MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) stressed that it is not giving any Internet allowance to public school teachers when classes open on August 24.

In an interview, DepEd Undersecretary Anne Sevilla said there is no basis for now to supply the teachers with load or Internet allowance despite the implementation of distance learning in the coming school year. 

Sevilla added that even though the Department acknowledged the necessity for additional funds so teachers can work on the new modes of instruction, the DepEd still has to consult with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in terms of additional cash allowances for teachers.

“There is no basis to give internet or load ‘ALLOWANCE’ for now. We are still coordinating with DBM on the adjustment and policy guideline that we can use to reprogram our plan and the budget to accommodate funding for this need,” the official said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sevilla said the Department has started the distribution of P3,500 cash allowance to public school teachers which they could use to purchase the necessary materials for their lessons. MNP (with reports from Joan Nano)

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CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this article stated that DepEd finds no sufficient reason to provide public school teachers with internet allowance. DepEd has clarified that “there is NO LEGAL BASIS yet to pay internet allowance because there is no go signal from the DBM to grant such.”

Revisions have been made accordingly.

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Sonny Angara on Monday said he has recovered from novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and is now back home after staying in a hospital for several days.

In a post on social media, Angara said he has been discharged after testing negative for the virus and recovering from pneumonia.

“After several days in the ER and the COVID wing my doctors finally sent me home today– negative for the virus and pneumonia free,” his post read.

He expressed gratitude to the medical workers who attended to his needs, as well as his family and friends for all the prayers and assistance they sent.

“[I] am truly grateful for the gift of life and even more so now for those at the front lines who safeguard our lives and protect our society,” he said.

He also shared that during his stay in the hospital, he met nurses and doctors who don’t go home anymore and are even doing double shifts in other hospitals.

“They truly, truly are REAL HEROES. I will be at home with my son when he celebrates his bday this weekend but many of our health workers will not make it home as a measure of protection for their families,” he said.

Angara announced on March 26 that he contracted coronavirus, but he already subjected himself under home quarantine days before he was informed of his test results after a resource person who visited the Senate premises later tested positive for the virus.

He is the third senator to get infected with coronavirus after Koko Pimentel and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Sonny Angara said he is on his way to recovery after testing positive for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“Recovering, thanks to your prayers and some good medical attention,” Angara said in a Facebook post on Monday night.

His post accompanied a photo of himself with an unshaved beard and mustache.

Angara announced he contracted the virus last week. He is currently under quarantine.

He is the third senator to get infected with coronavirus after Koko Pimentel and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Angara’s wife, Tootsy earlier bared the difficulties they have had to deal with after news of the lawmaker’s health came out.

She said a neighbor wanted them out of the village and that others refused to deliver essentials to their home amid their household’s 14-day quarantine.

She, however, thanked those who are still sending them help and food as she and her kids try to keep healthy amid the difficult time.

Tootsy also said she has turned to her faith to survive this trying time, and expressed her belief that God will help her husband heal from the illness.