Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• Philippines reports 17,220 new COVID-19 cases

The Philippine health department on Thursday, January 6, reports 17,220 new COVID-19 infections, the highest since September 27. The DOH also detects 29 new cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19.

• At long last, Philippines bans child marriage

After a long fight by lawmakers and advocates, the Philippines now has a total ban on child marriages in the country.

• Berjaya Makati: No legal basis for city government’s closure order

Berjaya Makati Hotel questions the Makati City government’s move to close down its operations Thursday, January 6.

• PATAFA to defer Obiena expulsion decision

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association decides to give a two-week window before implementing the decision to drop pole vaulter EJ Obiena from the national team and charge him with estafa.

• Novak Djokovic denied entry to Australia, seeking injunction to stop his removal

World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia Thursday, January 6, after initially being granted a medical exemption from the country’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements so he could play in the Australian Open. – Rappler.com