COVID-19

Cases

301 COVID-19 recoveries in a single day reported
Another record-high number of recoveries from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a single day in the country was reported by the Department of Health Tuesday, June 16.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, CNN Philippines

Overseas Pinoys afflicted with COVID-19 now at 6,021 with 455 recently-reported cases
The total number of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) infections among Filipinos abroad has ballooned to more than 6,000 with the addition of 455 “recently reported” confirmed cases, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Department of Health

Senators blame DOH for slow COVID-19 response
Senator Panfilo Lacson has expressed concern that Department of Health’s (DOH) continued “incompetence” would result to country not solving the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Rodriguez: Private hospitals in dire need of PhilHealth reimbursements
Noting that private hospitals have been feeling the pinch of the COVD-19 pandemic, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has prodded the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to settle their estimated P18 billion worth of unpaid reimbursement claims from these hospitals around the country.
Manila Bulletin

PGH sees consistent increase in admissions for COVID-19
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) saw a consistent increase in its number of admissions since lockdown measures were eased in Metro Manila last June 1.
Manila Bulletin

IATF

NTF to send surveillance team to Cebu after spike in COVID-19 cases
A surveillance team will be deployed by the National Task Force (NTF) on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to Cebu City in Central Visayas (Region 7) to closely monitor the sudden increase in the number of confirmed patients in the area.
Manila Bulletin

DILG assures correct response in Cebu City’s surge in COVID-19 cases
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday assured that its contact tracing teams are prepared to enforce interval measures as the need arises in Cebu City due to the spike of COVID-19 cases in the area.
Manila Bulletin

Roque urges Cebu City to impose stringent lockdown measures
The Cebu City local government has been urged to impose stricter lockdown measures on barangays with high cases of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque urged on Tuesday, June 16.
Manila Bulletin

Metro Manila’s ‘borderline’ infection doubling rate explains why it remains under GCQ, says Roque
Metro Manila almost did not keep its general community quarantine status (GCQ) due to the continued increase in coronavirus infections, according to a Palace official.
Manila Bulletin

Regions

22 healthcare workers in Eastern Visayas test positive for COVID-19
Twenty-two healthcare workers in Eastern Visayas have tested positive for COVID-19, the Department of Health Region VIII confirmed. A total of 60 new cases of the coronavirus disease were added to the tally of Eastern Visayas on Tuesday, according to the regional health office.
CNN Philippines

COVID-19 infected health workers in Leyte town may have breached protocols – DOH-8
With the confirmed local transmission involving six health workers and two local government employees in the municipality of La Paz, Leyte, the Department of Health in Region 8 (DOH-8) said that the health workers, themselves, may have breached health protocols in containing the spread of the dreaded virus.
Manila Bulletin

2 more cases of COVID-19 in Soccsksargen region
Two more patients tested positive for coronavirus have been listed by the Department of Health in the Soccsksargen region as of today, June 16. 
NDBC News

2 more SouthCot returnees test positive for COVID-19
Two more returning residents in South Cotabato —  an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and locally-stranded individual (LSI) — have tested positive for the coronavirus disease  (COVID-19), bringing the active cases in the area since last week to seven.
Mindanews

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Active COVID-19 cases in 6 provinces spike in just a week from June 7 - DOH data
Active COVID-19 cases in six Philippine provinces doubled or grew more than double from June 7 to June 14, according to Department of Health data analyzed by the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group (IRG).
ABS-CBN News

COVID-19 reaches Mountain Province
There is one less coronavirus-free province in the country as Mountain Province reported its first COVID-19 case on Tuesday.
CNN Philippines

Zambo City gov't wary on repatriation of thousands of Sabah evacuees
The Zamboanga City government is raising concerns on its capacity to let in thousands of Filipino evacuees from Sabah, Malaysia, and is asking the national government for "long-term intervention".
CNN Philippines

Quarantine restrictions up as ECQ is imposed in Cebu City
A strict home quarantine rule and operations of only essential industries are among the restrictions that will be implemented in Cebu City under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to stem the coronavirus outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

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Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

Red Cross augments RITM supplies to ensure continuous COVID-19 testing operations
To ensure the unhampered testing for COVID-19 in the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) delivered consumables to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
Manila Bulletin

Oil firms to continue fuel subsidy for gov’t vehicles giving free rides to health workers
Oil company Phoenix Petroleum assured that it will continue to provide fuel subsidy for vehicles participating in the government’s free ride service program for health workers until June 30.
Manila Bulletin

Incidents and Violations

BI bans reentry of Spaniard in Makati incident
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has banned from entering the country a Spaniard whose encounter with a Makati City policeman inside the exclusive Dasmariñas Village went viral on social media.
Manila Bulletin

Online face mask scammer arrested in Davao City
Anti-cybercrime operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested an 18-year old online advertising agent after she was accused of duping several people in the selling of surgical masks via a popular social media platform.
Manila Bulletin

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

What are the potential long-term effects of having COVID-19?
It’s hard to say exactly, because the coronavirus is still so new that scientists don’t know much about long-term effects. The best evidence comes from patients themselves, and some experience a variety of symptoms long after their infections have cleared.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

World

Researchers: Cheap drug improves COVID-19 survival
Researchers in England say they have the first evidence that a drug can improve COVID-19 survival: A cheap, widely available steroid reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalized patients.
ABC News

'22% of world population at risk of severe COVID-19'
More than 20% of the world population have underlying health conditions and may experience severe COVID-19 symptoms if they contract the novel coronavirus, a recent study showed.
Anadolu Agency

Should the World Be Worried About the 'Explosive' New Outbreak of Coronavirus in Beijing?
As reports emerge of a new COVID-19 outbreak at a Beijing market, the vigor of the public health response from Chinese officials is only surpassed by the severity of their language.
TIME

Airlines ban alcohol on planes in response to Covid-19
Alcohol sales may have boomed during lockdown, but our return to air travel will be an altogether more sobering experience. Airlines including Easyjet and KLM in Europe, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in the United States, and Asia's Virgin Australia, are suspending all or part of their alcoholic drinks service in response to Covid-19.
CNN

Saudi Arabia registers 4,267 new COVID-19 cases, 136,315 in total
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday registered 4,267 new COVID-19 cases, raising the tally of infections in the kingdom to 136,315. The death toll increased to 1,052 after 41 new fatalities were added, Saudi Health Ministry tweeted.
Xinhua

Covid-19 outbreaks in New Zealand and China highlight stark choices
Beijing and New Zealand had both declared themselves Covid-19-free by mid-June, life returning to an enviable normality of schools and shops, work and human contact. It didn’t last long.
The Guardian

Coronavirus: Report on BAME Covid-19 deaths sparks call for action
The British Medical Association said it was "critical" to carry out risk assessments of vulnerable groups and protect them at work. Racism could contribute to increased risks for BAME groups, the report said.
BBC News

Singapore reports 151 new COVID-19 cases, including 2 in the community
Singapore reported 151 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday (Jun 16), taking the national total to 40,969. 
Channel News Asia

COVID-19 Tracking Apps ‘A Privacy Trash Fire’ As Norway Nixes Its Own
There are few positive stories about COVID-19 tracking apps and a review of 11 tools created across the world has deemed many deeply concerning from a privacy perspective.
Forbes

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PH has not reached second wave of COVID-19 but recovery rate ‘very heartening’ — Duterte
The country has not yet reached the second wave of coronavirus infections although its recovery rate is “very heartening” possibly due to the warm weather, President Duterte said Monday night. In his public address, the President welcomed the country’s “good record” in terms of the number of people recovering from the illness.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte on preventing COVID: Stay several kilometers away, or a city away
How far should a person keep a safe distance from others during the coronavirus pandemic? President Duterte has jokingly suggested staying several kilometers away from another person to avoid coronavirus infection.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte allocates funds for clinical trials on melatonin for treatment of COVID-19 patients
The government will press ahead with the clinical trials on the use of high-dose melatonin as potential supplementary treatment for coronavirus patients. In his latest report to Congress, President Duterte said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has approved a P9.8 million project for the conduct of clinical trials of the efficacy of melatonin.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte turns prophet, saw surge in COVID cases in Brazil even before it happened
Brazil is facing a coronavirus calamity and President Duterte apparently saw it coming. The President bared Monday night that he made a “prophetic statement” on the surge of coronavirus cases in Brazil in the early days of the outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

Explain ‘small drop’ in tuition despite pandemic, Duterte tells education execs
President Duterte has asked education authorities to explain to the public why there is only a “small drop” in tuition despite the shift to alternative learning during the coronavirus pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

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Gov’t considered UP study in quarantine decision — Roque
The Malacañang has taken into consideration the University of the Philippines’ (UP) experts projections of coronavirus cases in the government’s decision to maintain a general community quarantine (GCQ) status in Metro Manila until June 30.
Manila Bulletin

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

VP asks Filipinos: ‘Don’t be afraid, speak up’
Vice President Leni Robredo urged the public to continue to speak up and fight for what is right even if their dissenting voices are not heard.
Manila Bulletin

Robredo: Spare small online sellers from taxes
Instead of collecting taxes from small online sellers, Vice President Leni Robredo urged the administration to help them by providing financial assistance, especially in this time of the coronavirus pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

Technologies for Covid-19-proofing elections
MAY 9, 2022 is just about 23 months away. It happens to be the date when registered voters will go to polling places to select a new set of elective officials. It happens to be the next scheduled presidential elections. The Bangsamoro parliamentary elections is also scheduled in 2022.
The Manila Times

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

Ted Te to discuss building a resilient judicial system in webinar
Former Supreme Court spokesperson and UP College of Law Professor Atty. Theodore Te will discuss the college’s paper on Building a Resilient Judicial System in a webinar on Wednesday (June 17).
Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

SET junks disqualification case vs. Pimentel
The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has dismissed for lack of merit petitions to declare Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III ineligible for his current term in the Senate.
Manila Bulletin

Pimentel thanks SET for favorable decision
Senator Aquilino Pimentel III expressed his appreciation on Tuesday to the members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) for dismissing the quo warranto cases against him.
Manila Bulletin

Drilon backs government’s decision to extend GCQ in Metro Manila
Senate Minority Leader Sen. Franklin Drilon on Tuesday supported the government’s move to extend the general community quarantine (GCC) in Metro Manila due to rising cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) but urged the government not to let its guard down.
Manila Bulletin

Lawmakers monitoring implementation of UHC law — Go
A joint congressional oversight committee is continuously monitoring the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act to ensure the prudent use of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds and guarantee that every Filipino family gets appropriate, affordable, and quality health services while being protected from financial burden because of sickness.
Manila Bulletin

Go pushes gov’t assistance for entertainment workers
Senator Christopher Go today called on the concerned agencies of the government to also provide support for displaced workers affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, especially those in industries whose nature of business could not operate because of social distancing and community quarantine measures being imposed throughout the country.
Manila Bulletin

Sen. Revilla wants Senate review of OFW repatriation process
Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. is seeking a Senate inquiry on the government’s repatriation efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Manila Bulletin

Hontiveros seeks Senate probe on government’s plans for OFWs affected by pandemic
Senator Risa Hontiveros is seeking a Senate inquiry into the government’s plans and programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their families who were greatly affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

Solons want comprehensive transport plans
Lawmakers asked on Tuesday, June 16 the transportation authorities to lay down “clear and comprehensive” transportation plans that would ease the plight of the commuting public.
Manila Bulletin

Cayetano, House leaders seek probe of DSWD for delays in SAP aid distribution
Leaders of the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for a congressional inquiry into the confusion and delays in the distribution of cash assistance to sectors most vulnerable to the adverse effects of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Solons renew call for House action on anti-libel bills
The conviction on a libel charge of veteran journalist Maria Ressa and a researcher-writer by a Manila court renewed calls for Congress to act on bills seeking to scrap the offense from the country’s penal code.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

Mayors may decide on localized lockdowns — DILG
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday clarified that the localized lockdowns in towns and cities are comparable to a “decentralized system’’ that do not need the approval from the national government.
Manila Bulletin

DILG to intensify probe vs local execs involved in anomalous SAP distribution
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday vowed that the investigation against allegations of mishandling of funds under the social amelioration program (SAP) by local government officials will be further intensified to make the guilty parties answerable to the law.
Manila Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DOJ postpones preliminary probe of raps vs Sen. Pimentel
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has postponed the start of the preliminary investigation of the complaint filed against Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III over allegations of having violated quarantine protocols which was scheduled on Thursday, June 18.
Manila Bulletin

More Bilibid inmates recover from COVID-19
More New Bilibid Prison (NBP) inmates in Muntinlupa City have recovered from COVID-19, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

PH-US military exercises to continue with suspended VFA abrogation — Esperon
The military exercises between the Philippines and United States will be maintained with the temporary stoppage of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that was supposed to take effect on August 11.
Manila Bulletin

Armed Forces of the Philippines

 PH Navy postpones commissioning of newest frigate
The Philippine Navy (PN) has moved to a later date the commissioning of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), its first ever missile-capable frigate, which was originally scheduled on June 19, the birthday of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
Manila Bulletin

Philippine National Police

PNP Chief warns against possible attacks on police stations
Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered all police chiefs to be on the alert against possible attacks following the death of two policemen and the wounding of two others when gunmen assaulted the Parang Municipal Police Station in Sulu.
Manila Bulletin

PNP forms psychologists’ corps to address quarantine fatigue
Amid fears of quarantine fatigue among police personnel, the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the creation of a Corps of Psychologists that would be tasked to address physical and psychological issues among police personnel.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

PH passes US State Department’s fiscal transparency requirements
The Philippines is among the 76 countries that had complied with the minimum requirements on fiscal transparency for 2020, an annual review conducted by the US Department of State on governments that receive assistance from the United States.
Manila Bulletin

Delinquent taxpayers given Dec. 31 deadline
Taxpayers with tax debts have until the end of the year to avail themselves of the tax amnesty on delinquencies (TAD).
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

High compliance with health protocols seen in food establishments — DTI
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Tuesday there was high compliance with the health protocols by restaurants and food establishments which resumed dine-in operations on June 1.
Manila Bulletin

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

DFA to send list of pending OFW cases to Saudi government
The Philippines will send to the government of Saudi Arabia an itemized list of all pending cases involving Filipino nationals in the Kingdom that need to be urgently resolved, including the case of OFW Marcelo Tanyag III who recently succumbed to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) infection, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

West Philippine Sea

The risk of downplaying Chinese gray zone operations against the Philippines
One year ago, at midnight of June 9, 2019, a Chinese fishing vessel suddenly rammed and sank a wooden Filipino fishing boat, the F/B Gim Vir 1, which was anchored at the Reed Bank. The captain of the ill-fated Gim Vir 1 claimed that the incident was deliberate since the crew of the Chinese vessel saw his fishing vessel before the collision.
Business World Online

China’s reef destruction P231.7 B so far: Pay up
China owes the Philippines P231.7 billion for continuing reef destruction and poaching since 2013. With the UN court holding Beijing liable for ecological damage, the Philippines can exact indemnity. China state assets in the Philippines and overseas rightfully can be seized.
Philippine Star

LABOR

1,143 OFWs return from Middle East
A total of 1,143 overseas Filipino workers from the Middle East have arrived in Manila on Monday, June 15, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.
Manila Bulletin

2,281 OFWs arrive home from 6 countries
A total of 2,281 Filipino repatriates from six different countries across the world who were affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic safely returned on separate flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 throughout Monday, June 15.
Manila Bulletin

Gov’t to start repatriation of some 5,000 Pinoys stranded in Malaysia
The government is planning to start the repatriation of around 5,000 Filipinos stranded in Malaysia by the last week of June, according to Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.
Manila Bulletin

Davao City’s ‘cash for work’ program to employ 42K displaced workers
The City Government of Davao will employ 42,915 workers who have been displaced due to the closure of companies affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outreak.
Mindanews

TRANSPORTATION

CAAP lists closed and open airports nationwide
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said on Tuesday that 17 airports are not yet allowed to operate due to restrictions imposed by local government units in these cities.
Manila Bulletin

New PPA complaints office to handle concerns about foreign shipping firms
The government will create a new office to deal with complaints against foreign shipping companies amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH

Clean houses, prevent dengue surge during GCQ — DOH
Filipinos must take advantage of the general community quarantine to clean their surroundings to prevent the surge of dengue in the time of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) urged Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

PhilHealth to collect OFW premiums after the pandemic — Morales
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) is not keen on making permanent the payment of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) contributions on a voluntary basis, saying this might compromise the rollout of the country’s national health insurance program.
Manila Bulletin

PhilHealth: Delay implementation of UHC Act, expansion of primary health care benefits
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Tuesday called for a “general delay” of the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and the expansion of primary health care benefits under the law.
Manila Bulletin

PhilHealth will propose higher subsidy for 2021 to cover members’ benefits
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will propose a higher subsidy for 2021 to address members’ concerns on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE



EDUCATION

Enrollment crucial to school opening preparations – DepEd
As it implements the “dropbox” enrollment system starting Tuesday, June 16, the Department of Education (DepEd) underscored the importance of the ongoing registration in both public and private schools as it prepares for the formal opening of classes for School Year (SY) 2020-2021 on August 24.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd taps LGUs for learning continuity initiatives
In an effort to ensure a smooth opening of classes this coming school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) has tapped the support of local government units (LGUs) in its learning continuity initiatives.
Manila Bulletin

Health crisis could affect enrollment rates, says DepEd
This school year, there might be changes in the participation rate due to the health crisis. This is the view of Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary and Spokesperson Atty. Nepouceno Malaluan.
Manila Bulletin

DOST’s math and science modules adopted by DepEd
Computerized learning modules in mathematics and science by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have been adopted by the Department of Education (DepEd) through a project undertaken by the DOST – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).
Manila Bulletin

Solon shuns pricey laptops over smartphones
Smartphones will do in facilitating learning among students once classes start under the new normal, said Tarlac 2nd district Rep. Victor Yap as he noted that distributing laptops may be too costly.
Manila Bulletin

Gatchalian urges more cell sites in schools
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday urged giant telecommunication companies (Telcos) in the country to consider installing cell sites in every Department of Education (DepEd) schools so learners and teachers can have better access to the Internet.
Manila Bulletin

ACT bats for health & safety measures for returning teachers, staff
A federation of teachers on Tuesday expressed concern on the newly-issued alternative work arrangement guidelines of the Department of Education (DepEd) saying it lacks “essential health measures” to guarantee the safety of teachers and staff.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

Gasoline up by ₱1.25/liter; diesel by ₱1.10/liter today
Motorists are in for another financially punishing week as gasoline products go up by ₱1.25 per liter, and diesel by ₱1.10 per liter this week.
Manila Bulletin

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

SAP payouts for wait-listed beneficiaries start — DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started distributing cash subsidies to “wait-listed” beneficiaries. DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista said the first Social Amelioration Program (SAP) payout for the leftout beneficiaries was conducted today, June 16 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Manila Bulletin

SAP 2 payout to start in Benguet and Baguio City today — Bautista
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced that it will distribute the second tranche of Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash subsidies in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) today, June 16.
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING and SETTLEMENT

TOURISM

COVID-19 to change the way tourists will travel
The massive shutdown of borders has prompted some Filipino travelers to cancel their flights amid the threat of the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY