By Isabella Magno

DepEd-NCR releases memo to reiterate students’ gender expression

In a regional memorandum dated June 23 and signed by the National Capital Region DepEd Regional Director Wilfredo E Cabral, the Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy under DepEd Order No 32, s 2017 was emphasized to respect the gender expression of students. 

Superintendents, principals, and other educators were subsequently urged to permit the students to participate in school activities without being constrained in their gender expression, such as attending graduation ceremonies while dressing in a manner aligned with their gender identity. 

This order came following numerous students’ exclusion from their graduation for refusing to adhere to school dress codes.

BBM names appointees to his Cabinet

As of June 23, President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has named more than 20 appointees to officially join his Cabinet.

Included in the list is himself, as he plans to lead the Department of Agriculture.

Obiena rules Taby Stavhoppsgala in Sweden

Despite being initially halted after testing positive for COVID-19, Filipino vault champion EJ Obiena clinched the gold medal in the Taby Stavhopp Gala in Sweden on Tuesday, June 28. 

Obiena beat the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics gold medalist Thiago Braz of Brazil, who held a record of 5.82 meters, and broke his Asian record of 5.92 meters. 

Due to COVID-19, Obiena was unable to participate in the Oslo Bislett Games in Norway and the Meeting de Paris in France earlier this June. 

Moreover, he will stay in Sweden until June 30 to join the Stockholm Diamond League. 

SC junks petition vs BBM

The Supreme Court (SC) en banc voted 13-0 to dismiss the petitions contesting the election of Marcos Jr. two days before his inauguration on June 30.

In a press briefing SC disclosed that Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda penned the ruling, but it won’t be made public until they have an official copy from the Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc.

DOH sees ‘drastic’ rise in dengue cases

The Department of Health (DOH) revealed on Tuesday, June 28, that there were 11,680 dengue cases reported from May 15 to June 11 alone, bringing the total number of cases reported since January 1 to 45,416, a 45% increase in the cases reported around the same time last year.

About 217 deaths were also reported by the DOH. Of these, 39 occurred in January, 37 in February, 34 in March, 45 in April, 58 in May, and four in June.

SEC orders Rappler shutdown

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reiterated its decision to nullify Rappler’s certificates of incorporation in an order dated June 28 and signed by the SEC’s chairperson, Emilio Aquino, together with Commissioners Javey Paul Francisco, Kelvin Lester Lee, Karlo Bello, and McJill Bryant Fernandez.

In response, Rappler issued a statement on June 29 that said, “[…] We are entitled to appeal this judgment and we will do so, especially because the processes were very irregular.”

“Meantime, it is business as usual for us. We will adapt, adjust, survive and thrive,” Rappler added.

Tropical Depression Caloy to leave PAR on Thursday

As of 5:00 AM, Wednesday, June 29, Tropical Depression “Caloy” is 395 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales, and is moving steadily toward the west outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Due to the sustained wind strength of the tropical depression, the southwest monsoon was strengthened, bringing continuous rain in Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, Palawan, Aurora, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and some areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

Despite the country experiencing constant rain brought by Caloy, no storm warning signals were raised. It is anticipated to leave PAR early Thursday, June 30. 

Outgoing VP Robredo holds press con 

Before the end of her term, Outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo held a press conference earlier today.

“Kahit hindi ako nanalo–at ito sinabi ko na several times–if I have to do it all over again knowing what the results will be, I will still do it. Kasi para sa akin, ‘yun ‘yung pinakamasaya, pinaka-satisfying na campaign that I’ve been through in the many years na nai-involve ako sa political exercise,” Robredo said while upholding that she ‘does not feel defeated’ despite losing her bid for presidency.

She also stated her plans on launching the Angat Buhay, a nongovernmental organization (NGO). This NGO is set to be launched at least a day after she steps down and is meant to “serve all Filipinos in need,” as worded by the outgoing vice president.

DILG to give fuel subsidy to over 600k trike drivers 

Under the Pantawid Pasada Program for Tricycle Drivers, the Department of Interior and Local Government said that a total of 617,806 qualified tricycle drivers nationwide are expected to receive their fuel cash subsidy. 

“We hope that through this fuel subsidy, the suffering of tricycle drivers […] will be alleviated. This is the government’s way of showing its concern for our tricycle drivers,” DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Those who are qualified for the subsidy will receive Php 6,500 cash grants from the government’s Php 5 billion fuel subsidy program.

Meanwhile, 148,784 tricycle drivers nationwide were disqualified, for not providing sufficient proof of their eligibility, such as driver’s license numbers, lacking e-wallet information, or names submitted after the deadline.

Thumbnail from Human Rights Watch