Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:
- EU Parliament to Philippines: Drop charges vs Maria Ressa. European lawmakers also call on the Duterte government to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, the Philippines' largest broadcaster.
- DOH needs P12.9B to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. The Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday, September 18, that it needs P12.9 billion to purchase coronavirus vaccines for some 20 million poorest Filipinos.
- Ahead of Martial Law anniversary, Vilma Santos, Piolo Pascual discuss 'film, tyranny, resistance.Vilma Santos and Piolo Pascual are set to join a conversation on "film, tyranny, and resistance" to be held ahead of the 48th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.
- Twitter tightens security for politicians and journalists. Twitter on Thursday, September 17, said it is tightening security of high-profile politicians, campaigns and journalists as a "critical preventative step" ahead of the US presidential election.
- FALSE: COVID-19 nasal swabs can damage the blood-brain barrier. It is impossible to reach the blood-brain barrier through a nasal swab.