Malacañang on Sunday ordered government employees in Metro Manila and 15 Luzon provinces to work from home as authorities braced for continued heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued Memorandum Circular 123 upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Alternative learning modes were also ordered for schools in affected areas. Agencies providing basic and health services, disaster responders, and other vital government services must continue necessary operations. The private sector was also urged to adopt alternative work arrangements. The covered provinces are Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, and Bulacan.

Sunday belonged to Alas Pilipinas, and halfway around the world, the Philippine volleyball program made sure it would be remembered.

Philippine business groups have warned that acts of intimidation and hatred could damage investor confidence, tourism and the country’s global reputation, urging authorities to quickly identify those responsible and enforce the law.