Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the entire country will stay under Alert Level from January 1 to 15.

"Now is not the time to relax and deliberately put others in danger. The entire nation worked so hard to keep our cases down," the health department said. 

OCTA Research reported an increase in risk classification from very low risk from December 16 to 22 to moderate risk from December 23 to 29.

In his remarks, Duterte said that the national budget shows the government's "strong commitment to provide a more comfortable and productive life for each Filipino."

President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a measure creating Department of Migrant Workers.

“As we commemorate Rizal’s contribution to our freedom and self-determination, may we continue to honor him by exemplifying patriotism and idealism in all our endeavors as well as by fostering a greater sense of nationalism among the Filipino you...

"By January 7, the possible worst-case scenario is that we'll reach cases [if the rate speeds up]," David also said in Filipino in an interview aired over DZBB Super Radyo Thursday morning. 

Workers who have served for less than four months as of Dec. 15 may also receive a gratuity pay on a pro rata basis.

The DOH said that injuries related to fireworks increased by 108% with 25 reported cases from December 21 to 29. Only 12 cases were recorded in the same period last year.

"The case should have been dismissed right away. No wire was tapped," Sen. Francis Pangilinan said.