The office of Vice President Leni Robredo is offering free antigen tests again in response to the spike in new COVID-19 cases in the country presumed to be driven by the more infectious Omicron variant.

Data from the department’s Environmental Management Bureau showed that air pollution levels in the two cities went beyond the standard 150 micrograms per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) of particulate matter (PM) 10.

"Our policies should effect positive behavioral change, not simply threaten people with restrictions."

The figure was the highest single-day tally since October 10, when the DOH reported 12,159 additional cases.

Malacañang on Wednesday expressed hope that the issues involving Olympian EJ Obiena, who has been accused by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association of fund misuse, would be resolved.

More than 25,000 Persons Deprived of Liberty or 51.95% of the 48,572 inmates in the Bureau of Corrections facilities nationwide have completed their doses against COVID-19.

The government should do away with its current restrictions on travel and instead apply stricter quarantine measures to all travelers arriving in the country to guard against emerging coronavirus variants, doctors said.

A constitutional law expert said there is no legal basis to arrest unvaccinated individuals who are outside their homes.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the agency met with experts, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine on Monday to discuss the use of antigen self-test kits.

"We believe that police visibility will serve the purpose to monitor how the quarantine hotels are accommodating their guests who are required to isolate while waiting for the completion of the required number of quarantine days."