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Communist Rebellion
Extension of NPA ceasefire impossible; revolutionary movement continues to mobilize the people vs. Covid19 and the Duterte fascist regime
As the 36-day nationwide ceasefire declared by the New People’s Army expired on April 30, the people’s army said it will transition from an active defense posture to an offensive one, as the Duterte regime continues its combat operations against the NPA and the people.
NDFP

AFP lauds seizure of 21 NPA firearms in Mindanao
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., has commended various military units in eastern and western Mindanao for their success in seizing 21 high-powered firearms belonging to the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) during operations early this month. 
Philippine News Agency

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Condemn Duterte fascist regime for closure of ABS-CBN
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins all the democratic forces in the country in condemning the Duterte fascist regime for ordering the closure of ABS-CBN. The closure of ABS-CBN is a brazen attack against press freedom. 
Communist Party of the Philippines

NPA-ST: Sa gitna ng krisis ng Covid-19, kundenahin ang atake ng 203rd Brigade sa NPA-Mindoro
Mariing kinukundena ng Melito Glor Command — NPA Southern Tagalog ang di-makatao at walang pusong pag-atakeng 203rd Brigade sa isang yunit ng Lucio de Guzman Command (LdGC) — NPA Mindoro noong April 30 alas 9:30 ng umaga.
Communist Party of the Philippines

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Group lambasts plan to deploy military, police units against union offices
The 202nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police – Police Regional Office 4-A are preparing to deploy their forces to barangay Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna, according to information received by labor group Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan (Pamantik-KMU).
Bulatlat

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Why I want government troops to win against rebels
IN my column last Saturday (May 2, 2020), I suggested that President Digong think out of the box in solving the country’s insurgency problem.
The Manila Times

Peace Talks

Duterte has never been interested in peace negotiations with the NDFP
Dear Prof. Sison: In his latest weekly midnight address last night, President Duterte said “malabo” na raw ang peace talks with you, accusing the NPA of attacking government soldiers during the coronavirus emergency.
NDFP

Incidents/ Operations    


 
Extremism
MARAWI 

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD


ISIS eyes Covid-19 weakness in Indonesia
With battered Islamic State (ISIS) urging its followers to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic’s disruption and launch renewed attacks around the world, Indonesian counter-terrorism police have seized a startling amount of ammunition in raids at opposite ends of Java.
Asia Times

Jokowi inaugurates new antiterror agency chief despite criticism
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday inaugurated police Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar as the new head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) despite criticism from police watchdogs over the manner of the appointment.
The Jakarta Post

60 convicted radicals and terrorists to be released by end 2021
This year and next, a total of 60 prisoners convicted of terrorism and others who are known to have become radicalised are due to be released from prison, according to figures given by federal justice minister Koen Geens (CD&V).
The Brussels Times

ANALYSIS - EU Research Center for Islam and Democracy: Support or more surveillance?
A new initiative by several conservative members of the European Parliament (MEP) from Austria and Germany seems to be more of an attempt to criminalize Muslims and expand the surveillance of their religious institutions than an endeavor to empower them.
Anadolu Agency
 
Bangsamoro
BARMM 

Barmm fund for Covid-19 response reaches P1.9B
THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), through its Ministry of Finance and Budget and Management (MFBM), has released some P1.9 billion since the start of coronavirus diseases (Covid-19) pandemic.
Sunstar Zamboanga

Bangsamoro region eyes local coronavirus testing within May
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said it was looking forward to having its own coronavirus testing facility within the month of May.
Rappler

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY 

NORTH COTABATO

NoCot guv extends food, non-food aid to checkpoint front-liners
With the province now under general community quarantine, North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco visited on Tuesday several front-liners assigned to various checkpoints and handed out food and non-food items.
Philippine News Agency

LANAO PROVINCES

Young Muslims find comfort in Ramadan amid Covid-19 pandemic
Ramadan is the Islamic calendar’s month of fasting, congregational prayers, and charity. But with the Covid-19 pandemic affecting communities around the world, observance for the Islamic holy month takes a different turn as cities are at a lockdown, gatherings are minimized, and quarantine is highly encouraged.
Philippine News Agency

BASILAN

SULU 

TAWI-TAWI 

 
Shadow Economies
DRUGS

Probe results on 357 'narco cops' submitted to PRRD: PNP
The results of the adjudication process on the initial 357 police officers allegedly involved in illegal drugs have been submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte, the country's top cop said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency

Operations/ Incidents

Recovery and Rehabilitation

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

KIDNAPPING

ILLEGAL GAMBLING

56 foreigners arrested for illegal POGO operation in Makati City
Police authorities arrested 56 foreigners for alleged illegal operation of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) during a raid in Makati City on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION

SEC lists 5 more get-rich-quick scams
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has exposed a new set of entities enticing people to put hard-earned money into illegal investment schemes with the promise of high returns over a short period of time. 
Philippine Daily Inquirer
 
Land Issues
Indigenous Peoples
Human Rights
CHR ties up with feminist group for relief drive
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through the Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights (CGEWHR), has tied up with Power in Her Story – a feminist independent publishing house – in order to help give aid to marginalized women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

ICHRP renews request to release political prisoners as COVID-19 infects crowded prisons
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) on Wednesday, May 6, renewed its call for the government to release political prisoners as COVID-19 infects hundreds in crowded prisons and jails.
Manila Bulletin

Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression

CHR condemns killing of radio announcer in Dumaguete City
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has strongly condemned the killing of a radio broadcaster in Dumaguete City on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

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CHR: ABS-CBN’s shutdown is loss of people’s voice
The shutdown of TV network ABS-CBN means that the Filipino people are losing another “voice” and it will unfortunately trigger waves of effects as the country deals with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said in a statement.
Manila Bulletin

Palace won’t block new ABS-CBN franchise, says Roque
Will President Duterte sign or veto the franchise bill of ABS-CBN media network if and when it reaches his desk?
Manila Bulletin

Calida defends NTC’s cease-desist order vs ABS-CBN
Solicitor General Jose Calida on Wednesday defended the decision of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in issuing a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN which was forced to shut down its broadcasting operations.
Manila Bulletin

Cease-desist order can’t be appealed before Office of the President — Guevarra
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra clarified on Wednesday, May 6, that the cease and desist order issued against ABS-CBN is not appealable before the Office of the President.
Manila Bulletin

Senators urge House: Act on ABS-CBN franchise
Some senators called on fellow lawmakers at the House of Representatives to finally act on the measure granting a new franchise to the ABS-CBN Corporation.
Manila Bulletin

NTC was only ‘doing its job’ when it acted against ABS-CBN – Sotto
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, though saddened by the shutdown of television network ABS-CBN, said Wednesday that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) should not be blamed for issuing the cease-and-desist order (CDO) against the broadcast giant.
Manila Bulletin

ABS-CBN closure is ‘cruelest act of the year,’ says Ping Lacson, quoting his wife
The closure of ABS-CBN by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is the “cruelest act of the year,” says Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, quoting his wife, Alice.
Manila Bulletin

Angara: SolGen Calida should have refrained from giving out legal advice to NTC
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Wednesday expressed his belief that Solicitor General Jose Calida should have refrained from giving out legal advice to officials of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) which eventually led the agency to issue a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN Corporation.
Manila Bulletin

Recto: ABS-CBN did not deserve ‘death penalty’ from NTC
Television network ABS-CBN did not deserve the “death penalty” imposed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for its lack of congressional permit to operate and its alleged violations, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin

Drilon sees lopsided implementation of the law by NTC in ABS-CBN case
Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday reiterated his belief the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) committed grave abuse of authority when it issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN Corporation even while its application for franchise renewal is still pending in Congress.
Manila Bulletin

Solon says it’s unfair to blame Cayetano on ABS-CBN franchise lapse
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) spokesperson, Rep. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur, 2nd district) said solely blaming House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for the lapse of the ABS-CBN franchise is unfair.
Manila Bulletin

Solon moves to revive ABS-CBN
Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed on Wednesday noon two measures aimed at reviving the shuttered ABS-CBN broadcast network.
Manila Bulletin

Solons pin ABS-CBN franchise lapse on House leadership
Two independent senior members of the House of Representatives cleared the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of any fault on the ABS-CBN franchise fiasco, saying that the chamber’s leadership should carry the blame for the network’s closure.
Manila Bulletin

Defensor defends House leadership, blames past Congress for ABS-CBN issue
It is not the 18th Congress but the past ones that should be blamed for the miseries of the shutdown ABS-CBN network.
Manila Bulletin

IBP to Congress: Act on ABS-CBN franchise
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Wednesday, May 6, urged Congress to quickly act on the pending renewal of ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise.
Manila Bulletin

Palace reporters slam order to stop ABS-CBN’s operations
Members of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) denounced as a “blatant attack on press freedom” the cease-and-desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) shutting down ABS-CBN’s broadcast operations.
Manila Bulletin

Fears of Press Freedom Crackdown After Philippines Orders Largest Broadcaster Off Air
ABS-CBN, the largest TV broadcaster in the Philippines, was forced off the air just before 8 p.m. Tuesday night by a government agency, leading to shock and outrage from domestic and international journalists and press freedom watchdog groups.
The Diplomat

Lawyer’s group vows day of reckoning in ABS-CBN shutdown
An organization of lawyers has vowed that the government will be held liable for having shut down ABS-CBN.
Manila Bulletin

Progressive group backs Lopezes
The Lopez family and the ABS-CBN management should fight it out and stand firm on democratic principles and love of country on the issue of the closure of the network.
Manila Bulletin

‘Chilling effect’ of ABS-CBN shutdown assailed
As the National Telecommunications Communication (NTC) issued on Tuesday a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN upon the expiry of its legislative franchise, a journalism professor warned of the chilling effect of this event on Philippine mass media critical of the Duterte administration.
Manila Bulletin

UST community backs ABS-CBN against NTC order
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Wednesday expressed support for news and entertainment conglomerate ABS-CBN after it went off-air in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) cease and desist order.
Manila Bulletin

OPINION: Silence is not an option on ABS-CBN shutdown
The last time the curtains went down on ABS-CBN was when the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972. One of the tyrant’s first moves in imposing one-man rule was to close down news outfits on print, radio, and television.
ABS-CBN News

The great silencing
At exactly 7:50 p.m. last Tuesday, Noli de Castro, lead anchor of “TV Patrol,” ABS-CBN’s early evening newscast, bid the televiewing public farewell.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Mindanao groups dismayed over ABS-CBN closure; former activists say it’s like martial law
Mindanao groups have joined those who express dismay over the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to shut down the broadcast operation of radio and television company ABS-CBN.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Bishop Pabillo on ABS-CBN shutdown: Martial law specter coming up
Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, on Wednesday urged the public to defend press freedom as he described the shutdown of broadcasting giant ABS-CBN as a move closer to martial law.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Business groups urge Congress: Act on ABS-CBN franchise renewal
Business groups yesterday called on Congress to take immediate action on the bills seeking to renew the franchise of broadcast giant ABS-CBN after the network went off the air on Tuesday night following the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to stop its operations.
Philippine Star

Martial Law 


 
Governance

COVID-19

Cases


PH COVID-19 cases cross 10,000 mark
Confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country exceeded 10,000 on Wednesday, the Department of Health said. The DOH reported 320 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections nationwide to 10,004.
Manila Bulletin

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38 more Filipinos abroad test positive for COVID-19
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said 38 more overseas Filipinos have been tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while 10 new cases of recoveries and one fatality were reported in the Americas, the Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East regions.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

17 Filipinos in UAE succumb to COVID-19
Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hjayceelyn Quintana on Wednesday confirmed that 17 Filipinos died in Dubai and four others in Abu Dhabi due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection.
Manila Bulletin

Department of Health

PH’s second mega swabbing center opens in Taguig City
In a bid to further intensify the country’s mass testing capability, the second mega swabbing center in the Philippines was opened on Wednesday at the Enderun Colleges in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Manila Bulletin

SPMC to join ‘solidarity trials’ to discover drugs vs COVID-19
The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) will soon join the hospitals from all over the world in the “solidarity trials” to discover possible drugs that can treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients.
Mindanews

UPLB innovates engineering solutions to expand hospitals’ capacity
The Technology and Facility Innovation Committee of the University of the Philippines Baños (UPLB) is innovating engineering solutions to expand the capacity of hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.
Manila Bulletin

IATF

Gov’t wary of new COVID-19 surge as 10 OFWs test positive
The government is exercising utmost caution to prevent a new surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection as at least 19 repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have tested positive for the illness, the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 bared on Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin

Gov’t to deploy hundreds of state workers to man mega swabbing centers
Hundreds of government workers will soon be deployed to assist in the newly-established mega swabbing centers in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Regions

Cebu sitio placed under total lockdown
Due to the sudden surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the sub-village of Alaska in Barangay Mambaling here, Mayor Edgardo Labella on Wednesday ordered a sitio-wide total lockdown.
Philippine News Agency

CDO records 3 new Covid-19 cases, 2 deaths
Health authorities on Wednesday reported three new cases of patients who tested positive for 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

Covid-19 cases in Bataan now 107
This province continues to experience an increase in confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) with a total of 107 with five deaths as of Tuesday afternoon.
Philippine News Agency

11 new Covid-19 cases recorded in W. Visayas
The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Region 6 (Western Visayas) has confirmed 11 additional coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the region, bringing the total cases to 91.
Philippine News Agency

20 persons test positive for COVID-19 in Puerto Galera
Twenty persons have tested positive forthe  coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Puerto Galera town, Oriental Mindoro.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Iloilo town vice mayor, councilors undergo quarantine
The vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of San Dionisio town, Iloilo were requested to undergo quarantine after a councilor came in contact with a coronavirus disease symptomatic local.
Philippine News Agency

4 inmates at Manila police station tested positive for coronavirus — NCRPO
Four detainees at the custodial facility of Sta. Ana police station in Manila were infected with the coronavirus disease, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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All Davao-bound passengers from Clark negative for COVID-19
The regional office of the Department of Health in the Davao Region (DOH-Davao) said on Wednesday that all 147 passengers on board a 162-seater sweeper flight from AirAsia tested negative for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Mindanews

Marikina city helps test police, non-medical frontliners for COVID-19
The Marikina city government aided in the testing of personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on May 6, Wednesday, citing the importance of testing frontliners during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Manila Bulletin

270 Dabawenyos stranded in Luzon return home
At least 270 stranded Dabawenyos in Luzon returned here on Wednesday via a sweeper flight organized by the local government.
Philippine News Agency

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Cainta mayor's shoe auction fetches P1-M
An auction of rare collectible athletic footwear has fetched PHP1 million as of Tuesday, the proceeds of which will help soften the enhanced community quarantine's (ECQ) economic impact in this town east of Manila.
Philippine News Agency

8K public utility drivers in Region 1 to get cash aid
Around 8,000 public utility drivers in Region 1 (Ilocos) will receive emergency cash aid under the social amelioration program (SAP), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional office confirmed.
Philippine News Agency

Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

PCSO releases P122 million in medical aid to 13,000 patients
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) released P122 million to cover the medical expenses of 13, 236 indigent patients who sought the help of the agency in April.
Manila Bulletin

Incidents and Violations

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

COVID-19 and the human touch
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many people worried that because of the internet, we could be physically close but socially distant. Today, we are relying on the internet to be socially close despite being physically distant.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Soft announcement of extension
The President and his people went on air Monday primarily for the chief executive to bury the hatchet with two conglomerates that have gone the extra mile to help defuse social tensions. 
Philippine Daily Inquirer

World

Coronavirus updates: 64 kids hospitalized with disease possibly related to COVID-19
A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed over 260,000 people worldwide. More than 3.7 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
ABC News

Coronavirus mutations: Scientists puzzle over impact
Researchers in the US and UK have identified hundreds of mutations to the virus which causes the disease Covid-19. But none has yet established what this will mean for virus spread in the population and for how effective a vaccine might be.
BBC News

Trump says coronavirus taskforce to continue work
US President Donald Trump to announce new members of coronavirus taskforce Monday, as focus turns to medical treatment.
Aljazeera

Brazil: largest rise in Covid-19 deaths follows Bolsonaro 'worst is over' claim
Brazil has seen its largest ever daily increase in its coronavirus death toll, despite erroneous suggestions from President Jair Bolsonaro that the worst of the crisis was over.
The Guardian

More than 90,000 health workers infected with COVID-19 worldwide: Nurses group
At least 90,000 healthcare workers worldwide are believed to have been infected with COVID-19, and possibly twice that, amid reports of continuing shortages of protective equipment, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) said on Wednesday (May 6).
Channel News Asia

Indonesia reports 367 new COVID-19 cases, 23 deaths
Indonesia reported 367 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday (May 6), taking the total to 12,438, said health ministry official Achmad Yurianto.
Channel News Asia

Singapore's COVID-19 cases rise past 20,000 with 788 new infections; 2 more deaths
Singapore reported 788 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Wednesday (May 6), taking the country's total to 20,198. The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported two more deaths, a 97-year-old Singaporean woman and a 73-year-old Singaporean man.
Channel News Asia

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Palace: ABS-CBN shutdown amid COVID-19 pandemic ‘not prudent’
Malacañang thought it was not prudent to order ABS-CBN to stop its operations as the country grapples with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Malacanang pins hope on other TV networks to serve information needs of the people
Malacañang is saddened by the shutdown of ABS-CBN media network but is hopeful other broadcast entities will fill the void in disseminating information to the public especially about the coronavirus pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Palace: ‘Perfectly legal’ for Duterte to stop medical workers from going abroad
President Duterte is well within the bounds of the Constitution if he decides to stop Filipino medical workers from going abroad as the country fights the coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic, Malacañang said.
Manila Bulletin

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PRRD signs EO adopting Bong Go’s ‘Balik Probinsiya’ as national strategy
The government is aiming to reverse migration to Metro Manila and other congested urban centers by formally adopting the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” (BP2) program as a national strategy.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte eases advance payment requirements for COVID-19 supplies, rentals
President Duterte has authorized the increase in the amount of advance payment for the government’s procurement of goods and services needed to address the coronavirus emergency.
Manila Bulletin

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Robredo focuses on relief goods distribution
After concluding a fund campaign for assisting those adversely affected by the quarantine measures imposed during the national health emergency, Vice President Leni Robredo is now conducting relief work.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY


In pandemic scramble, Duterte has one more job: Pick new SC justice
While in the scramble to contain the pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte has another important job to do – pick a new justice of the Supreme Court.
Rappler

‘Get clearance online on May 11-22,’ SC tells bar passers
The Supreme Court (SC) announced on Wednesday, May 6, that the 2,103 law graduates who passed the 2019 bar examinations have to secure their clearance online prior to their oath-taking and signing of the roll of attorneys.
Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Senate prepares stimulus package for economic recovery
The Senate will be preparing a multi-billion peso economic stimulus package to help the country recover from the recession brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns imposed to curb its spread.
Manila Bulletin

Angara: 2021 nat’l budget to reach P5 trillion to include economic stimulus
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on May 6, Wednesday, projected that the proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2021 would reach P5 trillion since the government has to allocate funds to stimulate the economy in light of the negative impact of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 to the country.
Manila Bulletin

Senate seeks full inquiry into government’s response to pandemic
Officials of the executive branch would be called to a “full-blown” inquiry in the Senate about its efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic and plans to minimize its recessionary impacts.
Manila Bulletin

Sen. Go cites DOH for expanding seniors’ discounted medicine list
Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘’Bong’’ Go today commended the Department of Health (DOH) for including medically-prescribed vitamins and mineral supplements in the list of discounted health-related goods for senior citizens.
Manila Bulletin

Villar bats for reopening of the construction industry
Senator Cynthia Villar on Wednesday, May 6, appealed to the government to reopen the construction industry to help its low-income workers cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Lacson urges Congress to pass bill penalizing perjurers, those behind them
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson today pressed Congress to pass a stronger law that would impose heavier penalties on lying witnesses and the public officials and employees who might be behind them.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

House bill seeks to limit barangay population to 15,000 for better pandemic response
If Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers will have his way, he will limit inhabitants of each barangay (village) in the country to just 15,000, a manageable number in the backdrop of the current coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Anti-POGO bill filed at House
Several lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Wednesday filed a bill seeking to ban and declare illegal the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Philippine News Agency

House readies probe on slow SAP distribution
The unwarranted delay in the implementation of the social amelioration program (SAP) for 18 million poor and near-poor families will not go unnoticed by the House of Representatives.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)


LGUs cram to beat deadline of cash aid distribution
Local government units are racing against time to complete the distribution of cash aid to thousands of residents before the deadline on Thursday. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said he will not allow another deadline extension after May 7. 
GMA News

DILG warns barangay officials engaged in corruption
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday assured that corrupt barangay officials will be dealt with accordingly if it is proven that unqualified residents were accorded with the subsidy under the social amelioration program (SAP).
Manila Bulletin

DSWD: LGUs that fail to complete SAP distribution by May 7 may seek extension from DILG
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday that local government units (LGUs) that will fail to complete the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) subsidies by Thursday, May 7, may seek for another extension from the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG).
Manila Bulletin

Gordon lauds LGUs’ support to COVID-19 testing
Senator Richard J. Gordon today commended local government units (LGUs) that are already conducting COVID-19 tests on their constituents.  He said there is a pressing need for at least 13 percent of Metro Manila’s population to be tested in order to stem the spread of the pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Iloilo board member wants 4Ps roster included in SAP
A member of Iloilo’s Provincial Board is pushing for the inclusion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) roster in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) social amelioration program (SAP).
Philippine News Agency

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Zambo Norte to establish 1st rural resettlement area
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said the province of Zamboanga del Norte has agreed to establish the first Rural Resettlement Model for informal urban dwellers who want to participate in the “Balik Probinsya, Balik Pag-asa” Program (BPBPP).
Philippine News Agency

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DOJ recommendations on how to keep health workers at home out this week
The Department of Justice (DOJ) hopes to submit this Friday, May 8, its recommendations to President Rodrigo Duterte on how to prevent health workers from leaving the country to work abroad.
Manila Bulletin

BuCor: 54 COVID-19 positive cases in Bilibid, CIW
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has announced that there are now 54 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) including three deaths in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa and Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

DND studying US attack helicopter offers
The Department of National Defense (DND) will evaluate the United States' offer to sell two types of top-of-the-line attack helicopters to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Philippine News Agency

Armed Forces of the Philippines


AFP bears brunt of COVID-19 supplies, equipment delivery
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has borne the brunt of delivering medical supplies and equipment to areas needing it to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through the help of military planes and ships.
Manila Bulletin

Philippine National Police

Police reassure OFWs on safe return
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are being barred from entering their hometowns during the national health emergency will be assisted by the law enforcement arm to ensure their safety and protection from harassment or discrimination.
Manila Bulletin

Police directed to identify, probe local officials involved in SAP irregularities
Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered all police commanders to identify and investigate local officials who are involved in the irregular distribution of the cash assistance from the national government.
Manila Bulletin

PNP raised over P228 M in donations to augment SAP, turns it over to DoF
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has turned over the P228 million it raised from the donations of its more than 200,000 uniformed personnel and civilian employees to the Department of Finance.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

Budget gap seen swelling to P1T
As expenditures for COVID-19 response add up while revenue collections slow down amid the pandemic, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Wednesday said that this year’s budget deficit could balloon to “around P1 trillion.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BIR issues post-lockdown work schedule to maximize tax collection
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has come up with a new work schedule for all officials and employees nationwide to maximize tax collection efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Customs ramps up modernization projects to complement shift to ‘new normal’
More digital projects will be implemented by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in a bid to speed up trade as it shifts to the “new normal” in the middle of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Go urges gov’t to attract foreign investments in PH provinces to boost ‘Balik Probinsya’ program
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday urged the government to attract more foreign businesses to invest in the country, particularly in less developed regions, as international companies are planning to shift supply chains to cheaper job markets while the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is on a global warpath.
Manila Bulletin

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

ABS-CBN employees remain employed despite CDO — DOLE
Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on Wednesday said employees of ABS-CBN shall continue to be employed despite the cease and desist order of the National Telecommunications Commission against the television network.
Manila Bulletin

40,000 more OFWs expected to return home amid coronavirus pandemic
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said at least 40,000 overseas Filipino workers OFWs) are expected to return here in the country.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

MIAA confirms 3 airport workers positive for Covid-19
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal on Wednesday confirmed that three personnel detailed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

DOTR, MIAA release new guidelines for air travel
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) started on Wednesday to implement guidelines that aim to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

MIAA appeals to foreign embassies to help citizens stuck at NAIA
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal appealed to the different embassies in the country to help their citizens who have been stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 for several weeks now.
Manila Bulletin

Railway sector gears up for lifting of ECQ to serve riding public — Tugade
The railway sector has geared up to serve commuters while observing health protocols on public transport once the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted in Metro Manila.
Manila Bulletin

Bikes, motorcycles to play important role for commuters under 'new normal'
Two-wheel vehicles will have an important role for Filipino commuters once the community quarantines have been lifted and the country transitions into the "new normal," the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday.
GMA News

HEALTH

DOH: PH to test Avigan on 100 COVID-19 patients in clinical trial
The Japanese government will provide the anti-flu drug Avigan to at least 100 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients in the Philippines as part of the latter’s upcoming conduct of clinical trials for treating the dreaded illness, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Farm output fell 1.2% in Q1
PHILIPPINE agriculture production declined by 1.2 percent in the first three months of 2020, reversing the 0.4-percent growth it posted in the previous quarter, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The Manila Times

NFA expects to deliver sixth batch of 29,000 bags of rice
The sixth batch of around 29,000 bags of rice were expected to be delivered to the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses in Metro Manila on Wednesday, May 6.
Manila Bulletin

Schools, universities partner with DA to promote urban community agriculture
More educational institutions are partnering with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the promotion of urban and community agriculture as one of the government interventions to help ensure food availability and accessibility.
Manila Bulletin

Batac City university launches ‘Plant, Plant, Plant’ program
Officials of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) here have designated parts of the school’s crop production area for the "Plant, Plant, Plant" program to ensure there would be enough food supply during and after the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) health crisis.
Philippine News Agency

Public urged to take online agri-courses amid quarantine
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 1 (Ilocos) is encouraging people who are stuck in their homes this quarantine period to enroll in online agricultural courses.
Philippine News Agency

EDUCATION

DepEd to release cash allowance to teachers in June
The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to release a cash allowance amounting to P3,500 per classroom teacher by next month.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd braces for ‘grueling transition, birth pains’ as it adapts into new normal in education
Forced to adapt into the “new normal” due to COVID-19, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured that it will continue to make the necessary adjustments without compromising the health and safety of its learners and personnel.
Manila Bulletin

Sen. Win Gatchalian: School authorities should consider ‘learning from home’ as the ‘new normal’
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on May 6, Wednesday, pushed for more home-based learning schemes as “learning from home” should now be regarded as the “new normal” in schools once classes open for School Year (SY) 2020-2021.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd suspends Brigada, Palaro and all crowd-drawing events
As a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Education (DepEd) has indefinitely suspended all events and activities that draw large crowds – especially those that require participation of learners and teachers.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

Temporary tax on oil to boost by P20B PH’s response vs virus
The government is expected to raise P20 billion and boost the country’s war chest against the pandemic following President Duterte’s order to add a 10-percent duty on crude oil and refined products.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

311,162 targeted SAP beneficiaries still without cash aid – solon
As the window for the needy to get government financial aid slowly closes, over 311,000 rice farmers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continue to wait for their share of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) benefits.
Manila Bulletin

DSWD reports P71.3-B SAP distributed so far
Over 13.02 million beneficiaries of the 18 million low-income families targeted to receive the emergency subsidy under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) have received their cash assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday, May 6.
Manila Bulletin

Año admits huge problems hamper SAP distribution
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday admitted that huge problems are hampering the distribution of the cash assistance under the social amelioration program (SAP) to their target beneficiaries in Metro Manila on the eve of the May 7 deadline.
Manila Bulletin

DSWD: senior citizens, PWDs to send representatives to claim their SAP
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has advised senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to instead send their representatives to claim their Social Amelioration Program (SAP) emergency subsidies during payouts.
Manila Bulletin

Solons push DSWD, barangays to give cash aid to senior and vulnerable citizens via door-to-door
Lawmakers asked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on May 6, Wednesday, to ensure that local government units (LGUs) will strictly follow its recommended door-to-door delivery of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash aid to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING

TOURISM

Siargao tourist operators worried as seaports reopen
Tourist operators here have expressed fears that the island may eventually have positive cases of the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as Siargao reopened for incoming passengers a few days ago, courtesy of an order from the governor of Surigao del Norte.
Mindanews

Huge losses seen from SarBay fest postponement
Organizers of the Sarangani Bay (SarBay) festival are expecting a multi-million peso losses in the private tourism sector as Mindanao’s biggest summer beach party in Glan, Sarangani province was cancelled to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Mindanews

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

UP scientist: gov’t should reconsider activities with adverse effects on air quality
To maintain the “good air quality” as the “new normal,” a scientist from the University of the Philippines (UP) has appealed to all sectors to use the opportunity to reconsider activities that have adverse impacts on air quality.
Manila Bulletin

EcoWaste Coalition reminds gov’t regulators to remove toys with hazardous chemicals off the market
Environmental health group EcoWaste Coalition on Wednesday, May 6, called on government regulators to exercise their powers in removing toys with hazardous chemicals off the market.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY  

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