The Philippines’ dollar surplus is still poised to shrink this year, but the new forecast is now bigger than the previous one on the back of “better-than-expected” global economic outlook.

The chief of the Philippine National Police on Friday instructed cops to refrain from imposing any sanctions on violators who are caught not wearing face shields, saying that they should be cautioned instead following recent confusion over the government's standing policy. 

A fresh report from the UN refugee agency showed global displacement figures swelled by around three million in 2020 after an already record-breaking year in 2019, leaving a full one percent of humanity uprooted and displaced.

In a briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said real world studies show that all COVID-19 vaccines in the country are effective in preventing serious infections.

"Africa is in the midst of a full-blown third wave. The sobering trajectory of surging cases should rouse everyone into urgent action," said the World Health Organization.