There seems to be no respite from COVID-19 as the country's daily cases of infections continued to soar Thursday.
The health department reported over 12,000 new cases of infections for the second consecutive day while total cases of the Delta variant jumped to 627. President Duterte also issued new directives, including asking the Department of Health to respond to the COA report on alleged COVID-19 fund mismanagement as well as the ordering the release of more than P3 billion for the financial aid in other ECQ areas.
Apart from the worrying COVID case spike and COA report on DOH funds, a 7.1-magnitude quake in Mindanao, a lingering President-mayor conflict and the continued ban on open-pit mining are included in the list of top stories this Thursday, August 12, 2021.

Mindanao quake
Vaccination drive
Another controversy rocks the Department of Health
Is Metro Manila ready to deescalate to MECQ?
Entry of vaccinated migrant workers into Hong Kong
A reminder to PhilHealth from the President
There is still no word if Sinovac jabs can be used for kids
Duterte-Metro Manila mayor conflict
Going digital
A modified enrollment process may start next week
Gas leak explosion
International Humanitarian Law Day
Get ready for a meteor shower
You won't see this everyday
Weather update
Business corner