Año vows gov’t won’t tolerate cops ‘red-tagging’ anyone under anti-terror bill
The government will not tolerate red-tagging activities of police officers against progressive groups and other individuals once the anti-terror bill becomes law, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, CNN Philippines
Anti-terror bill steps up Army drive vs. communist group in Bicol
The commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia on Wednesday said passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill will boost and expedite the government’s campaign against the communist terrorist group (CTG) in the region.
Philippine News Agency
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Davao village declares CPP- NPA-NDFP ‘persona non grata’
Some 150 residents of Barangay Igangon, San Isidro town staged a “peace rally” on June 14 to formally and publicly withdraw any association and support for the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Peoples Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) and all its legal front organizations.
The Manila Times
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Another 21 former rebels in ADN receive E-CLIP financial assistance for a total 84 in Caraga
Another twenty-one (21) Former Rebels (FRs) in Caraga region had received the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) DILG Financial Assistance Package during the 2nd Quarter Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting of Agusan del Norte held at Balanghai Hotel, Brgy Doongan, Butuan City.
Kalinaw News
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2 NPA remnants of Gingoog running gun battle surrender to 23IB
Two (2) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who are survivors of the running gun battle against the government troops in Sitio Kalipay, Gingoog City surrendered to the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade last June 10, 2020 at Headquarters 23IB Jamboree Site, P-6 Brgy Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
Kalinaw News
15 NPA rebels yield in Caraga
Fifteen communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatants have surrendered to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga), the region's top police official said on Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
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Davao police: Dead Lumad not from UCCP Haran
CONTRARY to earlier reports, authorities clarified that the Lumad, who reportedly died from an infectious disease, is not among those staying at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran.
Sunstar Davao
Peace talks
Incidents/Operations
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DOJ comments on anti-terror bill sent to Palace
The Department of Justice has sent its comments on the anti-terrorism bill to Malacanang. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the department's submission was on its way to the Office of the President on Wednesday afternoon.
GMA News
NICA seeks CHR help in telling public that anti-terrorism bill aims to protect people’s rights
The director general of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) on Wednesday urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to help in "explaining" to the public that the new anti-terrorism bill aims to protect the rights of every citizen.
GMA News
IRR for anti-terror bill to ensure protection of human rights – NICA chief
The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the anti-terror bill will include protection of human rights, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Director-General Alex Monteagudo assured Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Anti-terror bill to prevent another SAF 44 massacre, Marawi siege, security officials say
THE National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) defended the controversial anti-terrorism bill, claiming that the Human Security Act of 2007 has not helped authorities in preventing terrorist attacks in the country.
The Manila Times
Duterte 'awaiting finalization of anti-terror bill' remark a figure of speech
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte is just playing with words when the latter mentioned that the anti-terror bill is awaiting finalization of details before being signed.
GMA News
Lacson: Anti-terror bill would prevent terrorist financing in Philippines
Senator Panfilo Lacson said the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act would cut off terrorist financing activities in the Philippines as he pointed out that the Marawi siege in 2017 proved the lack of teeth of existing laws.
GMA News
Año says anti-terrorism bill has stricter supervision on cops amid accusation of abuses
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday said the controversial anti-terrorism bill would allow strict supervision of police after some security forces have been accused of abuse of power.
GMA News
DILG hits Bayan Muna’s claim LGUs forced to back anti-terror bill
Local government units (LGUs) are not being forced to support the anti-terror bill contrary to the claims of party-list group Bayan Muna, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Wednesday. DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said local chief executives have expressed their support for the bill voluntarily.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News
Amid concerns about anti-terror bill, Esperon says gov't is 'sensitive' about racial profiling
Amid apprehensions against the new anti-terror bill, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Wednesday maintained that the government is sensitive when it comes to issues of "racial profiling."
GMA News
New anti-terror law needed as terror threat persists: security officials
Security officials stressed Wednesday the need for a new antI-terrorism law due to the threat of terrorism, even as various groups continued to oppose the bill. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said local and foreign terrorists continue to be at large and the measure was needed to promote a “culture of orderliness, legality and security” in the country.
ABS-CBN News
‘Worse than martial law’ if anti-terror bill becomes law —Carpio
The Philippines will "permanently" be in a situation "worse than martial law" if the anti-terror bill becomes law, retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio said Wednesday.
GMA News
No need for martial law
Hindi na kailangan ng martial law kapag napasa namin itong anti-terror bill,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III told media. I agree with Senator Sotto that under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA2020), martial law will be superfluous.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sangil: The anti-terror law is scary
SUDDEN change of heart? Pressured by the massive public opinion? Anyway there a saying that only fools don't change their minds. One by one, and then in batches members of the House of Representatives withdrew their support on the Anti-Terrorism bill which was recently approved by both houses.
Sunstar Pampanga
[ANALYSIS] On the Anti-Terror Bill: Beyond constitutionality
The current public debate in media and occasionally in the streets, as well as the reported executive department review of the new Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATB) presented by the leaders of both houses of Congress to the President for him to sign it into law, can be said to be focused on its constitutionality.
Rappler
Terrified by Anti-Terror bill
Unless he has a change of heart, in a matter of days, President Duterte will be signing into law the Anti-Terrorism bill – but, waiting in the wings is a multitude of opponents ready to bring the law to the high court to decide on its constitutional provisions.
Philippine Star
Key voices vs terror bill
Mention the word “terrorist” and what comes to mind is the devastation of Marawi, a city in ruins after the Maute insurgents affiliated with the Islamic State laid siege to it in May 2017.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Baguio mayor hit for supporting anti-terror bill
TONGTONGAN ti Umili-Cordillera Peoples Alliance (TTU-CPA) slammed Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s support for a state-driven passage of the Anti–Terrorism Bill. TTU-CPA Secretary-General Jeoffrey Mhar Larua said the group denounces Benjamin Magalong’s backing of the "unconstitutional" anti-terror bill.
Sunstar Baguio
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MARAWI
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Number of far-right terrorist prisoners in Britain hits record high
The number of far-right prisoners convicted for terror offences in Great Britain climbed by a third last year to their highest recorded level, and accounts for more than one in six of all terrorists held in prison, according to official figures.
The Guardian
Shamima Begum: ISIS recruit barred from Bangladesh
Bangladesh has reinforced its stance that it will not allow British citizen Shamima Begum – the schoolgirl who fled London to join the ISIS in Syria – into the country because she “was never a Bangladeshi national”.
The National UAE
US condemns ‘senseless’ ISIS killings in Northern Nigeria
THE United States of America (US) has condemned what it called ‘senseless and brazen’ killings of civilians by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in the Northern part of Nigeria.
International Center for Investigative Reporting
UN votes for Security Council seats under Covid-19 precautions
The UN General Assembly president banged his gavel to open elections for coveted Security Council positions on Wednesday under dramatically different voting procedures because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National UAE
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BARMM
BARMM records highest single-day COVID-19 tally
Twenty six new cases of COVID-19 positive have been reported in the Bangsamoro Region, raising the region’s confirmed coronavirus positive to 64, the region’s ministry of health today said.
NDBC News
BARMM celebrates World Blood Donor Day thru blood letting activity
In celebration of World Blood Donor Day, the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH), in partnership with the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC), conducted a mobile blood donation activity on Wednesday, June 17 at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City.
NDBC News
BTA-BARMM resumes regular session under new normal
After more than two months of absence in legislative works, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) of the Bangsamoro region has opened its 2nd Regular Session Tuesday under the new normal situation after more than two months of absence due to COVID-19 pandemic.
NDBC News
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
NORTH COTABATO
Renegade commander softens on Pikit aggression
Apprehensive of criminal prosecution, a renegade Moro commander promised Wednesday to stand down from a clan war that escalated last week and displaced no fewer than 2,000 families.
NDBC News
Some LSIs from North Cotabato attempted to commit suicide
The head of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in North Cotabato has disclosed that a number of locally stranded individuals that they rescued since they created the Task Force Sagip Stranded Cotabatenos have attempted to commit suicide.
Mindanews
LANAO PROVINCES
BASILAN
SULU
COVID-19 patient in Sulu escapes from quarantine facility
A patient positive for COVID-19 has escaped from a quarantine facility in Sulu, prompting provincial police to conduct a search operation. According to government reports, the patient was an overseas Filipino worker and was the second positive COVID-19 case in Sulu.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
PDEA calls on public to report suspected drug activities through hotlines, Facebook
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is encouraging the public to report anti-illegal drug activities through its hotlines and the social media page of its chief, director general Wilkins Villanueva.
GMA News
Operations/ Incidents
Quezon City cop tests positive for drugs
A Quezon City police officer was sacked from his post after he tested positive for drug use, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.
Philippine Star
Parañaque City drug bust: Cops nab 6, seize over P1-M ‘shabu’
Six people were arrested while over P1 million worth of suspected shabu (crystal meth) were confiscated during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) reported Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PRO-9, PDEA 'dismantle' drug den in Zambo Sibugay
Authorities arrested 15 people, dismantled a drug den, and seized some PHP224,800 worth of illegal drugs in separate anti-drug operations in the region, a top police official said on Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
Cops kill suspect with P10,000 in meth in buy-bust gunfight
A drug suspect selling P10,000 in shabu, or crystal meth, to an undercover policeman was killed in what police said was a clash during the buy-bust operation here on Tuesday (June 16).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
4 nabbed in Albay, Camarines Norte buy-busts
Four suspected illegal drug pushers were arrested in separate drug operations in Albay and Camarines Norte on Tuesday night.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
2 drug suspects nabbed in Camarines Sur
Two suspected drug personalities were arrested in separate operations in Baao town, Camarines Sur on Tuesday night.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
5 'pushers' nabbed, over P164-K shabu seized in Bicol
Over PHP164,000 worth of suspected shabu was seized from five alleged illegal drug pushers in separate drug stings on Tuesday in Camarines Sur, Albay and Masbate provinces, the Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) said.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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Enactment of nat’l land use act pushed
he Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Wednesday called on lawmakers to pursue the passage of the National Land Use Act (NLUA) to prevent the overexploitation of soil due to unbridled human activity. The NLUA, which seeks to ensure the sustainable and efficient use of the country’s land and physical resources, has been pending in Congress for two decades, according to the CCC.
Manila Bulletin
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Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Palace to US: Court made right decision in Maria Ressa’s cyber libel case
Malacañang on Wednesday supported the decision of a Manila court that convicted Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and a former employee of cyber libel after the United States expressed concern over the verdict.
GMA News
Freedom of the press remains vibrant and strong in PH – Andanar
Freedom of speech and of the press remain “vibrant and strong” in the Philippines but such rights come with responsibilities, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Wednesday after the United States expressed concern about the cyber libel conviction of a journalist.
Manila Bulletin
Palace: Rappler CEO’s case was of ‘bad journalism,’ not press freedom suppression
For Malacañang, the case of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa was not about the suppression of press freedom, but a case of “bad journalism.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Appointments of Judge Montesa’s husband, Keng’s daughter do not affect integrity of verdict against Ressa —Roque
The appointment of Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa’s husband and complainant Wilfredo Keng’s daughter in the government does not affect the integrity of the verdict against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and a former researcher, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said .
GMA News
CHR alarmed by Ressa conviction, asks gov't to revisit laws penalizing libel
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday expressed alarm over the conviction of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former Rappler researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. of cyber libel over a story published just months before the Anti-Cybercrime Law took effect, saying libel laws should not stifle the right to free press and free expression.
GMA News
Recto wishes Ressa's cyber libel conviction overturned
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday expressed support to Rappler CEO Maria Ressa who recently got convicted for cyber libel.
GMA News
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House panels tackle if ABS-CBN application violate 50-year cap on franchises
Two House panels continued Wednesday its deliberations on media giant ABS-CBN’s bid for a 25-year franchise—this time, to discuss whether or not the network’s application violates the 50-year constitutional limitation for franchises issued by Congress.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gov't didn't return ABS-CBN in 1986, Lopez family took it back --network exec
The government did not return ABS-CBN to the Lopezes after the EDSA Revolution in 1986, but instead the family took it back to their possession.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte had a program on ABS-CBN for more than 15 years — network vice chair
President Rodrigo Duterte once had a television program on ABS-CBN, which lasted for more than 15 years. This was revealed by the network’s vice chairman Augusto Almeda-Lopez during the House joint panel hearing on the ABS-CBN franchise on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Enrile says ABS-CBN ownership stayed with Lopezes despite sequestration order
Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said Wednesday that the Lopez family never lost ownership of ABS-CBN even after a sequestration order was issued during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Marcos didn’t steal ABS-CBN from Lopezes – Enrile
Late strongman president Ferdinand Marcos didn’t steal ABS-CBN from the Lopezes during the declaration of nationwide martial law, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin
House panel asks NTC to explain network’s continued use of broadcast frequency
A joint House of Representatives panel Wednesday ordered the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to explain in writing why ABS-CBN continues to use broadcast frequency to air television programs, including the live coverage of Wednesday’s congressional hearing.
Manila Bulletin
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Probers in radioman’s murder get ‘serious threats,’ says Usec Egco
Investigators handling the murder case of radio broadcaster Cornelio Pepino have reportedly received “serious threats and intimidation.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
Philippines’ COVID-19 cases top 27,000 with 457 new infections
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines topped 27,000 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 457 more infections—342 “fresh” or newly validated and 115 reported late—bringing the total to 27,238.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
DFA reports 56 new COVID-19 cases
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday reported 56 new confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases, 24 new deaths, and 10 new recoveries among Filipinos in different geographic regions abroad.
Manila Bulletin
Department of Health
DOH: Cheap, available steroid dexamethasone not a ‘magic pill’ vs COVID-19
Dexamethasone, a cheap, widely available steroid, is not a “magic pill” against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
288 patients in PH participate in WHO ‘Solidarity Trial’ for treatment of COVID-19
A total of 288 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients in the country are currently participating in the World Health Organization’s Solidarity Trial that aims to find an effective treatment for the dreaded illness.
Manila Bulletin
Frontline workers infected with COVID-19 eligible for employee compensation benefits
The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) said frontline workers, who contracted the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) by reason of their employment, are eligible for the benefits and services under the Employees’ Compensation Program.
Manila Bulletin
DoH’s new COVID tracker site is a vast improvement in their efforts to provide desperately needed data
While it isn’t perfect, our resident expert believes it is a milestone for the Health Agency, and recommends that everyone visit it. Meanwhile, recoveries slightly go up while our death rate slightly goes down.
ABS-CBN News
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Duque, others face Ombudsman probe over 'anomalies' in COVID-19 response
Ombudsman Samuel Martires has ordered a motu proprio investigation on Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other health officials over various issues raised in connection with the Department of Health's (DOH) response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
DOH welcomes Ombudsman probe on Duque, other execs over COVID-19 response
The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday welcomed the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation on Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other health officials over their handling of the government’s coronavirus response.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Palace on Ombudsman probe vs. Duque: Let the process run its course
Malacañang on Wednesday said it respects the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the alleged irregularities in the Department of Health’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
GMA News
Roque vows to reveal new PhilHealth anomalies
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday he will soon reveal new anomalies at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as he slammed its leadership for alleged failure to go after corrupt officials.
GMA News
Lacson hopes Ombudsman probe on Duque, other DOH execs will 'bear fruit'
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said he is hoping the Ombudsman's motu proprio investigation on Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other health officials over issues connected to the Department of Health's response to the COVID-19 pandemic will "bear fruit."
GMA News
Drilon backs Ombudsman COVID-19 response probe: We must exact accountability
The investigation ordered by the Ombudsman into alleged anomalies in the Department of Health’s (DOH) response to the coronavirus crisis should serve as a reminder that officials should do their job with “utmost integrity and honesty,” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
IATF
Travel flowchart issued to guide citizens on movement through quarantine zones
The Joint Task Force COVID Shield has issued a flowchart on domestic travel to assist the public on what to do if they would move to several places affected by the continuing implementation of quarantine measures.
Manila Bulletin
Placing Cebu under ECQ not a punishment — Año
Returning Cebu City’s status to a strict enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is not a punishment but to address the surge of coronavirus disease cases in the city, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Año: Gov't looking for ways to continue helping families affected by COVID-19
Following President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks that the government no longer has money amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año assured the public that the government would continue to extend assistance to affected families.
GMA News
Tony Leachon no longer special adviser for nat’l COVID-19 task force
Dr. Tony Leachon announced Wednesday that he is no longer a special adviser for the National Task Force Against COVID-19.
GMA News
Galvez: Task force adviser jeopardized COVID-19 communication efforts
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force on coronavirus disease (COVID-19), said on Wednesday that Dr. Tony Leachon had jeopardized the government’s communication efforts related to addressing the pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
IBP welcomes gov't policy allowing movement of lawyers assisting persons arrested during ECQ
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines has welcomed the new government policy allowing the movement of lawyers who will assist persons arrested in places under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
GMA News
Regions
Lower Bicutan’s Purok 4 under ECQ starting Thursday night
The Taguig City government on Tuesday announced that Purok 4 in Lower Bicutan will also be placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the area.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Manila City to place 3 barangays under 48-hour hard lockdown
Three barangays in Manila will be placed under hard lockdown for 48 hours to make way for testing of suspected carriers of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This was announced Wednesday by the city government in an advisory on Twitter.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Malabon imposes 5-day lockdown of entire Sitio 6 due to high COVID-19 case
The local government of Malabon has placed the entire Sitio 6 in Barangay Catmon under “special concern lockdown” for five days as cases of the coronavirus disease continue to rise in the area.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
6 doctors, 8 nurses among 22 health workers with COVID-19 in E. Visayas
At least 22 health workers, including six doctors and eight nurses, in two government-run hospitals, were the latest victims of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Eastern Visayas.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Wife of COVID-19 patient is Oriental Mindoro’s 26th case
The wife of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient is the recent addition to the number of cases in Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFW is 2nd COVID-19 case in Oroquieta City
A repatriated overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was recorded on Tuesday, June 16, as the second COVID-19 case in Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Another returnee tests positive for COVID-19 in Puerto Princesa
Another local stranded returnee who arrived here on June 5 tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Palawan to five.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
South Cotabato now has 14 COVID-19 cases
The confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in South Cotabato province have increased to 14 after two more returning residents tested positive on Wednesday afternoon.
Mindanews
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Over 13k people still stranded in Luzon due to COVID-19 restrictions — Palace exec
More than 13,000 individuals stranded in Luzon due to movement restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have yet to return to their home provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao, a Malacañang official said Wednesday.
GMA News
Old Bataan capitol now hospital annex for non-COVID patients
The old provincial capitol here has been converted into an extension of the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) to accommodate non-coronavirus patients.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Puerto Princesa city gov’t wants fewer airline flights
The City government of Puerto Princesa has requested airline managements and local airport authorities to adjust the flight schedules, downshifting to only three times per week.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Agusan Sur LGU eyes COVID-19 testing lab by October
The provincial government here will set up in October this year a P69-million molecular laboratory with staff quarter that will serve as testing center for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Mindanews
Lucena’s MGCQ status a challenge, says city mayor
Lucena Mayor Roderick Alcala has called on residents to remain vigilant to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the city now shifted to a more lenient modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Quezon mayor fears ‘community transmission’ of COVID-19
The mayor of Catanauan town in Quezon province has cautioned his townmates that a possible “community transmission” of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused the infection of the locality’s latest patient, a 2-year-old boy.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
When a long sentence becomes a death sentence
Along with cruise ships and nursing homes, prisons are very dangerous places to be during a global pandemic. COVID-19, the highly infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus, necessitates social distancing in public spaces, but this is impossible to do in prison.
Aljazeera
World
Swedish Parliament honors nearly 5,000 dead
Sweden’s Parliament held a 15-minute remembrance for the victims of the pandemic in a country that has seen nearly 5,000 COVID-19 deaths.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Australia accuses China and Russia of virus disinformation
China and Russia have used the anxiety around the coronavirus pandemic to undermine Western democracies by spreading disinformation online, Australia’s foreign minister said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
What is China doing to stop Beijing’s new coronavirus outbreak?
Over 1,000 flights have been cancelled, schools shut and residents urged not to leave Beijing, as Chinese authorities race to contain a fresh outbreak linked to the capital’s largest wholesale food market.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
India coronavirus toll sees record jump of 2,000 dead
India’s official coronavirus death toll leaped by more than 2,000 on Wednesday as the hard-hit country struggles to contain a ballooning health crisis that has overwhelmed hospitals.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Putin has ‘disinfection tunnel’ to protect him from coronavirus
Visitors meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin at his country residence must first pass through a walk-through device that sprays them with disinfectant, to protect him from the coronavirus, officials said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Elderly, sick, essential workers will get virus vaccine first—US
The United States plans to give priority to the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions and essential workers once there is a vaccine against COVID-19, a senior Trump administration official said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
S. Korea reports uptick in COVID-19 cases, few new infections outside Greater Seoul
South Korea confirmed 43 more novel coronavirus cases Wednesday, with five occurring in the central city of Daejeon, health authorities said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
China, Africa to host summit on pandemic
Leaders of China and African countries are set to have an extraordinary summit on solidarity against the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, a move that experts said demonstrates their joint efforts to build a community of common health based on the traditional China-Africa friendship.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Clinical trials of chloroquine for COVID-19 treatment halted in S. Korea
Clinical trials in South Korea to evaluate the potential therapeutic efficacy of an anti-malaria drug, chloroquine, for the treatment of the novel coronavirus have been halted, hospital officials said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Public assured: Duterte is healthy
Malacañang assured the public that President Duterte is healthy after a photo showing him to be looking rather droopy surfaced on social media last week.
Manila Bulletin
Robredo should offer solutions, rather than just criticize – Palace
Vice President Leni Robredo should offer solutions instead of just dishing out criticisms on the movement of stranded individuals to their hometowns, according to a Palace official.
Manila Bulletin
Roque challenges PhilHealth chief to clean agency’s ranks
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday challenged Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) chief Ricardo Morales to clean the state insurer’s ranks, even asking what he has done to address the alleged corruption within the agency.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Duterte asked to include brgy. captains, councilors as cash aid beneficiaries
The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) on Wednesday appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to include barangay captains and councilors as beneficiaries for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
GMA News
Palace wants stimulus package PH can afford, not require ‘too much borrowing’
Malacañang on Wednesday said it prefers a stimulus package to revive the economy post-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic that the country can afford and does not require “too much borrowing.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Palace pays tribute to Danding Cojuangco
Malacañang on Wednesday paid tribute to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85.
GMA News
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Group questions PRRD’s ‘no money’ claim
A federation of teachers on Wednesday slammed the “no money” claim of President Duterte and urged the government to fully account for COVID-19 funds which should have prioritized social services in the recovery program.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
VP’s online market service reaches Zamboanga City
The local government of Zamboanga City has joined Vice President Leni Robredo’s e-market project that helps small market vendors and tricycle drivers affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In a Facebook post, Robredo announced her office put its online delivery service on soft launch on Tuesday, June 16.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Senate leaders oppose PhilHealth’s proposal to delay UHC implementation
Several senators on Wednesday expressed opposition to the recommendation of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to delay the implementation of the Universal Health Care law as it projected a four-year fund deficit.
GMA News
Hontiveros on Palace's claim that POGO taxes collection ongoing: 'How much, sis?'
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday asked the executive department how much it has collected from the unpaid taxes of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) after the Palace recently claimed that efforts are ongoing.
GMA News
House of Representatives
Solon pushes for public school teachers’ sick leave benefits
Assistant House Minority Leader France Castro on Wednesday renewed her call for sick leave benefits for public school teachers and urged the Congress to quickly take action on House Bill 5349.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
House committee okays P38.86-B recovery assistance for education
The House Defeat COVID-19 Committee-New Normal Cluster passed on June 17 a bill seeking to provide P38.86-billion Recovery Assistance Package for higher education and technical-vocational education and training (TVET) to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s higher education institutions (HEIs) and technical-vocational institutions.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DOJ complex in Manila on lockdown after 5 employees test positive for COVID-19
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered a lockdown of the Department of Justice (DOJ) complex in Manila after five employees tested positive for COVID-19.
GMA News
DOJ gets almost 200 reports as probe on dummy Facebook accounts continues
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has received almost 200 reports involving more than 300 Facebook accounts as its investigation on dummy accounts continues.
GMA News
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
DOF: $450 million to be disbursed for 4Ps by July
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will be infused with a fresh $450 million (about P22.5 billion) in funds to continue providing cash grants to poor families for their children’s health and education needs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
PH, Japan ink P75.5-B loan pact for key infra projects in Vis-Min
Two priority projects under the government’s Build, Build, Build program obtained multi-billion funding from Japan after the Philippines and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a P75.5-billion deal recently.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
LABOR
Lorenzana denies OFWs in Middle East were begging to survive
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismissed on Wednesday the rumors that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East have resorted to begging for food while waiting to be repatriated because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
LTO Central Office, QC licensing office suspend work after 12 employees test positive for COVID-19
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended all work and transactions at its Central Office and at the Quezon City Licensing Office on Wednesday after 12 employees tested positive for COVID-19.
GMA News
HEALTH
DOH not yet attributing drop in dengue cases to renewed trust in vaccines
The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said it is still too early to say if the decrease in the number of dengue cases this year can be attributed to parents' renewed trust to vaccines following the 2017 Dengvaxia controversy.
GMA News
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Agri dept digitizes youth loan program
The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) is digitizing the implementation of the Kapital Access for Young Agriprenuers (KAYA) loan program by utilizing online tools to facilitate the application and orientation of its target beneficiaries.
The Manila Times
EDUCATION
DepEd to investigate face mask-sharing incident in Camarines Norte school
The Department of Education (DepEd) said Wednesday it will investigate an incident in an elementary school in Daet, Camarines Norte where students shared only one face mask during a graduation pictorial amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News
Blended learning in small private schools in NCR up to IATF —DepEd official
Blended learning in private schools in Metro Manila with small student populations is up to the government's COVID-19 task force, the Department of Education said Wednesday.
GMA News
102 out of 111 SUCs in the country report having internet connectivity in main campuses — CHED exec
A total of 102 out of the 111 state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the country have indicated that they have internet connectivity in their main campuses, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reported on Wednesday.
GMA News
ENERGY
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
TOURISM
DOT firms up pact with FAO, Grab PH to promote fresh local produce and farm tourism
The Philippines’ fresh local produce will now be more accessible to a greater number of Filipinos as the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday successfully sealed partnerships with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and with Grab Philippines to further improve the country’s farm tourism industry.
Manila Bulletin
Western Visayas fire chief relieved over new COVID-19 case in Boracay
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered the relief of the regional director of Bureau of Fire Protection in Region VI following the alleged breach of quarantine protocols of a fire personnel in Boracay Island.
GMA News
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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