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COVID-19
Cases
Philippines' COVID-19 cases exceed 65,000 with 2,357 new infections
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country exceeded 65,000 on Saturday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 2,357 new infections, bringing the total to 65,304.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, CNN Philippines
105 more PNP personnel test positive for COVID-19
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases within the Philippine National Police rose to 1,492 on Saturday, with 105 new infections.
GMA News
COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad breach 9,000-mark — DFA
Overseas Filipinos infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) breached the 9,000-mark with 21 new confirmed cases Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
Manila Bulletin
Department of Health
DOH reiterates conditions when home quarantine is allowed for COVID-19 patients
The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reiterated the conditions set before allowing an asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patient to undergo home quarantine.
GMA News
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Drilon, Hontiveros, Kiko urge use of UP-developed COVID-19 test kits
Three senators on Saturday urged the government to use the COVID-19 test kit developed by the University of the Philippines-National Institute for Health as the country aims to test more individuals for the novel coronavirus.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
DOST okays clinical trials for lagundi as COVID therapeutic
Clinical trials for “lagundi” as a COVID-19 therapeutic or supplement have been approved by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).
Manila Bulletin
IATF
Deadline for installing motorcycle back-riding barrier extended to July 26
The deadline for installing a barrier on motorcycles for back-riding has been extended to July 26, the Joint Task Force COVID Shield said on Saturday.
GMA News
Diño suggests ‘shame campaign’ for those ignoring COVID-19 crisis
Interior Undersecretary Martin Diño suggested on Saturday starting a “shame campaign” against those who would not take the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) seriously.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Regions
For the third straight day, Metro Manila reports close to 2,000 cases with today’s tally of 1,824
Manila, QC, Mandaluyong, Navotas, Parañaque, and Las Piñas continue to lead the way for NCR. Also, our resident expert explains the difference between doubling time and ‘flattening the curve.’
ABS-CBN News
QC COVID-19 cases at 5,113 on July 18
The Health Department confirmed that there were 5,113 COVID-19 cases in Quezon City as of 8 a.m.-Saturday, the QC government reported in a July 18, 2020 bulletin.
GMA News
7 out of 12 new COVID-19 cases in Talisay City are health workers
More health workers are contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Talisay City. Seven out of the 12 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Talisay City today, July 18, are health workers from Barangays Cansojong, Tabunok, Bulacao, Pooc, and Lawaan 3.
Cebu Daily News
PTV opts to temporarily go off air over COVID-19 infection
State-run People's Television Network (PTV) on Saturday announced it will temporarily go off the air for at least 24 hours on Sunday, July 19, after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
GMA News
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Utilization rate of hospital beds for COVID-19 in Davao region is on “warning zone”
The utilization level of beds for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients admitted at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City and Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, Davao del Norte has already reached the “warning zone” as of Friday, the Department of Health in the Davao region said.
Mindanews
Nueva Ecija drug rehab center turned into 500-room quarantine facility
The mega drug rehabilitation facility the government put up in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija has been turned into a quarantine facility set to open next week.
GMA News
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Child’s group launches ‘Heroes from Home’
A child’s group enjoined individuals to take part in raising funds for children whose families are suffering from the impact of COVID-19 in the country. Starting this July, Save the Children Philippines is looking for volunteers who can make a difference by being heroes for children while staying safe at home.
Manila Bulletin
Incidents and Violations
Cops catch restobar in multiple quarantine violations, recommend its shutdown
A restobar in Novaliches, Quezon City (QC) was caught violating multiple quarantine protocols in an operation that led to the apprehension of 10 employees and 19 customers, including a minor, on Friday evening (July 17).
Manila Bulletin
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
‘Flattening the curve’ and ‘locating criminals’
It appears it’s too much to expect the authorities to mind their language. The clichés are ringing true: They’re talking through their hat and talking out of both sides of their mouth—and showing no respect to the public they are sworn, paid, to serve.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
World
Iran President Says Up to 25 Million Might Have Been Infected With COVID-19 Since Pandemic Began
Iran’s president Saturday estimated as many as 25 million Iranians could have been infected with the coronavirus since the outbreak’s beginning, and urged the public to take the pandemic seriously, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
TIME
Daily updates on English Covid-19 deaths paused amid accuracy concerns
Daily updates on the coronavirus death toll in England have been paused amid growing concern that the numbers could have been exaggerated.
The Guardian
Indonesia’s COVID-19 cases surpass mainland China as deaths top 4,000
Indonesia has surpassed China in its total number of COVID-19 cases, after recording 1,752 new infections on Saturday.
The Jakarta Post
FDA issues first emergency use authorization for Covid-19 pool testing
The US Food and Drug Administration on Saturday announced it has issued an emergency use authorization that allows the laboratory Quest Diagnostics to pool samples from up to four individuals to test for Covid-19.
CNN
Coronavirus updates: 85 babies test positive in Texas county; outbreaks sprout as churches reopen
As the global death toll from the coronavirus pandemic inches toward 600,000, the U.S. reported more than 71,000 new COVID-19 cases Friday, down from an all-time high of 77,000 the day before.
USA Today
COVID-19 claims 40 more lives in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia announced 40 more deaths from COVID-19 and 2,565 new confirmed cases of the disease on Saturday. Of the new cases, 224 were recorded in Makkah, 212 in Riyadh, 189 in Jeddah and 182 in Hufof.
Arab News
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Malaya contradicts lawmaker: No ‘military oligarchy’ in Duterte administration
There’s no “military oligarchy” dominating the Duterte administration, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a statement issued on Saturday to contradict to a remark made by Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Recto expects 20/20 vision in Duterte's upcoming SONA
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Friday said the venue of the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) is irrelevant compared to what President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to tell the Filipino people as the country wades through the COVID-19 situation.
GMA News
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Deleted Duterte rant vs. ABS-CBN shows Palace can't be trusted with truth, says Kiko
The apparent deletion of portions of President Rodrigo Duterte's speech before the troops in Jolo earlier this week shows Malacañang cannot be trusted with the truth, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan said on Friday.
GMA News
Filipinos deprived of knowledge on Duterte’s health — De Lima
Filipinos are being deprived of knowledge on the true state of President Duterte’s physical and mental health due to the Supreme Court’s complicity, detained opposition Sen. Leila de Lima claimed Saturday.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Leni refutes latest fake news on her
Vice President Leni Robredo has called out social media trolls who continue to spread fake news about her despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
Robredo expands aid to Cebu frontliners
Banking on private partnerships, Vice President Leni Robredo’s office is expanding its relief efforts by providing more dormitories and ferry service for frontliners in Cebu City.
Manila Bulletin
VP Leni celebrates daughter’s graduation at home
Another milestone was celebrated by the family of Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday, July 17 — the graduation of daughter Tricia, from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. She completed her internship at The Medical City on July 16.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Gov’t agencies prepare Citizen’s Charter; public urged to demand transparency
The public should assert their right to transparent and efficient government service when doing transactions especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said.
Manila Bulletin
Mayors send strong signal for constitutional reforms –DILG
The Department of the Interior and the Local Government (DILG) on Saturday welcomed the League of Municipalities (LMP) support on the administration's agenda to make amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
GMA News
Proposals for constitutional amendments remain a ‘contentious issue’ — Senators
Senate leaders maintained on Saturday, July 18, that proposals for constitutional amendments remain a “contentious issue.”
Manila Bulletin
Zarate accuses administration of pushing amendments to Constitution
Oppositionist and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate on Saturday accused the Duterte administration of being behind the new push for amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
Manila Bulletin
JUDICIARY
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Gordon, family go on home isolation after 10 Senate, Red Cross staff catch coronavirus
Ten members of Senator Richard Gordon's "immediate" staff at the Senate and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) tested positive for COVID-19, prompting him to get tested as well.
GMA News
E-government for transparent, efficient service — Sen. Poe
Senator Grace Poe is pushing for the establishment of an “E-Government” to improve the delivery of government services and public access.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
Solon wants March 15 declared Frontliners’ Day
Agusan del Sur 1st District Rep. Alfel Bascug wants due recognition for the heroism of the country’s frontliners against COVID-19, batting for the passage of House Bill No. 6937, which seeks to declare March 15 as Frontliners’ Day.
Manila Bulletin
House tackles bill to end use of multi-lingual education from Kinder to Grade 3
The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture has vowed to immediately tackle a bill seeking to abrogate the implementation of the mother tongue-based multilingual education for students from Kindergarten to Grade 3.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DILG sets meeting with local, nat’l gov’t officials to discuss uniform quarantine protocols
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Saturday said that local and national government officials will meet on July 20 to harmonize quarantine protocols in a bid to halt the surge of COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
About 75,000 foreigners have immigrant visas — Guevarra
There are around 75,000 foreigners who have been issued immigrant visas by the Philippine government, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Saturday, July 18.
Manila Bulletin
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
PH Air Force transports stranded foreigners, OFWs
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has transported 11 Indian nationals and 52 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) back to their homes as transportation remains limited due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
Philippine National Police
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
ASEAN business sector backs mentorship program
Members of the business sector of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have committed to work together to provide faster, easier, and cheaper mentorship to micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) who were hardly hit by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
DPWH Build, Build, Build Committee chair tests positive for COVID-19
Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) Build, Build, Build Committee Chairperson Anna Mae Lamentillo tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
GMA News
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
For 3rd straight year, Makati gets highest COA audit rating
For the third straight year in a row, the Makati City government earned an “unmodified opinion” from the Commission on Audit (COA) after examining the local government’s 2019 financial statements.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FOREIGN RELATIONS
DFA confirms it investigated sexual harassment complaint vs. ex-envoy to Korea
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday confirmed it investigated a sexual harassment complaint filed against the former Philippine ambassador to Korea.
GMA News
Choosing sides in a cold war
The Filipino people are engrossed in the pandemic crisis severely affecting public health and the economy. There is, however, a geopolitical crisis that will have a longer and more lasting effect already looming over our country and the world.
Philippine Star
West Philippine Sea
Non-negotiable
Finally, four years after an international tribunal in The Hague struck down China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea and handed the Philippines a historic victory, which the Duterte administration then promptly mothballed to pursue better relations with Beijing, the Philippines appears to be ready to show some spine and resolve on the issue.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LABOR
PH labor office in Kuwait reopens Sunday; to distribute cash aid to overseas Filipinos
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Kuwait will finally reopen Sunday, July 19, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait announced.
Manila Bulletin
More OFWs to receive cash aid under DOLE program for displaced migrant workers
Some 100,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) more will receive the P10,000 cash aid under the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) assistance program for displaced migrant workers.
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
Number of inbound int’l passengers in 3 airports increase
The National Task Force for COVID-19 has approved the request of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to increase the number of inbound international passengers at three international airports in the country.
Manila Bulletin
LTFRB Main back to work Monday
Work at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Central Office resumes Monday following a week-long shutdown after five employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin
2 PAGASA staff at NAIA get COVID
The Manila International Airport Authority has confirmed that two weather specialists of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport tested positive for COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin
HEALTH
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
NIA on renewable energy: 4 hydropower sites, pilot floating solar project already operating
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has cited its contributions to provide resources for renewable energy, as well as maximize the utilization of irrigation water through its existing systems and future projects nationwide.
Manila Bulletin
EDUCATION
CHED reviewing tuition hike applications amid pandemic —official
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Saturday said it is still assessing applications of several colleges and universities for tuition hike amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News
Private school enrollment down by 73%
Enrollment in private schools has hit an all-time low, dropping to 73 percent this year.
Manila Bulletin
UNESCO warns of drop in int’l support for education due to COVID-19
Recognizing that the coronavirus pandemic is also an education crisis, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) underscored the need to protect the share of education in total aid — noting that the COVID-19 threatens the support to education back by six years.
Manila Bulletin
ENERGY
NGCP had no influence on spike in electric bills during quarantine, solon says
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) did not influence the shocking electric bill spike experienced by consumers during the strict enhanced community quarantine, House Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano told reporters in an interview on Friday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
DSWD vows better system to ensure efficient delivery of aid
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has vowed to improve its system to ensure the timely, efficient, and transparent implementation of its social protection programs as it reported that 3.1 million individuals have been given cash assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) initiative.
Manila Bulletin
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Priorities? Palace gives go-signal to Tampakan mining amid COVID-19 surge
Amid surging number of COVID-19 cases, President Rodrigo Duterte has approved to “restore” the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of the Tampakan Mining Project in Tampakan, South Cotabato, Kiblawan in Davao del Sur and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.
Bulatlat
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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