Duterte reverses order for face-to-face class dry run

President Duterte has recalled his approval for a dry run of face-to-face classes in January 2021 due to concerns over a new coronavirus variant detected in the UK.

The decision was made after reports of the more infectious strain spreading in other countries, prompting fears about its potential impact on the Philippines.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones has suspended plans for voluntary face-to-face classes in select schools until further notice.

Student and teacher groups criticized Duterte's reversal as short-sighted and incompetent, arguing that it should not prevent resuming classes.