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COVID-19
Cases
Philippines' COVID-19 cases exceed 12,000; death toll over 800 with 123 new recoveries
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines surpassed 12,000 on Friday with 215 new infections, bringing the total to 12,091.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
COVID-19 cases among health care workers climb to 2,245 but almost 800 have recovered -DOH
A total of 779 health care workers in the country have already survived the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) announced Friday.
GMA News
35 more PNP personnel infected with COVID-19, total at 214
At least 35 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were confirmed positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Friday (May 15), bringing the total number of infections in the organization to 214.
Manila Bulletin
COVID-19 cases among BuCor inmates climb to 117
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has recorded 117 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and four deaths among inmates, the Department of Justice said Friday.
GMA News
DOJ: 8 female PDLs recover from COVID-19
Eight female inmates who have been under quarantine have recovered from the deadly 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Friday, May 15.
Manila Bulletin
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COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad slowing down
For two consecutive days, the Department of Foreign Affairs did not receive reports of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related fatalities among Filipinos abroad and the cases of new recoveries continue to outnumber new confirmed cases.
Manila Bulletin
Another Filipina nurse dies of coronavirus in UAE
A 31-year-old Filipina nurse died of COVID-19 in this gulf state as the world observed International Nurses Day. Lezly Concepcion died in an Abu Dhabi hospital Tuesday, May 12, according to her cousin, Marianeal Ocampo.
Rappler
Filipino dies of COVID-19 in Ireland
The Philippine Consulate in Dublin on Friday expressed its condolences to the family and loved ones of a 55-year-old Filipino who passed away in Ireland after a bout with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin
Department of Health
DOH urged to ease rules on families of coronavirus deaths
Former University of the Philippines (UP) chancellor Michael Tan, a medical anthropologist, has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to ease some of its rules on the families of people who who died of COVID-19.
Rappler
Public health campaign vs. spitting must be intensified amid COVID-19, says UP prof
Filipinos must learn to let go of some old practices that involve saliva as the country transitions into a new normal due to the threats of COVID-19, a University of the Philippines professor said on Friday.
GMA News
UP Pandemic Response Team Notes ‘Data Errors’ in DOH Statistics
The Department of Health (DOH) provides the citizenry with daily case updates so that Filipinos will know how many confirmed cases there are, and how many people have died and survived from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health crisis.
Manila Bulletin
6 more COVID-19 patients join WHO Solidarity Trials in PH
Six more COVID-19 patients took part in the Solidarity Trials of the World Health Organization (WHO), putting the total number of patients participating in the country at 87 as of Tuesday, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced Friday (May 15).
Manila Bulletin
IATF
Galvez: PH actual testing capacity for COVID-19 up by 74%
The country’s actual testing capacity for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has risen by 74 percent, National Action Plan on COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said Thursday night.
Manila Bulletin
IATF mulling over petition of Region III LGUs for an extended ECQ
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya on May 15, Friday, clarified that authorities have yet to decide whether to grant the request of some Central Luzon localities to be placed under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) after May 15.
Manila Bulletin
Año tells public to still observe quarantine protocols
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Eduardo M. Año on Friday urged the public to still observe quarantine protocols in the event the general community quarantine (GCQ) is shelved or the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is downgraded to GCQ.
Manila Bulletin
Gov’t identifies Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna as 10th venue to be converted into quarantine facility
Another sports arena, this time in Laguna, will be converted into a mega quarantine facility, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.
Manila Bulletin
Regions
Bataan's Covid-19 cases climb to 125
The number of patients confirmed positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in this province continues to rise, with six new cases recorded, bringing the total number of those afflicted to 125.
Philippine News Agency
Bulacan records 8 new Covid-19 cases, 5 recoveries
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has reported eight new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the province, bringing the total number to 147.
Philippine News Agency
NorMin records 3 new Covid-19 cases
Northern Mindanao has recorded three new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, bringing to 21 the total number of cases in the region, the regional health office said Friday.
Philippine News Agency
COVID-19 patient who escaped from Davao City facility found
Authorities found Friday morning the female COVID-19 patient who escaped from a quarantine facility in Davao City over the weekend. The Davao City government made the announcement but no other details were given.
GMA News, Mindanews
Cebu City locks down 6 sitios due to Covid-19
Mayor Edgardo Labella on Friday placed six sitios (sub-villages) in Barangay Tejero here under enforced lockdown following a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, the city legal officer said.
Philippine News Agency
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Zambo Norte waging 'blind battle' against Covid-19
With no swab test facility accepting its specimens, the Zamboanga del Norte Inter-Agency Task Force (ZN-IATF) is waging a blind battle against the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency
Central Luzon provinces except Aurora, Tarlac appeal for modified ECQ
Central Luzon provinces except Aurora and Tarlac have appealed to the national government to postpone the implementation of general community quarantine (GCQ) in their respective areas.
GMA News
Davao to shift to GCQ from May 16 to 31
After nearly six weeks under enhanced community quarantine, the city will shift to general community quarantine starting 12:01 a.m. of May 16 until 11:59 p.m. of May 31, following the review of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Mindanews
South Cotabato to allow reopening of more businesses, industries
More businesses and industries in South Cotabato province will be allowed to resume their operations starting Saturday, May 16, as part of the second phase of the reopening of economic activities in the area.
Mindanews
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Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Red Cross to open lab for COVID-19 testing in Cebu City
A bio-molecular laboratory for COVID-19 testing will soon open in Cebu City through the partnership of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Security Bank Foundation, according to Senator Richard Gordon.
GMA News
Incidents and Violations
7 Bacolod residents file case vs. village execs for SAP anomaly
Seven residents of Barangay Felisa in this city filed a complaint against their village chief and three barangay personnel on Friday for allegedly pocketing a portion of the PHP6,000 government cash aid they received in April.
Philippine News Agency
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
[OPINION] The Philippine problem goes beyond a lack of discipline
Whether on social media or in personal conversations, one is bound to hear that the problem of the Philippines stems from a lack of discipline. The same narrative typically punctuates issues, from garbage disposal to queuing up, and more acutely now, following stay-at-home orders during community quarantine.
Rappler
Forgotten priority: PWDs still waiting for cash aid from Duterte gov't
Aside from falling behind in mass testing, the Philippines has given assistance too little, too late to disenfranchised Filipinos under lockdown, even to those who need them the most – persons with disabilities.
Rappler
Random testing is what we need
The highly publicized errors in the recording of the results of COVID-19 testing are, in my opinion, only common glitches that can be corrected as one goes along.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
World
Race to prevent coronavirus 'nightmare' in Rohingya camps
Emergency teams raced on Friday, May 15, to prevent a coronavirus "nightmare" in the world's largest refugee settlement after the first confirmed cases in a sprawling city of shacks housing nearly a million Rohingya.
Rappler
Virus could infect more than 200 million in Africa – WHO modeling
The new coronavirus could kill 150,000 people in Africa in a year unless urgent action is taken, according to a WHO modeling study that says nearly a quarter of a billion people will be infected.
Rappler
White House 'Operation Warp Speed' to look for Covid jab
US President Donald Trump has vowed to deliver a coronavirus jab by year's end as he launched a White House vaccine initiative, dubbed "Operation Warp Speed".
BBC News
Chile digs thousands of graves for coronavirus surge
Thousands of fresh graves are being dug in the Chilean capital's main cemetery amid a spike in the South American country's COVID-19 cases, authorities said Thursday, May 14.
Rappler
COVID-19 vaccine appears protective for monkeys in small Oxford study
A closely watched COVID-19 vaccine being developed by scientists at Oxford University appears protective in a small study of six monkeys, promising findings that led to the start of human trials late last month, US and British researchers reported on Thursday.
Channel News Asia
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Duterte: General Sinas’ birthday party was wrong
President Duterte has agreed the birthday gathering of Metro Manila’s police chief during the quarantine period was “wrong” but would let the investigation determine whether or not he will be suspended or dismissed from his post, Malacañang said Friday.
Manila Bulletin
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Duterte wants cash aid given to poor families in downgraded GCQ areas
President Rodrigo Duterte wants all low-income families who received the first tranche of coronavirus emergency subsidy to again get the second tranche, even if their areas were downgraded to general community quarantine (GCQ).
Rappler, Manila Bulletin
Quarantine guidelines are equal for rich and poor — Palace
Malacañang fended off allegations today, May 15, that the government has imposed quarantine guidelines that favor the country’s rich and discriminate against the poor.
Manila Bulletin
Palace says gov’t may amend quarantine status, especially if community health risks increase
The government may still amend the community quarantine classification in some areas depending on health and economic considerations, Malacañang said Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Quarantine passes still necessary — Roque
Malacañang urged the public to observe the eased down quarantine protocols in good faith to help contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
Palace warns against purchasing faulty COVID-19 test kits
Malacañang has cautioned against the purchase of faulty coronavirus test kits, saying it was prudent to get such medical supplies from reputable sources.
Manila Bulletin
Barbershops, salons remain close – Malacañang
People may have to bear with their growing quarantine hair or cut their own locks following the government’s temporary ban on barbershops and salons during coronavirus lockdown, according to a Palace official.
Manila Bulletin
Palace: Street food vendors may operate
Taho, balut, kwek-kwek and other street food vendors may go out and start selling their products as long as they observe quarantine protocols, particularly physical distancing, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Malacañang said.
Manila Bulletin
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Authoritarianism here and now
Apparently, the first criterion for a community opening up the economy after a lockdown is that the community should have a “downward trajectory of positive tests” or a “downward trajectory of documented cases” of coronavirus over a 14-day period.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Warrantless arrests discourage criticism of Duterte –Colmenares
The warrantless arrests of social media users over their posts sends the message that dissenters should not criticize President Rodrigo Duterte, human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares said Friday.
GMA News
Trillanes condemns arrest of netizen who called Duterte ‘buang’
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday denounced the arrest of a salesman who called President Rodrigo Duterte "crazy" on his personal Facebook account.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
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Stop the $2 Billion Arms Sale to the Philippines
Philippine strongman Rodrigo Duterte is using the pandemic to crush his opposition — and the U.S. is poised to arm him to the teeth.
Foreign Policy in Focus
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
Typhoon Ambo forces 140,000 from homes in virus-hit Philippines
Over 140,000 people were forced into cramped shelters as a powerful typhoon hammered the Philippines on Friday, May 15, compounding the nation's battle with the coronavirus pandemic.
Rappler
No casualties so far due to Ambo —NDRRMC
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday said that no casualties have been recorded so far due to severe tropical storm Ambo.
GMA News
Philippines typhoon recovery, complicated by coronavirus concerns
As Typhoon Vongfong slammed the Philippines on Thursday, tens of thousands of people fled to cramped shelters, raising fears that without proper safety precautions in place, evacuation centres could become a hotbed of coronavirus infection, the UN emergency humanitarian relief agency (OCHA) said on Friday.
United Nations
Public vigilance urged as ‘Ambo’ lashes PH regions
The government has placed concerned agencies on alert to ensure public safety with the onslaught of typhoon Ambo in some parts of the country, Malacañang said Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Social distancing must be ensured in evacuation centers, LGUs reminded
Families who will have to stay in evacuation centers due to the threats of Typhoon Ambo should be protected from risks of COVID-19 transmission too, according to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday.
GMA News
Quezon province experiences power outages due to Ambo — Gov. Suarez
Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez said his province experienced power outages after Typhoon Ambo struck on Friday.
GMA News
Eastern Samar governor likens Ambo to 'Typhoon Yolanda Jr'
Typhoon Ambo has left so much infrastructure damage in Eastern Samar that Governor Ben Evardone described it as "Typhoon Yolanda Jr," referring to the infamous November 2013 super typhoon that left thousands dead in the Visayas.
GMA News
Typhoon ‘Ambo’ leaves trail of destruction in E. Visayas
Uprooted trees and other debris litter major thoroughfares and residents have been displaced in Eastern Visayas (Region 8), which bore the brunt of Typhoon Ambo (International name: Vongfong) as it continues to batter the eastern part of the country on May 15, Friday.
Manila Bulletin
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
SC: Courts in GCQ areas can hear all pending matters starting May 18
Courts in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) will be allowed to hear all matters pending before them starting next week, the Supreme Court said Friday.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Senate panel inquiry on COVID-19 to be postponed in honor of ex-lawmaker Oreta — Zubiri
The Senate Committee of the Whole hearing slated on Monday afternoon will be postponed as the chamber will honor former Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta who just passed away.
GMA News
Sotto welcomes gov’t plan to continue aid to families in GCQ areas
Senate President Vicente Sotto III welcomed on Friday the government’s willingness to continue providing emergency subsidy assistance to indigent families in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Manila Bulletin
De Lima seeks inquiry on use of public funds to hire ‘troll armies’
A Senate inquiry on the alleged use of state coffers to fund troll armies of the Duterte administration is being sought by Senator Leila De Lima.
GMA News
Bill creating medical reserve corps filed in Senate
A bill seeking to establish a medical reserve corps to beef up human health resources in the Philippines was filed by Senator Pia Cayetano amid the COVID-19 situation.
GMA News
‘No new taxes during pandemic,’ Sen. Marcos urges
Senator Imee R. Marcos today said no new taxes should be introduced by the government while businesses are still finding ways to deal with losses wrought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
Solon urges gov’t to make sure that 600,000 farmers receive cash subsidy
Instead of pushing through with plans to import 300,000 metric tons of rice, government must make sure that all 600,000 farmers engaged in rice farming will be granted cash dole outs under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Parole board takes up PDL release
The Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) is set to deliberate on Monday to determine which persons deprived of liberty (PDL) will benefit from the Interim Rules on Parole and Executive Clemency which took effect on Friday, May 15, said Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Markk Perete on Friday.
Manila Bulletin
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Guevarra warns public vs making threats in social media
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday, May 15, warned the public against making threats in social media.
Manila Bulletin
DOJ: Warrantless arrest of teacher over tweet threatening Duterte with 'defect' but 'cured' by admission
The Department of Justice has ruled that the warrantless arrest of a teacher over a tweet offering a reward for President Rodrigo Duterte's head was with "defect" but was "cured" by his admission to media of having posted the "provocative text."
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
DOJ recommends P72-k bail for teacher arrested over anti-Duterte tweet
The Department of Justice is recommending bail of P72,000 for the provisional liberty of the public high school teacher who will be charged in court over a tweet offering P50 million for President Rodrigo Duterte's head.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
NBI refuses to release teacher who posted about reward to 'kill Duterte'
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has refused to release public school teacher Ronnel Mas, who was arrested for posting about a P50-million reward to "kill" President Rodrigo Duterte, his lawyers reported on Friday, May 15.
Rappler
Ozamiz man yields after posting PRRD death threat on Facebook
Sedition charges in relation to the Anti-Cybercrime Law are being prepared by the Ozamiz City Police Station (OCPS) against a man who allegedly posted on social media his plan to assassinate President Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippine News Agency
NBI files raps vs. Woman who created fake Facebook account vs. Ex-bf
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed charges against a woman who tried to get back at her ex-boyfriend by creating a fake social media account using his name and posting there threats against President Duterte.
Manila Bulletin
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
AFP donates P16.9 million to OCD for COVID-19 response
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has raised P16.9 million in donation from the portions of the salary of its 140,000-strong personnel to help in the government’s response to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it bared on May 15, Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Philippine National Police
PNP files raps vs. Sinas, 18 others over ‘mañanita’ amid ECQ
The Philippine National Police's Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) on Friday filed a criminal complaint against Metro Manila police chief Police Major General Debold Sinas and 18 other police officers and men over his recent birthday celebration.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Eleazar: Police should be decent, law-abiding with or without cameras on
The police, as law enforcers, should lead by example by following the law, Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield Commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said Friday.
GMA News
Lacson defends Sinas against bashers
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday appealed to the public to stop bashing Metro Manila's top cop, Police Major General Debold Sinas, who got involved in a controversial mañanita amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
GMA News
Mañanita for the General
Delicadeza” is a word of Spanish origin that, according to Education Secretary Leonor Briones in an essay written in 2009, “nearly everyone knows what it means (but) no one has bothered to come out with a standard definition, or translate it into law.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Pangasinan police official who attended mayor's birthday bash relieved of post
Police Captain Peter Paul Sison, chief of Sto. Tomas Police in Pangasinan, has been relieved of his post for attending the birthday celebration of the town mayor amid the prohibition on mass gathering amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
BIR adopts changes in personnel attendance
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has temporarily replaced the use of biometric machines with manual logbooks in checking personnel attendance to further minimize the resurgence of COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
Philippines eyes joint ventures, guarantees to save virus-hit businesses
The Philippine government is set to support businesses crippled by the coronavirus pandemic through liquidity or equity infusion or guarantees, depending on the size of the company.
Rappler
Concepcion: The only way to open economy without fear of COVID-19 resurgence is frequent testing
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion has expressed confidence in the ability of Vivencio “Vince” Dizon to deliver as test czar, even as the former stressed that mass testing was the only way forward for the country from the COVID-19 scourge.
Manila Bulletin
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
DFA denies claim in viral post that they harrassed woman who criticized Duterte
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday (May 15) denied the claims made in a social media post that a certain Carmela Laxina who criticized President Duterte was allegedly invited by the Philippine Embassy in Australia for questioning.
Manila Bulletin
West Philippine Sea
Aggressive China actions, pandemic seen to bind sea code talks –experts
China’s recent aggressive actions in the South China Sea, and the COVID-19 pandemic are seen to hamper talks on a proposed code of conduct in the disputed waters, maritime experts said Friday.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
LABOR
6,500 returning OFWs to receive certificate, clearance to secure transportation going home
More than 6,000 returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who tested negative for the coronavirus disease, will be given certificates that they can use to secure transportation back to their home provinces and cities, the Philippine Coast Guard said Friday, May 15.
Manila Bulletin
Labor group calls on govt, businesses to provide transpo for workers
The Associated Labor Unions (ALU) said government and business owners should provide shuttle or transportation to workers when they return to their jobs as areas transition from an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to either a modified ECQ (MECQ) or a general community quarantine (GCQ).
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
Jeeps, trikes can't be used as service for workers in MECQ areas -Eleazar
Tricycles and jeepneys cannot be hired by companies to serve as service vehicles of their workers once quarantine measures are eased amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, head of the Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield.
GMA News
LTFRB memo requires taxis, TNVS to implement cashless payment
Cashless and contactless transactions will be implemented on taxis and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) upon the resumption of their operations in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.
Manila Bulletin
HEALTH
DOH notes sharp decline in child immunization
An official of the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday that the country’s vaccination rate dwindled to “an all-time low” during the first four months of this year amid the coronavirus disease outbreak.
Manila Bulletin
DOH to pregnant women: Don't be afraid to give birth in hospitals
The Department of Health (DOH) urged on Friday pregnant women to give birth in hospitals, birthing clinics, and other health facilities amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
Philippine News Agency
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Davao Region 2019 fish catch down 7.2%
Fish catch in Davao Region decreased by 7.2 percent, or 48,245.89 metric tons (MT) in 2019 from 51,983.43 MT in 2018, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Mindanews
EDUCATION
DepEd to ensure ‘safe’ working environment for personnel amid COVID-19 crisis
As it prepares for the opening classes in August, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured that it will ensure a safe environment not only for learners but also for its teaching and non-teaching personnel.
Manila Bulletin
P550-B only a ‘rough’ estimate for funding COVID-19-related school needs —DepEd
The Department of Education (DepEd) on May 15, Friday, clarified that it is still working on more “realistic figures” when it comes to the funding needed by the agency to implement programs and activities related to its Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) amid the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
Manila Bulletin
‘Why rush?’ Some stakeholders question August school opening
Is the Department of Education (DepEd) rushing the school opening set in August amid the COVID-19 pandemic?
Manila Bulletin
‘Include PE in ‘new normal’ curriculum’ — Sen. Cayetano
The Department of Education (DepEd) should include Physical Education (PE) among the classes to be offered under the agency’s proposed blended learning modalities for the “new normal” curriculum.
Manila Bulletin
Senators to DepEd: Tap PTV, IBC for distance learning program
Senators have called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to tap state-owned television networks to aid its distant learning program amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
CHED releases P3.6 billion stipend for college students
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Friday, May 15 said that the budget department released a total of P3.6 billion to cover the partial payment of stipends for students enrolled in private colleges and universities for the just concluded school year 2019-2020.
Rappler
ENERGY
Several transmission lines down due to Ambo
Several power transmissions and distribution utilities were knocked down as Typhoon Ambo lashed parts of Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon.
GMA News
Solons hit doubling of electricity bills during quarantine
Members of the House of Representatives criticized Manila Electric Company (Meralco) after the power distributor decided to hike electricity rates to “more than double” its usual monthly charges in the most recent billing period.
Manila Bulletin
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
DSWD warns public vs. yet another fake Facebook page
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has warned the public against a fake “DSWD Social Amelioration Program” Facebook page that announced that the second wave of Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash subsidy will be released by next week or the fourth week of May.
Manila Bulletin
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
UP prof urges Bong Go to research, says urban resettlement for informal settlers better than Balik Probinsiya
The Balik Probinsiya program pitched by a senator to decongest Metro Manila simply uproots and ditches the urban poor to rural areas, according to a University of the Philippines professor on Friday.
GMA News
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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