COVID-19

Cases

Philippines’ COVID-19 cases accelerate to 18,638
The total of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines now stands at 18,638 as the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday 552 additional cases.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Healthcare workers infected with coronavirus now at 2,606; 60 more recover
A total of 2,606 health workers in the Philippines has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

5 more policemen test positive for COVID-19
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Sunday that five more policemen were tested positive for COVID-19, bringing to 315 the total number of cops infected by the virus.
Manila Bulletin

Department of Health

Amid criticisms, DOH says COVID-19 reporting ‘transparent from the very start’
Amid questions and doubts on the integrity of its COVID-19 figures, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it has been “transparent” in reporting coronavirus infections “from the very start” of the outbreak.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

27 labs clear COVID-19 backlogs; remaining labs urged to follow suit
All backlog cases of 27 operational licensed laboratories handling coronavirus disease (COVID-19) samples in the country have been cleared while the remaining laboratories were urged to submit THEIR respective line list in order to get the actual picture of the progress of the pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Philippine Medical Association now supports antibody rapid test kits
The head of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) said he would now recommend the use of certain antibody rapid test kits to the group’s 84,500 member-physicians, a change of heart after previously flagging the kits for risking false results.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

IATF

Gov’t sets back deadline for 30K daily COVID-19 tests to end of June
After missing its May 30 deadline, the government on Monday said it is now recalibrating its target deadline of achieving its maximum testing capacity of 30,000 tests a day by the end of June.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Galvez dispels ‘matira-matibay’ notion as Metro Manila shifts to GCQ
Chief implementer of the government’s efforts against COVID-19 Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. dispelled the “survival of the fittest” notion of some as quarantine measures in Metro Manila were eased.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Quarantine protocols relaxed to help uplift the economy, says DILG, not everything is back to ‘normal’
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on June 1, Monday, explained that quarantine protocols have been relaxed in Metro Manila and other areas to reinvigorate the country’s economy without compromising public health safety.
Manila Bulletin

Quarantines and lockdowns improved crime situation in the PH, says Año
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año on June 1, Monday, said that the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the 59 percent decline of crime rate in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Regions

2 ‘balikbayans’, stranded resident are Caraga’s latest COVID-19 patients
Two “balikbayans” or returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and a locally-stranded individual (LSI) were tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing to eight the total confirmed cases in Caraga (Region 13) which is now under a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status, records showed.
Mindanews

Doctor who treated patients in Davao Oriental hospital positive for coronavirus
A 32-year-old internal medicine doctor from this city, who worked at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC) for two days last week, has tested positive for SARS Cov2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the Mati City government said in a statement.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Bicol’s 75th COVID-19 patient another health care worker
A 23-year-old radiologic technologist in Tigaon town in Camarines Sur province tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Monday (June 1), according to the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

9 of 170 fishermen push Negros Oriental’s COVID-19 tally from 2 to 11
The number of COVID-19 cases in Negros Oriental province surged from just two to 11 overnight after results of tests made on 170 returning fishermen were known.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Philippine capital reopens despite jump in virus cases
Manila emerged on Monday from one of the world’s longest coronavirus lockdowns as the Philippines seeks to repair its badly damaged economy even as the number of new infections surges.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Liquor ban in Manila not yet lifted, Isko Moreno clarifies
The liquor ban in Manila, which was enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown,  has not been lifted, Mayor Isko Moreno clarified during Monday night briefing.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LOOK: Manila City Hall employees undergo rapid testing on first day of GCQ
Manila City Hall employees went through rapid antibody testing for the new coronavirus on Monday, the first day of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

QC residents grapple with transition to GCQ
Some residents in Quezon City on Monday conveyed mixed feelings as Metro Manila transitioned from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1.
Manila Bulletin

Company ID, barangay documents required in Pasay City for traveling workers
Pasay City workers are required to bring with them their company ID and a barangay certificate as part of the city’s guidelines under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), it announced on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

South Cotabato COVID-19 testing laboratory to start ‘this week’
The provincial government of South Cotabato is targeting to start this week the full operation of its testing laboratory for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Koronadal City, the provincial capital and seat of government of Soccsksargen or Region 12.
Mindanews

2 sweeper flights bring 331 South Cotabateños home
At least 331 more residents of South Cotabato province who were stranded in Metro Manila and Cebu due to the heightened community quarantine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) returned home over the weekend through two sweeper flights commissioned by the local government.
Mindanews

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Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

Negros group gets P6M in donations, gives PPE sets to health workers, food to the poor
One of the most well-known groups here, the Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation, has received P6 million in cash donations to help protect health workers on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 and families suffering from livelihood loss as a result of lockdowns.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Incidents and Violations

NBI files raps vs ex-model and her mom
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed charges against former model Avi Siwa and her mother who were arrested for the unauthorized selling of test kits for the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Quarantine violations still punishable despite deleted provisions in ‘Bayanihan 2’ – Bato dela Rosa
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), wants law enforcers to be guided that a deletion of penal provisions from the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act under the proposed “Bayanihan 2” is “not tantamount” to decriminalizing violations of the government’s quarantine policies.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

Most Metro Manila mayors insensitive to their constituents’ plight
It is appalling that some local governments in Metro Manila are insensitive to the plight of thousands of commuters forced to walk to and from work on the first day of the general community quarantine (GCQ).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Netizens liken GCQ to Hunger Games
The start of the general community quarantine (GCQ) has brought in hilarious comments from Twitterverse, and many witty netizens have even compared it to the highly popular book and movie series, “The Hunger Games.”
Manila Bulletin

Safer online transactions
For more than two months now, majority of workers have been doing their tasks at home because of the lockdown meant to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Lessons from the virus
We have been exposed to so much fear, uncertainty, and hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Will this experience leave lasting imprints on our traits as a people? 
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Blood, tears, pandemic fears
While the health care sector continues to deal with myriad COVID-19 problems like overburdened capacities, infected medical workers, and makeshift or unavailable personal protective equipment, the country has been chafing under lockdown. 
Philippine Daily Inquirer

World

Armenian PM tests positive for virus as cases surge
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his family have tested positive for the coronavirus, he said Monday, as the rate of new infections soared in the Caucasus nation.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Egyptians Largely Follow Law on Wearing Masks, Some Worry About Cost
Most Egyptians appear to be following a new law that says they must wear face masks in public, the latest move by the authorities to slow the spread of the coronavirus as reported cases rise.
The New York Times

Iran says virus cases jump nearly 3,000 in a day, a 2-month high
Iran on Monday declared almost 3,000 new coronavirus infections, its highest daily count in two months, as it warned of “another dangerous peak” in the Middle East’s deadliest outbreak.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Australian universities propose ‘safe corridors’ to allow foreign students to return
Universities in Australia have proposed creating “safe corridors” to allow foreign students to return as the nation tries to urgently rescue its lucrative international education sector.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

20 Thais back from UK have high fever, rushed to hospital
Twenty of the 251 Thais who returned home on Sunday (May 31) from the United Kingdom were found to have high fever and rushed to hospital, Suvarnabhumi Airport deputy director Kittipong Kittikachorn said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Phuket field hospital closes as last COVID-19 patients recover
Phuket’s 1st Field Hospital is being temporarily shut down and put on standby as the last Covid-19 patients have recovered, Phuket Governor Pakkapong Tawipat said Sunday (May 31).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

READ: Duterte’s 10th report on special powers to Congress
President Rodrigo Duterte submitted to Congress on Monday his 10th weekly report on his use of additional powers granted to him to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte to hold next IATF meeting in Davao
President Duterte will work, meet with the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, and deliver his next public address from Davao City in the next few days.
Manila Bulletin

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Duterte appoints new Coast Guard commandant
Vice Admiral George Ursabia, Jr. was appointed as the new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) following the retirement of outgoing commandant Admiral Joel Garcia on Monday.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler

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Palace agrees with biz groups’ call for ‘rule of law’; No request yet to probe Sinas, says Roque
Malacañang agreed with the call for the rule of law while the country continues to face the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), assuring the public that the wheels of justice are turning on the case of Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas.
Manila Bulletin

Palace: 24,028 OFWs have returned to their hometowns
The government has so far facilitated the return of around 24,028 overseas Filipino workers to their hometowns upon the order of President Duterte, Malacañang said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

VP asks employers to provide shuttle service to workers
Vice President Leni Robredo has encouraged employers and business owners to provide shuttle services for their workers as limited public transport could not accommodate all of them as Metro Manila and other areas shifted to general community quarantine (GCQ) on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

VP’s Community Mart spurs profit for Pasig and QC vendors
Vice President Leni Robredo is more than ecstatic to see her e-market project has yielded “encouraging” results as small-scale vendors cash in P1.58 million worth of sales in two public markets.
Manila Bulletin

VP mourns death of Bocaue mayor
She was kind and competent. This was how Vice President Leni Robredo described Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna who died on Thursday, May 28, due to sepsis secondary to bacterial pneumonia.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

Voter registration activities resume in July
Voter registration for the May 2022 national and local polls remains suspended, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.
Manila Bulletin

Villanueva pushes for online registration of voters
Senator Joel Villanueva is pushing to allow the online registration of voters by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

IBP: Justice sector should embrace it even after pandemic
Even after the pandemic, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) believes that the justice sector should continue to use information technology (IT) in doing work.
Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Sotto tells DOH: Set aside plan to hire contract tracers, use money instead for COVID treatment
enate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday urged the Department of Health (DOH) to set aside its plan to hire contact tracers and instead divert the funds for treating COVID-19 patients.
Manila Bulletin

Drilon: DOH should stop using hospitals, labs as ‘scapegoats’ for its shortcomings
The Department of Health (DOH) should stop using hospitals and laboratories as “scapegoats” whenever it is criticized for its shortcomings, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Drilon seeks honesty in DOH reporting of COVID cases
Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon on Monday urged the Department of Health (DOH) to be transparent in the manner of its reporting of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Angara sponsors Bayanihan Law 2 as Philippines’ COVID-19 battle continues
The passage of a bill seeking to authorize President Rodrigo Duterte to exercise necessary powers to effectively respond to the impact of COVID-19 in the next three months was sought in the Senate on Monday as the country enters the next phase of the battle with the pandemic: reopening the economy.
GMA News

Increase PUVs to meet demand, Sen. Poe urges gov’t
The government should increase the number of public utility vehicles (PUVs) on the road to meet the demand of commuters for transportation during the general community quarantine (GCQ), Senator Grace Poe said on Monday, June 1.
Manila Bulletin

Lapid files bill seeking moratorium on student loan payments
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid has filed Senate Bill (SB) 1538 which seeks a moratorium on student loan payments during disaster and other emergencies such as the current Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Go reminds public to be vigilant despite relaxed quarantine measures under GCQ
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Health and Demography Committee, reminded Filipinos on Monday to continue following health protocols and remain vigilant as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) still remains a threat to everyone even as most places in the country are now under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Manila Bulletin

Taxing PH digital economy to hamper health, education, business — Marcos
Senator Imee R. Marcos on Monday warned that taxing the country’s growing digital economy would hamper health services, education, and the creation of businesses and jobs even as it raises funds for the government’s fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Senate passes resolution of condolences to Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna’s family
The Senate has adopted a resolution expressing its profound sympathy and sincere condolences to the loved of Bocaue, Bulacan Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna.
Manila Bulletin

‘Sarap ng Buhay’ ends for ‘Bato’
“Sarap ng Buhay” ended for neophyte Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as he physically attended the Senate’s plenary session on Monday following his controversial remark last week.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

House of Representatives

House OKs bill allowing president to revise school opening schedule
The bill which gives the Chief Executive the power to set a different date for the start of the school year in the event of a state of emergency or state of calamity has been approved on second reading by the House of Representatives.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

House stimulus plan akin to ‘strong’ US response to 2008 crisis, says Arroyo
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo supports the proposed P1.3-trillion Philippine Economic Stimulus Act (PESA), House Ways and Mean Committee chairman, Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

House OKs bill increasing authorized poll expenses
The bill seeking to increase the amount of authorized election campaign expenses of candidates for local and national posts is now on final reading at the House of Representatives.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

No order, but DILG welcomes cash grants by LGUs –Densing
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said that the agency has not given any order to the localities to grant financial aid under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
Manila Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

BJMP gets 40 computer units for ‘e-Dalaw’ to inmates
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has received from Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles a donation of 40 computer units which will be used in electronic visitations in remote and highly-congested jails in the country.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines

AFP dispatches 48 buses, trucks for stranded passengers on GCQ Day 1
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed at least 48 buses and trucks to transport hundreds of passengers who got stranded on the first day of the transition of Metro Manila to general community quarantine (GCQ) on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

PH Air Force launches Air Combat Command
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has launched the Air Combat Command, a unit that will oversee tactical air and special operations missions.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Army turns to new battlefield in war for hearts and minds: Youtube
The Philippine Army has made a strategic shift away from traditional media to get its stories told. On Monday (June 1), it re-launched its Youtube channel through a live broadcast from the Army headquarters in Taguig City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippine National Police

Gamboa bares 6-point plan for PNP’s adaptation to new normal
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has revealed a six-point plan to which the organization’s adjustment to the new normal situation would be anchored amid the continuous threat of the coronavirus which has so far infected more than 300 cops, four of whom died.
Manila Bulletin

Bato de la Rosa, Risa Hontiveros back bill increasing female recruitment quota in PNP
Sens.  Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa and Risa Hontiveros on Monday endorsed for plenary approval a bill seeking to increase from 10 percent to 15 percent the required quota of female officers in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

PNP to use virtual platforms for frontline services under ‘new normal’
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement new guidelines under the so-called new normal” triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, which includes migrating its frontline services to virtual platforms.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

51 percent of German firms holding back investments in PH, but not because of COVID-19
More than half of German companies are holding back their investments in the Philippines because they find the economy too restrictive, data showed. This is according to a survey done by member companies of German business chambers both here in the Philippines and in Singapore. It covered 210 firms.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

COA cautions NHA on overpayment, land transfer as court settlement
The Commission on Audit (COA) has cautioned the National Housing Authority (NHA) against carrying out its plan to pay P1.12 billion and transfer five hectares of government land to settle court cases with the contractor of the defunct Smokey Mountain Development Corporation and Reclamation Project (SMRDP).
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Immigration starts online appointment system
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) launched Monday its online appointment system for clients at the main office in Intramuros, Manila following the government’s decision to place Metro Manila and other areas of the country under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
Manila Bulletin

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

Hontiveros urges OWWA to address health, food needs of NAIA-stranded OFWs
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday urged the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to immediately address the food and health needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are waiting for their flights back to their home provinces.
Manila Bulletin

Bishops thank Bahrain king for pardoning 16 Filipinos
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) welcomed the granting of royal pardon of the Bahrain King to 16 Filipinos.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation woes plague first day of GCQ
Some of the returning employees had to walk for hours to get to work, while others just went back home after waiting in vain, as they struggled to catch a ride following the shifting of Metro Manila to general community quarantine (GCQ) on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Commuter woes on 1st day of GCQ blamed on lack of augmentation rides
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año said on Monday that the transportation woes suffered by commuters on the first day of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) were mostly due to the lack of augmentation rides in the inner streets leading to the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila.
Manila Bulletin

DOTr calls for understanding as public transportation starts to return to normal
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) appealed for understanding from commuters on Monday, adding that the current situation of the public transportation system in Metro Manila was still not normal despite the shift to general community quarantine (GCQ).
Manila Bulletin

Airlines told not to sell tickets yet — CAB
Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) released an order to all airlines to stop selling tickets while the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) has not yet approved the routes for domestic air services proposed by airlines for the resumption of domestic operations in the first week of June 2020.
Manila Bulletin

Gov’t mulls resumption of domestic flights
The government is set to review the proposed resumption of domestic flights after some local government units have refused to allow such travel operations due to the potential spread of the coronavirus disease.
Manila Bulletin

Jeepneys could be allowed if public transport not enough — DOTr
Should there be a lack of public transportation, jeepneys could make a comeback this June, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

DOTr, MMDA eye connecting bike lanes to LGUs
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are looking into the possibility of linking the bicycle lanes of EDSA with other bicycle lanes of local governments units (LGUs) of Metro Manila.
Manila Bulletin

Bus passengers appeal to LTFRB on EDSA traffic policy
Bus passengers and commuters in Metro Manila have requested the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to defer the implementation of a new policy on the traffic flow on EDSA.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

US-sponsored digital platform helps farmers market their produce
The challenge posed by the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (2019) pandemic to the supply chain gave birth to a digital platform that helps Luzon farmers transport their produce to key markets and address urgent food security issues.
Manila Bulletin

EDUCATION

DepEd starts to roll out preparations for school opening in August
To prepare for the school opening in August, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday started its month-long enrollment in public schools and conducted a virtual national kick-off of two of its major back-to-school programs: the Brigada Eskwela (BE) and Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE).
Manila Bulletin

DepEd to parents: No need to rush to schools if unable to join online enrolment
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday clarified that the enrollment in public schools is not on a “first come, first served” basis. Hence, parents and learners do not need to “rush to schools” if they had been unable to participate in remote or online enrolment.
Manila Bulletin

Embracing blended learning
It was a determined Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones who convinced President Duterte to modify his “no vaccine, no school” decision to adopt “blended learning.” Face-to-face schooling is out; e-learning is in. 
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ENERGY

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

HOUSING and SETTLEMENT

TOURISM

DOT to aid tourism firms in going digital
The Department of Tourism (DOT) seeks to assist more tourism enterprises across the country in digitizing their business operations to minimize the spread of COVID-19, as well as to keep the business running.
Manila Bulletin

Boracay swimming ban lifted
The municipal government of Malay in Aklan has allowed swimming in Boracay, but only for local residents. Acting Mayor Frolibar Bautista yesterday lifted the ban on swimming, but required residents to have their body temperature checked and register at the lifeguard stations.
Philippine Star

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY  

June is National ICT Month
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reminded the public that the month of June is recognized as “National ICT Month.”
Manila Bulletin