Weather: Tropical depression to enter PHL Monday afternoon or evening

A tropical depression approaching the Philippines may enter Philippine territory Monday afternoon or evening, state weather forecasters said. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also maintained that the depression is not likely to make landfall in the Philippines. "Nasa labas pa ito ng Philippine area of responsibility, at ito ay inaassahang pumasok ng Philippine area of responsibility mamayang hapon o gabi (It is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility. We expect it to enter Philippine territory in the afternoon or evening)," PAGASA forecaster Rene Paciente said in an interview on dzBB radio before noon Monday. He also said there is still no effect as of 11 a.m. from the depression, which will be codenamed "Onyok" once it enters Philippine territory.

Earlier, PAGASA said the tropical depression may enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rain once in Philippine territory. But PAGASA forecaster Jun Galang said the tropical depression's present path shows it is heading for Taiwan. "May kalayuan pa siya, wala pang direktang epekto sa atin (As of now, it is still far away. It has no direct effect on the Philippines)," said Paciente. When asked if the depression will make landfall on the Philippines, Paciente said, "wala na, mataas na eh (No more. It's too high north of the Philippines)." — RSJ, GMA News