HEADS UP: Metro Manila to Go Back to Alert Level 2 (Jan. 31)

Here's a Heads Up from reportr on news you need to know today, Jan. 31:

COVID NEWS

• Metro Manila will be downgraded to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 starting tomorrow, Feb. 1. Here’s what will change.
• Starting Feb. 16, only fully vaccinated foreign travelers will be allowed entry into the Philippines.
• Russia's single-shot Sputnik Light can be used as a booster, the DOH said, after its manufacturer was granted approval from local authorities.

NEWS EXPLAINED 

• What is it like to be frontliner during the omicron-driven COVID-19 surge? Here’s their story.

ELECTION NEWS

• Presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao reiterated that he is not in favor of abortion, even in cases of rape.
• The boxer-turned-politician also challenged all officials to disclose their wealth as he vowed to rid the government of corruption.
• Authorities are looking into a TikTok account that allegedly threatened to assassinate Bongbong Marcos, according to his presidential campaign team.
• Marcos’ party also wants to have Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon investigated for prematurely releasing her vote on his disqualification cases.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Children aged five to 11 can get their COVID-19 vaccines starting Feb. 4. Here’s what you need to know.
• The Philippines will implement new COVID-19 protocols for international arrivals starting Feb. 1. Here are the basics.

NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Sen. Kiko Pangilinan said YouTube had taken down channels that he sued for cyber libel for spreading fake news about his family.
• Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is calling on the Senate and the House to amend the Constitution to allow for a tandem vote for the President and the Vice President.
• Taal Volcano has recorded a series of weak bursts of steam over the weekend, Phivolcs said, as it advised the public to stay alert.
• Messenger is set to roll out a new feature where those using disappearing messages will be alerted whenever someone screenshots their chats.