The public is strongly advised to take health precautions after authorities reported the Delta coronavirus variant could reportedly be as contagious as chickenpox and potentially drive Metro Manila's cases of infections up to 30,000 by September.
The health department issued the public reminder as the country's daily cases reached more than 8,000 for the second consecutive day.
Filipino athletes meantime performed well at the Tokyo Games, giving the nation hope for a possible additional gold haul. A commemorative stamp in honor of the late President Aquino is also scheduled to be launched this weekend. These stories and more are included in the list of top news on Saturday, July 31, 2021.

Coronavirus update
The Philippines gets another shot at Olympic gold
To tax or not to tax Hidilyn's gifts
Honoring PNoy
NCR lockdown impact
Boracay's COVID-19 testing plan
Farmers, fishermen appeal for government aid
Who won in the Japan embassy's cooking contest?