President Rodrigo Roa #Duterte has thumbed down the proposal to hold pilot face-to-face (F2F) classes in low-risk areas next month but is open to conduct them by August after the government kicks off its vaccination drive this month, Malacañan said on Monday. In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said President #Duterte called him on Sunday night to inform him about his decision to reject in-person classes until after vaccination program starts.

President #Duterte says no vaccine rollout, no MGCQ

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has refused to place the entire #Philippines under the least restrictive modified general community quarantine (#MGCQ) until after the government kicks off its vaccination drive, Malacañan said. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President’s preference not to shift to MGCQ unless there is a vaccine rollout was raised during the ongoing Cabinet meeting.

President #Duterte decision on VFA hinges on Filipinos’ welfare

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will decide on the fate of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the national interest and welfare of #Filipinos in mind. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said whatever decision the President will come up with should be respected.

The VFA with the United States is a deal to allow the presence of military forces in the #Philippines for military exercises with local troops and humanitarian missions.

Palace assures aid for ‘Auring’ victims

Malacañan on Sunday assured the public that immediate relief and assistance will be given to those affected by Tropical Storm #Auring (international name “Dujuan”). “We are closely monitoring Tropical Storm ‘#Auring’ and the communities on its track. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and line government agencies have been providing relief and assistance to those affected,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador #Panelo insisted that those criticizing President Rodrigo Roa #Duterte’s demand for the United States (US) to pay the #Philippines for hosting American troops should allow the chief executive to “strategize” since it was part of his job. While acknowledging critics’ right to free speech, Panelo said their sentiments would give the US the impression that there is disunity among Filipinos.

Panelo reiterated that President #Duterte is the chief architect of foreign policy as mandated by the #Constitution