COVID-19

Cases

Philippines’ COVID-19 cases nearing the 23,000-mark
The Department of Health (DOH) reported 518 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases on Tuesday, for a total of 22,992.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

PNP has 374 COVID-19 cases, 208 recoveries
The total number of the confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippine National Police (PNP) organization has reached 374. Of the total positive cases, 208 have recovered while the number of fatalities are five.
Manila Bulletin

Department of Health

Why is DOH reporting high number of new COVID-19 cases these past few days?
For the past three days, the number of ‘fresh’ COVID-19 cases reported daily surpassed the 300-mark, but the Health Department on Tuesday raised the possibility these are actually "late" cases.
CNN Philippines

PH can now conduct over 40,000 COVID-19 tests per day
The country’s testing czar Vivencio “Vince” Dizon said Tuesday, June 9, that the Philippines is now capable of testing more than 40,000 COVID-19 tests per day.
Manila Bulletin

DOH almost done releasing benefits to healthcare workers ill or dead of COVID-19
The Department of Health (DOH) expressed hope that it would be able to distribute the mandated compensation to the families of all the healthcare workers who died or got severely ill due to coronavirus disease– within Tuesday, June 9.
Manila Bulletin

Gordon urges gov’t to undertake massive testing
Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), today urged the government to set a clear policy on containing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and reiterated the need for a massive testing in the fight to flatten the curve.
Manila Bulletin

IATF

Task force allows Independence Day rites in Luneta, but only 10 attendees
The traditional Independence Day celebration will push through at the Luneta Park in Manila on June 12, but there will be limited guests due to the coronavirus crisis.
CNN Philippines

Ano: 50 percent chance NCR, Cebu, Davao under MGCQ after June 15
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on June 9, Tuesday, said that the President is awaiting the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) before deciding whether to put Metro Mania under a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), and he hopes that it comes at the soonest time possible
Manila Bulletin

JTF COVID Shield warns of quarantine burnout
The Joint Task Force COVID Shield warned the public on June 9, Tuesday, of what it describes as quarantine burnout amid the prolonged implementation of the rules to protect the people from the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Horse racing, cockfighting remain prohibited in quarantined areas; Independence Day rites attendees limited to 10 – Palace
Horse racing and cockfighting remain prohibited in areas under community quarantine in a bid to contain the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Malacañang announced on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Solon tells IATF: It’s time for children to get some sun and play
After three months of quarantine, it’s time for children to get some sun and play. House Asst. Majority Leader and ACT CIS Partylist Rep. Nina Taduran made the appeal to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) as she warned against the psychological and physical issues confronting children in prolonged isolation.
Manila Bulletin

Regions

78 residents in 2 Parañaque streets test positive for coronavirus
Some 78 residents in two streets of Barangay San Dionisio in Parañaque City that was placed under a calibrated coronavirus lockdown, have contracted COVID-19, the local government reported Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Nurse among 3 new COVID-19 patients in Bicol
A nurse tending to patients in a quarantine facility and two individuals on quarantine were added to the growing list of COVID-19 patients in the province of Albay and the Bicol region on Tuesday (June 9).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

1-month COVID-19 lull ends for Isabela province
A lull of one month with no new COVID-19 cases ended for the province on Tuesday (June 9) with one patient testing positive for SARS Cov2, the coronavirus that causes the disease.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Davao Oriental orders for mandatory COVID-19 testing on penal and other enclosed facilities
The provincial government of Davao Oriental has ordered for the mandatory testing of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in penal institutions and for the “risk-based testing” of all individuals confined in enclosed setting facilities in the province as part of its fight against the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Mindanews

Samal Island to put in place stricter measures as it reopens to tourists in July
Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Mayor Al David T. Uy said the local government has prepared stricter health security measures to ensure the safety of the visitors amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as it reopens at limited capacity next month.
Mindanews

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Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

EU donates P10 million for purchase of tablets, PPEs for detainees, jail personnel
The European Union earmarked P10 million to support Philippine justice sector as it adapts to new protocols in this time of COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Star

Incidents and Violations

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

Bravo, Magalong!
One has to commend Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong for his no-nonsense management of the summer capital. Not only did he make the quick decisions to lock down the city and systematically test and trace, thus keeping the level of infections as low as could be. 
Manila Standard

World

Amid confusion, WHO clarifies that COVID-19 can be spread without symptoms
A World Health Organization expert clarified Tuesday that the coronavirus can be spread by people who show no symptoms, a day after sparking widespread confusion by saying that such asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 was "very rare."
NBC News

UN warns people in North Korea are starving during pandemic
A UN human rights expert says that some people in North Korea are "starving," according to a press statement that was acquired by CNN.
CNN Philippines

China, scientists dismiss Harvard study suggesting COVID-19 was spreading in Wuhan in August
Beijing dismissed as “ridiculous” a Harvard Medical School study of hospital traffic and search engine data that suggested the new coronavirus may already have been spreading in China last August, and scientists said it offered no convincing evidence of when the outbreak began.
Manila Bulletin

Can a Vaccine for Covid-19 Be Developed in Record Time?
In the history of medicine, rarely has a vaccine been developed in less than five years. Among the fastest to be developed was the current mumps vaccine, which was isolated from the throat washings of a child named Jeryl Lynn in 1963.
The New York Times

Why Drug Companies May Resist Milking Covid-19 Treatments
The onset of Covid-19 has granted the drug industry a significant business opportunity. Whether manufacturers should take full advantage is more complicated than investors might appreciate.
The Wall Street Journal

AstraZeneca wins fresh U.S. funding in race for COVID-19 treatment
AstraZeneca (AZN.L) on Tuesday received $23.7 million in funding from a U.S. government agency to advance the development of antibody-based COVID-19 treatments as the British drugmaker ramps up efforts beyond its potential vaccine to combat the pandemic.
Reuters

Judge orders Bolsonaro to resume publishing Brazil Covid-19 data
A Brazilian supreme court judge has ordered Jair Bolsonaro’s administration to resume publishing complete Covid-19 statistics after moves to suppress such information prompted accusations of authoritarian skulduggery designed to cover up the crisis.
The Guardian

Indonesia records highest one-day increase of COVID-19 cases amid easing policy
Indonesia recorded its highest COVID-19 increase in a single day with 1,043 new confirmed cases on Tuesday, a day after the government started easing large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in several provinces.
The Jakarta Post

Google Maps to alert users about COVID-19-related travel restrictions
Google is adding features on its Maps service to alert users about COVID-19-related travel restrictions to help them plan their trips better, the Alphabet Inc unit said on Monday.
The Jakarta Post

UK COVID-19 death toll hits 51,766, including suspected cases: Reuters tally
The United Kingdom’s COVID-19 death toll hit 51,766 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally of official data sources that confirmed the country’s place as one of the worst hit in the world.
Reuters

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Duterte: Gov’t pushing for passage of vital measures to restart PH economy
The government is pushing for the passage of a tax incentive bill and three other vital measures that aim to support the growth of industries and revitalize the economy in the face of the coronavirus pandemic
Manila Bulletin

300,000 poor families have yet to receive 1st SAP – Duterte
Around 300,000 poor families have yet to receive their cash grants under the first tranche implemented by the national government based on a report submitted by President Duterte to Congress.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte says gov’t will provide free internet access in schools
The government intends to provide free internet access in schools as the education sector shifts to digital learning in light of the coronavirus pandemic, President Duterte said in his report to Congress.
Manila Bulletin

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P1 million checks given to 26 fallen health workers
Twenty-six out of the 30 death benefit checks have so far been given to the families of health workers who died due to the new coronavirus disease while in the line of duty, Malacañang announced Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

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Why Duterte wants to extend his Covid-19 emergency
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a boon for authoritarian leaders in Southeast Asia who have leveraged emergency rule provisions for their own political ends.
Asia Times

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Robredo seeks more organized COVID-19 response efforts
If she had it her way, Vice President Leni Robredo wants to set up a more organized system for responding to the coronavirus crisis.
Manila Bulletin

Robredo urges women: Show strength amid COVID-19 crisis
For Vice President Leni Robredo, the coronavirus crisis can be times of opportunity for women to show their strength and what they can do.
Manila Bulletin

OVP begins gadget donation drive for online learning
Vice President Leni Robredo’s office on Tuesday, June 9, started seeking gadget donations to provide students and teachers smartphones and computers as the country prepares for distance learning this upcoming school year in August.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

Oath-taking of 2,103 new lawyers via video conferencing set for June 25
The Supreme Court (SC) decided on Tuesday, June 9, to hold via online video conferencing on June 25 the oath-taking of 2,103 new lawyers who passed the 2019 Bar examinations.
Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Villanueva wants more gov’t subsidies to workers
Workers should be among the priorities of the government in coming up with COVID-19 recovery plan, Senator Joel Villanueva said.
Manila Bulletin

Audit Bayanihan Act implementation to ferret out possible ‘anomalies’, senator urges
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday insisted on the need to audit the implementation of the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act, saying Congress cannot just rely on President Duterte’s weekly reports.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

Solon bats for biodegradable packaging of consumer products
Magdalo Para sa Pilipino partylist Rep. Manuel Cabochan III wants to require the use of recyclable or biodegradable materials for the packaging of consumer products to ensure the conservation and preservation of the country’s natural environment.
Manila Bulletin

COVID-19 afflicts two more House employees
The House of Representatives has announced two more positive cases of COVID-19 among its employees just days after its sine die adjournment.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

Año sets requirements for LGUs’ localized lockdowns
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año clarified on Tuesday that the local government units (LGUs) can impose localized lockdowns provided that these are coordinated with their respective Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
Manila Bulletin

41 more gov’t workers slapped with graft charges over SAP distribution anomalies 
Police filed graft charges against 41 government employees, mostly barangay officials and workers, for their involvement in the alleged mismanagement of the government’s cash assistance to the poor.
Manila Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

40 DOJ personnel found with COVID-19 through rapid antibody test
A total of 40 personnel of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have been found infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through rapid antibody testing.
Manila Bulletin

DOJ finds 2 guards, 2 utility personnel with COVID-19
Four workers at the Department of Justice (DOJ) have been found to have tested positive with the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday, June 9, said this was revealed during the random testing held at the DOJ last Friday when a number of employees under rapid antibody tests for the virus.
Manila Bulletin

No Sandiganbayan Hearings for the Whole Month of June
The Sandiganbayan has decided to suspend all hearings — even virtual ones — for the whole month of June.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine National Police

NBI starts probe on disinfectant death of PNP doctor
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an investigation into the death of a police doctor while working at a government-run quarantine facility, President Duterte said in his report to Congress.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

PH’s COVID-19 loans, grants hit $6.508 billion
The loans and grants secured by the Philippines to finance COVID-19 response climbed to $6.508 billion (over P325 billion) to date after it signed a $750-million loan agreement with the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

WB sees PH poverty worsening in COVID-19 recession
Recession in the Philippines was likely to lead to worsening poverty and a delay by two years in the country’s bid to become an upper middle class country, according to World Bank (WB) analysts.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

PH, Japan sign P73.57-B loan agreement for infra, agri projects
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koji Haneda have signed and exchanged notes involving around P73.54 billion worth of Tokyo-backed infrastructure, agricultural support, and human resource development projects.
Manila Bulletin

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

PH, China 45-year ties in ‘renaissance’ stage; infra projects to boost progress
With the relations between the Philippines and China now at the “renaissance” stage, Malacañang is optimistic about the resolution of disputes between the two neighboring countries and their enhanced partnership for economic growth.
Manila Bulletin

Chinese consulate turns over 7,200 bags of rice on 45th anniversary of relations with PH
More than 7,200 bags of well-milled rice (packed at 10 kilograms each) from the Chinese government, were turned over by the Chinese Consulate in Cebu to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), Cebu Provincial Government and the Cebu City government on Tuesday (June 9).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

West Philippine Sea

PH inaugurates beaching ramp on Pagasa Island in West PH Sea
The Department of National Defense (DND) led the momentous inauguration of a beaching ramp on Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Tuesday, three days ahead of the celebration of the country’s 122nd Independence Day on June 12.
Manila Bulletin

Phone greeting to visitors on Pag-asa Island: ‘Welcome to China, Vietnam’
Government officials and other visitors who went to the Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Tuesday received an unexpected greeting in their mobile phones after it switched to roaming mode.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LABOR

PH manning agencies cry foul over DOLE order
Manning agencies in the country cried foul over an order issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) mandating them to shoulder the board and lodging of returning overseas Filipino workers while undergoing mandatory quarantine, saying this could lead to bankruptcy.
Manila Bulletin

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Workers in 7 regions won’t get wage subsidy
Employees of small businesses operating in seven regions of the country won’t receive the second tranche of the government’s small business wage subsidy (SBWS).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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43,000 returning OFWs sent back to their provinces –OWWA
A total of 43,000 overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have been sent back to their home provinces amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

DILG sets 5-day norm for returning OFWs to go home
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año on Tuesday said that the returning overseas Filipino workers (OFW) will only have to stay in Metro Manila or in other holding areas for a maximum of five days before being transported to their respective provinces.
Manila Bulletin

337 repatriated OFWs sent home in 3 days
A total of 337 repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Barbados were finally allowed to go back to their home provinces and cities on Tuesday after they had completed their processing within three days.
Manila Bulletin

600 homecoming seafarers arrive at NAIA
More than 600 Filipino seafarers arrived on Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the DFA said. A total of 306 Filipino seafarers arrived from Norway at 4 p.m. on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

DOTr opens new routes for P2P buses on the second week of GCQ
At least 28 new routes have been opened by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for more than 200 point-to-point (P2P) buses to ferry more commuters as Metro Manila and nearby provinces enter the second week of a more relaxed lockdown.
Manila Bulletin

LTFRB eyes opening of 31 bus routes by June 19
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is targeting to open the entire 31 rationalized routes for city buses by June 19 to ease the lack of public transportation under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
Manila Bulletin

Mindanao air connectivity gets boost with completion of airport development projects in Zamboanga Intl Airport, Jolo Airport
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is a step closer in its pursuit for enhance air connectivity throughout the country, with the completion of various development projects at the Zamboanga International Airport in Zamboanga City and at the Jolo Airport in the province of Sulu.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

DA urges plant breeders to look for more high-yielding, disease-resistant crops
Agriculture Secretary William Dar has urged plant breeders to further harness science and technology to look for more high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties that will help increase the productivity and income of farmers throughout the country.
Manila Bulletin

DA looks into reports on pork ‘overpricing’
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured the public that it will be look into the alleged overpricing of pork in the market.
Manila Bulletin

Industry opposes DA’s proposal to increase poultry imports
The country’s poultry sector has expressed opposition to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposal to increase the volume of poultry imports.
Manila Bulletin

EDUCATION

DepEd sets minimum specifications for devices, Internet services for distance learning
In order to guide those who want to donate Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment to public schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued minimum specifications for various gadgets and devices that teachers and learners can use for distance learning.
Manila Bulletin

Sotto urges DepEd to come up with flexible tuition fees payment
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to come up with a “flexible” payment scheme of tuition fees so that parents can still enroll their children following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Fundraising launched to support DepEd’s learning continuity plan amid COVID-19 crisis
A fundraising campaign was launched by a child-focused organization to help the Department of Education (DepEd) in the production and distribution of printed instructional packets and learning activity sheets amid the COVID-19 situation in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Teachers ask for additional ‘internet allowance’ from DepEd
With the shift to distance or blended learning this coming school year due to COVID-19 situation in the country, teachers are asking for an additional allowance from the Department of Education (DepEd) to be used to “upgrade” their digital access and technological capacity.
Manila Bulletin

Environmental group reminds DepEd to check schools for lead paint hazard while closed
Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition on Tuesday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to screen the schools’ facilities for lead paint hazard which can affect the children’s developing brains and behavior while they are closed due to the COVID-19 scare.
Manila Bulletin

ACT denounces DepEd ‘incompetence’, hits blended learning as ‘inequitable’
Members of a teachers federation on Tuesday held a protest action in front of the Department of Education (DepEd) office in Pasig City to call for a “comprehensive approach” to education as the country continues to grapple with COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin

264 colleges, universities haven’t submitted requirements for students’ subsidy
There are 264 colleges and universities who have not yet submitted documents required for the release of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), which helps eligible students shoulder school fees.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ENERGY

It’s back: Meralco asked to waive convenience fee under GCQ
Noting that conditions under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) aren’t that much better for the common Filipino, a Quezon City solon has asked the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to once again waive its P47 online “convenience fee.”
Manila Bulletin

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Guidelines on SAP Phase 2 in the pipeline — DSWD
A joint memorandum circular that lays down the guidelines on the second phase implementation of Social Amelioration Program (SAP) will be signed soon, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Tuesday, June 9.
Manila Bulletin

DSWD: 1.3 million 4Ps beneficiaries will also receive SAP
Around 1.3 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from areas under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will receive the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) emergency cash subsidy this week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Tuesday, June 8.
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING and SETTLEMENT

TOURISM

Sun Cruises Inc. bids goodbye as pandemic devastates PH tourism industry
A company which provides cruise and tour services to Corregidor Island has officially closed down as the distancing and stay-at-home protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected tourism-related industries.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY