(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Saturday, 07 July 2025) Trough of Tropical Storm {DANAS} (formerly "BISING") affecting Extreme Northern Luzon. Southwest Monsoon affecting the rest of the country. 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Light to Moderate rainshowers with lightning and strong winds are expected over #Bukidnon(Pangantucan, Libona, Baungon, CityOfMalaybalay, Cabanglasan, CityOfValencia), #AgusanDelSur(Loreto, Trento, SantaJosefa, Veruela, Bunawan, LaPaz), #SultanKudarat(Palimbang, Sen.NinoyAquino, Kalamansig, Lebak, Isulan, Bagumbayan), #SouthCotabato(LakeSebu), #DavaoCity, #AgusanDelNorte(Nasipit, Carmen), #MisamisOriental(Medina, Jasaan, Balingasag), #SurigaoDelSur(Lanuza, Carmen, Madrid, Cantilan), #DavaoDelNorte(Carmen, CityOfPanabo, BraulioE.Dujali, CityOfTagum, SantoTomas, NewCorella, Asuncion, SanIsidro, Kapalong), #DavaoDeOro(Pantukan, Mabini, Maragusan, Maco, Mawab, NewBataan, Nabunturan, Compostela, Monkayo, Laak), #Sarangani, #LanaoDelSur(TagoloanII, Maguing, Bumbaran, MarawiCity, Kapai, DitsaanRamain, BuadiposoBuntong), #Basilan(Lantawan, Maluso, CityOfIsabela), #LanaoDelNorte(Linamon, PantaoRagat and IliganCity) within the next 1-2 hours.


TOP STORIES –Thursday, May 04, 2023

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online news monitoring)

4 May 2023, Thursday, as of 5:00 p.m.

1. COVID-19 update

-OCTA: Metro Manila positivity rate could reach same level as Delta wave by next week

-Vergeire allays House members' concerns on rising Covid cases

-DOH advises hospitals to boost Covid-19 bed capacity; Filipinos must learn to keep safe vs Covid-19

-Active COVID-19 cases in Olongapo City slightly up

-Despite Covid case uptick, solon wants eTravel requirement ditched

-UP Cebu reverts to online classes amid rising COVID-19 cases

[ABS-CBN News, CNN PHL, Manila Bulletin, Inquirer]

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/5/4/Metro-Manila-positivity-rate.html

2. PHIVOLCS downgrades Isabela quake to 5.5 magnitude

-Mayor Ting-Que orders suspension of classes at all levels in Tuguegarao City due to quake

[ABS-CBN News, Philstar, CNN PHL, Inquirer, GMA News, Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/04/news/magnitude-55-earthquake-jolts-isabela

3.  Marcos’ US visit

-Palace: Marcos’ meeting with US lawmakers ‘productive’; tackle defense, economic cooperation, agriculture

-Marcos pushes for GSP reauthorization during US visit

-US, PH vow stronger alliance through EDCA

[ABS-CBN News, CNN PHL, GMA News, Manila Bulletin]

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/5/4/marcos-us-senators-meeting.html

4. Mindoro oil spill disaster

-DILG names alternative fishing sites for oil spill-hit Oriental Mindoro fisherfolk

-DENR to work with shipping companies to avoid another oil spill disaster 

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Philstar, CNN PHL]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/868939/dilg-eyes-designating-fishing-areas-in-oil-spill-hit-oriental-mindoro/story/

5. PHL airport system

-MIAA vows to improve airport system's resilience

-MIAA prepares for possible extension of 6-hour airspace shutdown on May 17

-Passengers advised to coordinate with airlines ahead of May 17 airspace shutdown

-Bong Go urges MIAA, airline execs to ensure contingency plans are in place

-MIAA clarifies: Electrical audit to determine if additional budget is needed [GMA News]

[CNN PHL, Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN News, GMA News]

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/04/23/miaa-vows-to-improve-airport-resilience

6. El Niño update

-Gov't urged to create contingency plan for agri-fisheries sector amid dry spell

-BSP flags El Niño’s inflation impact

-DA-BFAR: Mitigating measures in place to ensure enough fish supply amid El Niño threat

-El Niño to hit 46 provinces

-Production subsidies for farmers, fishers sought amid looming El Niño

[GMA News, Business Mirror, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Malaya]

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/4/gov-t-urged-to-create-contingency-plan-for-agri-fisheries-sector-amid-dry-spell

7. 4. SWS: 42% of Filipinos OK ‘optional’ ROTC, 35% want it mandatory for senior high 

[Inquirer, CNN PHL, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1764706/sws-42-of-filipinos-ok-optional-rotc-35-want-it-mandatory-for-senior-high

8. Twin fires hit residential areas in Parañaque City; 1 hurt, hundreds displaced

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin]

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/4/two-fire-hits-residential-areas-in-paranaque

9. PAGASA: LPA southeast of Palawan may develop into tropical depression [CNN PHL]

LPA likely to develop into tropical depression, to be named 'Betty' [MT]

[CNN PHL, Manila Times, ABS-CBN News]

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/5/4/LPA-southeast-of-Palawan-may-develop-into-tropical-depression.html

10. LTO to shorten, customize exams for driver's license applicants

[CNN PHL, GMA News, Manila Bulletin]

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/4/lto-to-shorten-exam-for-driver-s-license-applicants

11. Comelec presents TOR for an automated election system

- Comelec sets wish list for new voting machines

[GMA News, Manila Bulletin, CNN PHL]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/868956/comelec-presents-tor-for-an-automated-election-system

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit