congress. | via @alexisbromero

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MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos says the goal to vaccinate four million people in Metro Manila during the enhanced community quarantine was not achieved but the number of inoculated individuals was close to the target. | via @alexisbromero

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Abalos says there was an agreement that those finished with vaccination will have a QR code.

"Yung mga labas namin na hindi residente ng LGUs pwede magpabakuna provided no walk-ins at kailangan magpaschedule sila." | via @alexisbromero

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Abalos says COVID-19 reproduction rate in Metro Manila has improved "but it does not mean we are already out of the woods." | via @alexisbromero

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Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. says the Philippines is expected to get 20 million to 25 million vaccine doses in September. | via @alexisbromero

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Galvez says delays in the signing of tripartite deals for the purchase of vaccines not caused by government inaction, "Hindi namin dinedelay." | via @alexisbromero

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Galvez says the total budget for COVID-19 vaccination is more or less P88.6 billion.

He adds that no contracts on vaccine procurement have been cancelled. | via @alexisbromero

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Galvez says government coordinating with manufacturers for the second wave procurement which will cover boosters and vaccines that can handle new variants. | via @alexisbromero

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Galvez says the government is confident the Philippines will attain population protection goal, adds that Metro Manila may achieve population protection by October or November. | via @alexisbromero

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Galvez says enhanced community quarantines have an effect, but adds that it is not sustainable because of its effect on the business sector. | via @alexisbromero

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Citing the Department of Energy, Roque says the Philippines is ready for the Malampaya shutdown, adds that it will not affect vaccination efforts. | via @alexisbromero

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Abalos says Metro Manila mayors have agreed to retain the present curfew hours until the end of the month. | via @alexisbromero

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@alexisbromero Roque says President Rodrigo Duterte to deliver a public address on Tuesday, to honor Tokyo Olympics participants today. | via @alexisbromero

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Roque on whether the present hard lockdown is the last: We are hoping... kada lockdown natin we have to adjust again our economic forecast... Another lockdown, baka di na natin makamit ang positive growth. | via @alexisbromero

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Roque says those who have not received aid will still get assistance even if their areas have been downgraded to modified enhanced community quarantine. | via @alexisbromero

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Roque says lockdowns are a last resort, "Ang inaasahan natin ang mas maigting na PDITR na pinatutupad ng lokal na gobyerno. Importante lahat ng Filipino, mask, hugas, iwas." | via @alexisbromero

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Roque says the plan of some private hospitals to disengage with PhilHealth has the potential of derailing the universal healthcare (law).

"Kailangan magkaroon ng kooperasyon. Ang PhilHealth kailangan magbayad ng mabilis." | via @alexisbromero

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