Here are the biggest news items on 24 Oras this Wednesday, August 18, 2021

- Senate criticized health Secretary Duque and the issues surrounding DOH’s use of its budget
- DOH records 11,085 new COVID-19 cases for today
- Fabella Hospital, the country’s primary hospital for childbirth is almost fully occupied
- DOH recommended the public to use medical grade or surgical mask in public
- COA criticized DOLE’s implementation of some of its programs during the pandemic
- Several COVID-19 patients received oxygen in tricycles due to long queues
- 8 Filipinos escape Afghanistan after riding a British military plane heading to Dubai
- MMC will leave the decision of extending the ECQ at NCR to the IATF
- Jessica Soho tells the story of her 2002 coverage in Afghanistan
- COMELEC will not extend the Sept. 30 deadline for voter’s registration

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24 Oras is GMA Network's flagship newscast, anchored by GMA News pillars Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, and Vicky Morales, featuring top news stories from the Philippines and the hottest showbiz news on Chika Minute hosted by Iya Villania. Visit GMA News Online (http://www.gmanews.tv/24Oras) for more.