Philippines morning news for March 19

Philippines morning news for March 19
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Philippines morning newsCovid-19 cases up to 202, including 17 dead, 7 recovered — DoH
THE Department of Health (DoH) on Wednesday confirmed that 202 patients tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19), from 187 while the death toll is up to 17 from 14.
— Manila Times

DOH, experts say PH coronavirus cases could reach 75,000 by June if not contained
Experts from the Philippines and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate the novel coronavirus cases in the country could peak to 75,000 in the next 3 months or by June if not properly contained.
— Rappler

PH in race to trace Filipinos at Malaysian gathering linked to coronavirus
Philippine authorities are racing to trace attendees of a big religious gathering in Malaysia that was linked to clusters of coronavirus infection in several countries in Southeast Asia.
— Rappler

No proven cure yet for coronavirus, DOH reminds public
The Department of Health (DOH) said there is no proven cure yet for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
— Rappler

Duterte seeks $1-billion loan for coronavirus response
The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte will be borrowing some $1 billion or around P51 billion to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic .
— Rappler

72-hour deadline lifted for OFW, ‘Balikbayan’ to fly out of Luzon
Filipino workers, balikbayans or vacationing Filipinos as well as foreigners are now allowed to fly out of Luzon throughout the monthlong enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon.
— Business Mirror

Local airlines want government assistance on credit schemes
The local airline industry, which has been taking a heavy beating due to travel restrictions brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 outbreak, is seeking urgent assistance from the government in the form of credit lines as well as assurance of support for loans with private banks.
— The Philippine Star

DFA mulls suspending visa issuance during enhanced community quarantine
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is considering the suspension of visa issuance during the month-long “lockdown” in Luzon over the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, according to Manila’s top diplomat.
— Inquirer.net

Philippines secures $100-M World Bank loan to fight coronavirus
The Philippines has secured a $100-million “fast-track” loan from the World Bank to augment funding used to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
— The Philippine Star

Manila budgets P60 million to aid 20k city workers
The Manila City Council has authorized the disbursement of P60 million in financial aid to the capital’s 20,000 government workers expected to be affected during Luzon’s month-long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown.
— Manilastandard.net

DOH maintains COVID-19 is transmitted via respiratory droplets
The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday maintained that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is transmitted through respiratory droplets amid circulation of online information that the virus may linger in the air in some situations.
— GMA Network

DBM releases 77% of 2020 budget in end-February
The national government has released 77.4 percent of the P4.1 trillion 2020 national budget as of end-February, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
— The Philippine Star

PCSO monthly games suspension losses to hit P4 billion
THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is set to lose more than P4 billion a month from the suspension of all of its games amid the enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Business Mirror

CNN Philippines goes off-air in coronavirus scare
CNN Philippines stopped broadcasting on Wednesday, March 18, after a coronavirus case was confirmed in the building where the television channel is based, forcing it off the air while the offices are disinfected.
— Rappler

Only one person per household allowed to go out and get needs
Only one person per household will be allowed to leave to purchase necessities during lockdown, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Wednesday, March 18.
— Rappler

CRK to remain operational for international flights
Clark International Airport (CRK) announced that it will remain operational to service inbound and outbound international flights throughout the duration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
— Philippine Information Agency

Metro Manila coronavirus cases could peak mid-April if not contained, math model shows
As of Wednesday, March 18, the Philippines has at least 202 confirmed COVID-19 cases , most of which are in Metro Manila.
— Rappler

Electronic prescriptions authorized for patients vulnerable to COVID-19
THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will allow doctors to issue electronic prescriptions to individuals deemed vulnerable to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019).
— BusinessWorld

Lawmakers ask DOF, BIR: Don’t be ‘heartless,’ extend tax filing deadline
Lawmakers called on the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to extend the deadline for filing of taxes beyond April 15, as the entire island of Luzon and other parts of the country remain under lockdown because of the novel coronavirus.
— Rappler

UP COVID-19 test kits not like pregnancy tests, can t be used at home — FDA
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test kits created by the University of the Philippines cannot be used at home, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified Wednesday.
— GMA Network

Luzon quarantine has Reds doubting Duterte ceasefire over COVID-19
The National Democratic Front has balked at reciprocating the ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte as the Philippines addresses the need to contain COVID-19, which has killed 17 in the country.
— GMA Network

Palace rebuffs Vico Sotto: How can there be social distancing in tricycles?
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases maintained on Wednesday that tricycles will not be allowed to ply roads during the Luzon-wide quarantine because social distancing is difficult to enforce inside.
— GMA Network

GMA News TV goes off air amid coronavirus outbreak in PH
GMA News TV, the network’s free-to-air news and public affairs channel, will temporarily stop broadcasting starting Thursday, March 19, amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in the Philippines.
— Rappler

Temporary jobs offered by DOLE for workers displaced due to Luzon quarantine
Informal sector workers who have temporarily lost their livelihood due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon can apply for the Department of Labor and Employment s (DOLE) temporary employment program.
— GMA Network

DOST, private partners to produce 500,000 reusable face masks
A batch of face masks is coming to the public.
— Rappler

Filipino tourists not allowed to leave during Luzon lockdown
Filipinos traveling as tourists will not be allowed to leave the country during the duration of the Luzon lockdown , Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Wednesday, March 18.
— Rappler

Legislator seeks resumption of DSWD safety-net programs
THE LEGISLATOR chairing the House committee on poverty alleviation said he will appeal to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to resume the delivery of basic social services which were suspended due to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019).
— BusinessWorld

Bulacan police strictly implements Enhanced Community Quarantine
Bulacan Police reiterated that they are strictly implementing the Enhanced Community Quarantine and asked for cooperation of residents. Acting Police Provincial Director PCol. Lawrence Cajipe said a total of 388 police officers were deployed to man the 105 control points all over the province.
— Philippine Information Agency

Iloilo City mulls lockdown to contain Covid-19
The local government here is “considering a lockdown” amid the increasing number of patients under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs) recorded in the metropolis in a day.
— Philippine News Agency

BSP governor Diokno tests negative for COVID-19
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno has tested negative for the coronavirus disease 2019.
— Eagle News

Malay town declares general community quarantine
Boracay Island will deny entry to tourists as Malay town, Aklan will be on general community quarantine starting Thursday amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency

Salceda proposes new cash transfer scheme for COVID-affected Luzon residents
House Committee on Ways and Means chairperson Joey Salceda is proposing a new system in the cash transfer program for residents of Luzon affected by the ongoing enhanced community quarantine to stop the further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network

Food, financial assistance should be provided to marginalized sector amid Luzon quarantine –senators
Several senators appealed on Wednesday to concerned government agencies and local executives to ensure that the marginalized are not neglected during the implementation of the Luzon-wide community quarantine.
— GMA Network

Filipino tests positive for coronavirus in Greece
A Filipino woman in Greece tested positive for the novel coronavirus, making her the first Filipino to be infected in the European country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday, March 18.
— Rappler

Employees absent due to quarantine can’t be fired
The government said yesterday that private businesses cannot fire their workers who are not coming to work because of the enhanced community quarantine imposed on the entire mainland Luzon due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.
— Tempo

P28-B Local Gov’t Support Fund should be tapped to fight COVID-19, solon says
Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas on Wednesday urged the national government to allow affected local government units to use the P28-billion Local Government Support Fund (LSGF) under the 2020 national budget to boost their efforts against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network

Office of the Ombudsman closed until April 13
THE Office of the Ombudsman will be closed until April 13 “[p]ursuant to the declaration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte placing the entire Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine”.
— Manila Times

QC gov’t places two barangays under ‘heightened community quarantine’
The Quezon City government has placed two barangays under heightened community quarantine as the number of coronavirus cases in the city rose to 29 . (READ: LIST: Confirmed coronavirus cases in the Philippines as of March 16 )
— Rappler

Clark, Subic free ports shut doors to foreign, local tourists
The Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) here and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) in nearby Zambales province both shut their doors to foreign and local tourists in compliance with Malacanang’s Luzon-wide lockdown to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
— Rappler

Makati gives trike drivers P11.9 million as 2-week budget
Makati Mayor Abby Binay has ordered the distribution of around P11.9 million in financial assistance to almost 6,000 tricycle drivers living in the city who are affected by the lockdown and land public transport restrictions imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.
— Manilastandard.net

PH is overall 2nd best in girls’ leadership index
The Philippines’s rank is second best in terms of girls’ leadership, this is according to the 2020 Asia Girls’ Report conducted by Plan International, which is a girls’ rights organization.
— Philippine Information Agency

Dumaguete cancels job aid programs over Covid-19 threat
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) here announced on Tuesday the cancelation of a number of activities in line with the directives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the city government here on the holding of mass gatherings amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat.
— Philippine News Agency

Covid-19 frontliners receive protective gear from party-list foundation
THE Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. donated protective gear for frontliners in hospitals at the National Capital Region (NCR) and other affected provinces amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.
— Manila Times

China to donate more coronavirus testing kits, protective equipment to PH
China will donate thousands of testing kits, protective …
— Rappler

Army, NPA clash in Mabini amid COVID-19
A firefight started at around 4:00AM Wednesday, March 18, between government troops and unidentified number of New People’s Army members in a barangay in Mabini.
— Philippine Information Agency

9 town execs, 5 doctors quarantined as mayor gets Covid-19
At least nine department heads of the municipal government here and five doctors are now under quarantine after Mayor Ferdie Estrella has been tested positive for the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency

Peso improves vs. USD despite Luzon-wide community quarantine
The Philippine peso ended Wednesday better than the US dollar after a one-day trading suspension amid worries on the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency

UPV alumni group pushes for COVID-19 test centers in Iloilo
A group of alumni from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) is pushing for an accredited testing center for COVID-19 in Iloilo.
— Philippine Information Agency

Duterte declares ceasefire with Reds amid COVID-19 threat
President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a ceasefire with the communist rebels as the government tries to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Malacañang said Wednesday.
— GMA Network

Free rides for health workers rise to 9 routes in Metro Manila
The mobility of health workers in Metro Manila has improved after new routes and more buses have been added to the free transportation provided by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and partners from the public and private sectors.
— Philippine News Agency

QC government provides 2 weeks’ worth of food for 400,000 families
The Quezon City government will be providing food to 400,000 families who were displaced by the enhanced community quarantine ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
— Rappler

Use delivery services for basic goods only, DTI tells public amid Luzon-wide quarantine
The Department of Trade and Industry asked online shoppers in Luzon, which is under an enhanced community quarantine to curb the spread of COVID-19, to limit their purchases to basic goods such as food and medicine.
— GMA Network

Abby Binay OKs cash assistance to over 5,900 tricycle drivers in Makati
Tricycle drivers registered with the Makati City government are set to receive an initial P2,000 cash assistance each in the wake of the Luzon-wide lockdown.
— Rappler

Gokongwei donates P100 million to fight coronavirus pandemic
The Gokongwei business empire joined other conglomerates in allotting funds to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic .
— Rappler

Leyte placed under community quarantine
Leyte has been placed under general community quarantine starting Wednesday, March 18, to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
— Rappler

Lockdowns in Mindanao affect food supply in Tawi-tawi, other island communities
The imposition of lockdowns in various areas in mainland Mindanao has affected the delivery of food supplies, especially rice, to Tawi-Tawi and other island provinces, Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Emmanuel Piñol said on Wednesday, March 18.
— Rappler

Lapu-Lapu city gov’t assists 135 stranded tourists
The Tourism, Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (TCHAC) here has rescued at least 135 foreign tourists stranded in Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental due to the cancelation of outbound flights in light of the community quarantine status in three of the four provinces of Central Visayas.
— Philippine News Agency

Ilocos Norte SUC helps produce alcohol vs. coronavirus
The “Asukal Mo Ferment Mo” program of the National Bio-Energy Research and Innovation Center of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU-NBERIC) in this city is gaining headway in producing ethanol in response to the limited supply of ethyl alcohol in the province as a precautionary measure to fight Covid-19.
— Philippine News Agency

1 dead, 5 injured as truck hits Bataan workers waiting for shuttle
A truck driver is facing multiple charges after his vehicle lost its brakes and hit several factory workers here, leading to a female factory worker dying and 5 others being injured.
— Rappler

 

 

Feature photo The Philippine STAR/ Walter Bollozos

This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo focuses on The Metro Manila COVID-19 lockdown.

 

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

 

 

About Philippines morning news.

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Stella-maris Ewudolu

Journalist at AEC News Today

Stella-maris graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Education from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria in 2005.

Between November 2010 and February 2012 she was a staff writer at Daylight Online, Nigeria writing on health, fashion, and relationships. From 2010 – 2017 she worked as a freelance screen writer for ‘Nollywood’, Nigeria.

She joined AEC News Today in December 2016.

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