Zarate to Ombudsman: Fire Parlade for red-tagging
House Deputy Minority leader Carlos Isagani Zarate has filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Southern Luzon Command chief Major General Antonio Parlade Jr, seeking his preventive suspension and eventual dismissal for red-tagging.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star
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On Fil-Am Friendship Day: USA as a fake friend
Could you elaborate more in detail to the younger generation why there are two (important) dates 6/12 and 7/4 to remember? What is the difference between the two of them?
NDFP
KM-Negros: Frustrate and oppose the worsening neoliberal policies on education!
Negros unites with the broad masses of students, parents, and teachers in opposing the burdening program of DepEd in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. The alternative mode of education pushed by DepEd, with online, modular, and TV/Radio based learning is untimely, costly, and inaccessible alternative especially to the toiling masses in the farms, countrysides, and urban poor.
Communist Party of the Philippines
Open letter to the owners and workers of ABS-CBN
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins you in these difficult times as you confront the slew of questionable legal attacks which have prevented ABS-CBN from exercising press freedom and denied the people their right to information; as well as infringe upon your commercial prerogative to provide entertainment to the Filipino people.
Communist Party of the Philippines
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NPA on brink of collapse: former rebel leaders
Three ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) who have returned to the fold of the law have admitted that the communist organization is on the brink of collapse.
Philippine News Agency
Peace talks
Incidents/Operations
1 NPA rebel killed in clash in Zambo Sur town
Government troops killed a communist guerilla and recovered improvised explosive devices and a firearm following a firefight with a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
Soldier injured in clash with NPA rebels
A SOLDIER was wounded in a clash that ensued while responding to the reported presence of New people's Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Misamis Occidental, officials said.
Sunstar Zamboanga
61IB and NPA clash anew in Iloilo, CTG suffers another blow
The Southern Front of the CPP-NPA Terrorist in Panay suffered another setback in an encounter with the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion at Sitio Lay, Barangay Dalije, in Miagao town, Iloilo at about 11: 10 a.m on June 29, 2020. This, after one of the members of the communist-terrorist group, was killed in a firefight with the 61IB troops.
Kalinaw News
Security forces seize massive quantity of CTG’s explosives in Camarines Norte
A massive number of explosives and its components believed to be owned by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were seized in Labo, Camarines Norte at around 12:30 in the afternoon, Monday, June 29.
Kalinaw News
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Parañaque Raid Against Abu Sayyaf: Countering Terrorism In The City Amidst The Pandemic – Analysis
On 26 June 2020, four alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed in a police raid at Don Bosco district in Parañaque City. Slained suspects were identified as: 1) Merhama Abdul Sawari, female; 2) Bensaudi Sali, male; 3) Rasmin Hussin, male; and, 4) Jamal Kalimming, male.
Eurasia Review
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PH anti-terror bill ‘at par’ with developed countries
The Philippines’ proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is “at par” with the anti-terrorism legislation of the developed countries, Malacañang said on Wednesday with the measure only a signature away from becoming law.
Philippine News Agency
Warrantless arrests and the Anti-Terrorism Act
The provision of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) that strikes the deadliest blow on fundamental constitutional rights is its Section 29, which extends detention without judicial warrant, and without judicial charge, to a total of 24 days.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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'Terror group member' slain in SoCot clash
An alleged member of an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist group was killed while three others managed to escape in an encounter with police operatives in Polomolok town, South Cotabato province on Tuesday evening.
Philippine News Agency, NDBC News
MARAWI
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Italy seizes 'ISIL-made drugs from Syria' worth $1bn
Italian police have seized 14 tonnes of amphetamine pills, allegedly produced in Syria by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) group to fund "terrorist" activities and destined for Europe's illegal drug market.
Aljazeera, The Guardian
From fringe to mainstream: The extreme rightwing in Europe
Europe has long suffered from far-right politics and extreme right terrorism. Over the past decade, however, the terrorism associated with the ideology has grown in influence and potency.
Observer Research Foundation
National Coordinator of French Intelligence and Fight against Terrorism meets Qatar's envoy
National Coordinator of French Intelligence and the Fight against Terrorism H E Pierre de Bousquet de Florian met with Qatar's Ambassador to the French Republic H E Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani.
MENAFN
Envoy terms Saudi Arabia as ‘central bank of terrorism’
Iranian Ambassador to Belgium Gholamhossein Dehghani has called Saudi Arabia as the “central bank of terrorism” and the main sponsor of extremism in the region and beyond, IRNA reported on Wednesday.
Tehran Times
China is protecting human rights in Xinjiang by keeping citizens safe, UN Human Rights Council hears
China's policies in Xinjiang are protecting human rights by keeping citizens safe from terrorism, a group of 46 nations has told the United Nations Human Rights Council.
CGTN
Germany disbands elite army unit over extremism concerns
Germany’s defense minister disbanded a company of special forces on Wednesday saying a culture of right-wing extremism had been allowed to develop behind a “wall of secrecy.”
The Washington Post
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BARMM
READI contingent to assist deportees from Malaysia
The Bangsamoro government dispatched Wednesday to Zamboanga City an emergency response team to assist thousands of Filipino deportees expected to arrive soon from Malaysia.
NDBC News
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
4 suspected BIFF men injured, nabbed in Maguindanao shootout
Four suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) combatants were wounded and arrested following a shootout with government troopers near a checkpoint in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
Army settles 'rido' among MILF members in S. Kudarat
Military and local officials in the Sultan Kudarat town of Palimbang on Tuesday facilitated the reconciliation and peace covenant signing of Moro families that have been locked in “rido” or clan war.
Philippine News Agency
NORTH COTABATO
89 weapons surrendered at launch of NoCot police’s ‘Tugro Pusil’
Eighty-four assorted loose firearms and five explosives were turned over to the North Cotabato Police Provincial Office (NCPPO) at the launching of the “Tugro Pusil Program” in the province on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
33 Cotabato quake evacuees afflicted with dengue fever
Thirty-three earthquake evacuees in Makilala town in Cotabato province are suspected of being inflicted with dengue fever as rains soaked the surroundings of their evacuation center, breeding carrier mosquitoes.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LANAO PROVINCES
DBP, MinDA, Lanao Sur town ink P218-M water project loan
The municipality of Taraka, Lanao del Sur, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on Tuesday signed a PHP218 million worth of loan agreement for the MinDA Water Supply Program (MWSP) in the province.
Philippine News Agency
Amai Pakpak now has license to operate COVID-19 testing lab
The Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) in Marawi City is now licensed to conduct confirmatory laboratory tests for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) using the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test.
Mindanews
BASILAN
SULU
Army deploys female Tausug soldiers in Sulu
The Army's 11th Infantry Division (11ID) of the Philippine Army has deployed a team of female Tausug soldiers to render security duty in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.
Philippine News Agency
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Duterte saddened by Sulu 'misencounter,' wants to talk to involved cops –Roque
President Rodrigo Duterte was "extremely sad" over the recent "misencounter" in Jolo, Sulu between policemen and members of the military that left four soldiers dead, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday.
GMA News, Rappler
‘Misencounter’ with cops in Sulu a ‘misstep’ for Philippine Army — Army spox
“How can their leaders let this happen?” The spokesperson of the Philippine Army said this on Wednesday as he called the alleged misencounter between police officers and soldiers in Sulu a “misstep” for the Philippine Army in its operation against Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the province.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Now PNP says what happened in Jolo was ‘shooting incident’ not ‘misencounter’
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Wednesday that he stands by the police report on the death of four soldiers in Jolo, Sulu, although now calling the June 29 event a “shooting incident” and not a “misencounter.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, CNN Philippines
Jolo police chief ‘administratively relieved’ over death of 4 Army intel men
The chief of Jolo Municipal police in Sulu was relieved from his post after four military intelligence personnel were shot dead on June 29, Monday, the regional director of Bangsamoro Administrative Region police said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
9 detained policemen in Jolo shooting await crime lab results, NBI probe
Disarmed and detained in the barracks of the Provincial Police Office of Sulu in Jolo, the nine policemen involved in the mid-afternoon Monday shooting of two Army officers and two soldiers from the Intelligence Service Unit-9 are soon to face investigation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following the release of the results from the Police Crime Laboratory.
Mindanews
PNP-IAS to launch admin proceedings vs cops in Sulu misencounter — Banac
The Philippine National Police – Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) will launch its own administrative proceedings against the nine police officers involved in the killing of four soldiers in Jolo, Sulu, “if evidence warrants.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PNP-IAS teams up with Napolcom in probe of Sulu shooting incident
Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) on Wednesday said it would be working with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in investigating the fatal shooting of four soldiers by policemen in Jolo, Sulu.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sulu cops may be held liable if there are irregularities in securing evidence—Banac
The police investigators in Sulu may be held liable if anomalies are found in securing evidence at the crime scene where four soldiers were fatally shot, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News
Military, police review protocols after killing by cops of 4 Army intel agents in Jolo
The leadership of the military and police have agreed to review protocols to check if these were up-to-date following the fatal shooting by policemen of four Army intelligence officers in Jolo, Sulu.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pangilinan urges Senate to probe fatal shooting of 4 army officers
Opposition Senator Francis N. Pangilinan said today, July 1, the Senate should initiate an investigation into the fatal shooting of four Philippine Army (PA) intelligence officers by Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in Jolo.
Manila Bulletin
Former AFP chief posts footage of Sulu crime scene, slams PNP 'violations'
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Ricardo Visaya on Wednesday, July 1, criticized the police’s handling of the crime scene where cops gunned down 4 soldiers in Jolo, Sulu – saying they committed “many violations.”
Rappler
House members unconvinced by PNP claim of ‘misencounter’ in Jolo shooting
Administration and opposition congressmen on Tuesday slammed claims by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that the killing of four soldiers by PNP personnel in Jolo, Sulu was a case of “misencounter.”
Manila Bulletin
EDITORIAL - ‘Misencounter’
Two days after the deaths of four Army intelligence officers in Jolo, capital town of Sulu, the Philippine National Police backpedaled and admitted the killing did not result from a “misencounter” between the soldiers and PNP members.
Philippine Star
Temper emotions over police killing of 4 soldiers, Lacson tells military
Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday told Army officials to temper their emotions over the killing of 4 soldiers in Sulu, saying that terrorists and armed insurgents may "exploit" the issue. Military officials have decried how policemen shot dead 4 soldiers who were going after Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the province.
ABS-CBN News
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
PH committed to probe claims of rights violations in drug war
No country has a perfect record in the protection of human rights, Malacañang declared Wednesday after the government’s war on drugs drew criticisms from the United Nations human rights chief.
Manila Bulletin
'Do not be fooled:' Groups say panel probing drug war deaths 'damage control'
Human rights groups are not sold with the Duterte administration's creation of a panel to reinvestigate 5,655 deaths in police drug war operations.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer
PCOO vows transparency in assisting probe on drug war deaths
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) vowed transparency in assisting a newly-formed inter-agency panel conducting a “judicious review” into the over 5,600 deaths in the administration’s war on drugs.
Philippine News Agency
Operations/ Incidents
P70M ‘shabu’ seized in Bulacan; 8 drug syndicate members nabbed
Police on Wednesday seized packs of “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P70 million from eight suspects during a series of drug-buy bust operations in this city.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
2 drug pushers fall in separate Albay busts
Two suspected drug pushers were arrested in separate drug busts in Albay on Tuesday night.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
11 held for petroleum products smuggling in Masbate
Police arrested 11 persons caught unloading over P600,000 worth of undocumented petroleum products at the port of Aroroy town in Masbate province on Wednesday morning.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Palace distances from NTC’s halt order vs. ABS-CBN programs
Malacañang on Wednesday distanced itself from the latest move of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue two cease and desist orders stopping ABS-CBN Corp.’s digital broadcast on TVPlus in Metro Manila and Sky’s satellite broadcast nationwide.
Philippine News Agency
House leader on ABS-CBN hearings: We’re one-sided? That’s fake news
A House leader has insisted on the fairness in the hearings being conducted on media giant ABS-CBN’s bid for a 25-year franchise, dubbing as “fake news and unacceptable” those claims that the hearings are one-sided.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
NTC cease and desist order won’t affect decision on ABS-CBN franchise — solon
The cease and desist order (CDO) stopping the broadcast operations of Sky Direct as well as the digital television transmission through TV Plus via Channel 43 of media giant ABS-CBN will not have any effect on the decision of the House of Representatives on ABS-CBN’s franchise bid, a House leader said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Solon to NTC: Act on broadcasting firms that operate despite expired franchises
A lawmaker is urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to look into and act on the alleged continued operations of some broadcasting despite having expired franchises, in order to be fair after the NTC ordered the closure of ABS-CBN last May 5 with the expiration of its franchise.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
WATCH: Bulacan Rep. Sy-Alvarado discusses ABS-CBN’s bid for 25-year franchise
The House of Representatives has buckled down to business as it tackles ABS-CBN’s bid for another 25-year franchise. The House committee on legislative franchises and the committee on good government and public accountability have so far covered several issues, such as the citizenship of ABS-CBN chair emeritus Gabby Lopez.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
‘ABS-CBN paid proper taxes every year,’ says network exec
Broadcasting company ABS-CBN maintained that it has paid its taxes, debunking alleged tax violations being thrown at the network amid its bid for another 25-year franchise.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DOLE slams ABS-CBN's 'misleading' acts over franchise issue
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday denounced efforts of broadcast network ABS-CBN misleading its position to delude lawmakers on the issue of its franchise.
Philippine News Agency
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
Philippines’ COVID-19 cases top 38,000 with 999 new cases
Cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country surged to 38,511 on Wednesday as the Department of Health (DOH) reported 999 new infections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DOH reports another COVID-19 death among health workers; total now at 34
A barangay health worker from the National Capital Region is the country’s 34th COVID-19 fatality among healthcare workers, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
32 new COVID-19 cases, 30 recoveries, 5 deaths among Filipinos abroad – DFA
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday reported in its latest tally 32 new confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, 30 new recoveries, and 5 deaths among Filipinos abroad.
Manila Bulletin
Department of Health
DOH: Residents in low-risk MGCQ still advised to stay at home
Residents living in areas under low-risk modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) are still advised to refrain from going out of their homes for non-essential purposes, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duque not the ‘right guy’ to solve COVID-19 pandemic, Binay insists
Senator Nancy Binay insisted on Wednesday that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III may not be “the right guy” to solve the country’s problem on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
IATF
Downgrade quarantine status in NCR, Cebu City? Año says there is possibility
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday said there is a possibility that the quarantine status in Metro Manila and Cebu City may be downgraded but it would still depend on their data.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Regions
DOH-6 reports 8 new Covid-19 cases, 7 more recoveries
The Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH-6) reported eight new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the total number of infections across the region to 332 as of Wednesday. Six of the latest cases were from Negros Occidental while the two others were from Iloilo province.
Philippine News Agency
102 health workers from Eastern Visayas have COVID-19 but without symptoms
At least 102 health workers from Eastern Visayas were infected with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since last month. In a virtual presser on Wednesday, Dr. Minerva Molon, director of the Department of Health in the region, said 21 of these health workers have recovered while 81 were still admitted at various quarantine facilities.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Bataan’s Covid-19 cases climb to 212 with 23 new infections
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported on Wednesday that 23 new patients tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) abruptly increasing the number of cases in the province.
Philippine News Agency
Antipolo market on 14-day lockdown after 18 test positive for COVID-19
The Antipolo New Public Market was placed under a 14-day lockdown after 18 tenants and vendors tested positive for the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Iloilo province imposes travel restrictions anew
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Wednesday issued an executive order imposing travel restrictions into the province through the provincial borders of Capiz, Antique and Negros Occidental.
Philippine News Agency
Select areas in Taguig to be under modified localized quarantine until July 15
Select areas in Taguig City where “testing continues to find COVID-19 cases” will be placed under modified localized quarantine (MLQ) starting July 2 until July 15, the city government said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Zamboanga City Covid-19 cases rise to 217
The local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) coronavirus disease (Covid-19) said the number of Covid-19 cases here have increased to 217 as three more new cases were recorded on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
Contacts of BFP personnel with COVID-19 in Iloilo test negative for coronavirus
All persons who had close contact or were near a COVID-19-positive Bureau of Fire Personnel (BFP) personnel, who went to Boracay Island, tested negative for the disease.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
3 Palawan returnees test positive for COVID-19
Three new confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were reported in Palawan, raising the tally to 34 as the island province continued to welcome locally stranded individuals (LSIs).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Zambo City Mayor imposes 12-hour holding period for returnees from Sabah
Mayor Isabelle “Beng” Climaco in Zamboanga City underscored during the RTF-9 ELCAC Virtual Meeting on July 01 not to beat the 12-hour holding policy for returning Filipinos from Sabah while in Zamboanga City, which is being imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Information Agency
QC gov’t says city’s COVID-19 recovery rate now at 60%
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery rate in Quezon City is now at 60%, the local government reported on Wednesday, attributing it to the city’s intensified trace-isolate-treat strategy.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Remulla says some cops who tested positive for COVID-19 have high viral load
Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said some of the cops who have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were found to have "high viral load."
GMA News
Baguio to help Cebu City with contact tracing system
The city government here will be helping Cebu City in its contact tracing system to curb the further spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency
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Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
PRC to use motorcycles to expedite transport of swab tests from remote areas
In a bid to increase testing to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Senator Richard J. Gordon said the 104 motorcycles donated recently by Honda to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will be used to transport swab samples from remote areas in the country to the nearest PRC molecular laboratory.
Manila Bulletin
Iskolars ng Bayan band together to help stranded students during pandemic
What started out as a mere conversation between a dormer at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and a member of a mass organization of Filipino youth has evolved into a donation drive that has benefitted at least 600 stranded students in Metro Manila.
Rappler
Incidents and Violations
Returnee flees quarantine facility in Bohol town
A returnee escaped on Wednesday (July 1) from a quarantine facility in the town of Inabanga, Bohol province, prompting officials to seek help in locating the person.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pimentel given till July 15 to answer quarantine breach raps
State prosecutors have given Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III until July 15 to answer the charges against him for alleged violation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocols.
Philippine News Agency
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
Dire situation in Cebu
For recording a worrying surge in infection cases over the past weeks, Cebu City has earned the ignoble distinction of being the new “main focal point” of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Philippines.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LSIs and OFWs: No name for their pain
Except for the frontliners, all citizens are under imposed lockdown or in various degrees of quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so even those in charitable and aid ministries are not able to reach out to those in extreme need.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
World
US could hit 100,000 new virus cases a day—top health expert
A top US health expert warned Congress on Tuesday that new coronavirus cases could more than double to 100,000 per day if authorities and the public fail to take steps to suppress the pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Trump ‘more and more angry at China’ over coronavirus
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was growing “more and more angry at China” over the spread of the coronavirus, as American health officials warned they were not in “total” control of the pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
As virus roars back, so do signs of a new round of layoffs
The reopening of Tucson’s historic Hotel Congress lasted less than a month. General manager Todd Hanley on June 4 ended a two-month coronavirus lockdown and reopened the 39-room hotel at half-capacity, along with an adjoining restaurant for outdoor dining.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gulf economies to shrink 7.6% over virus, oil slump – IMF
The Gulf states' economies could contract by 7.6% this year in their deepest decline in decades, as the coronavirus and low oil prices take their toll, a top International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said on Tuesday, June 30.
Rappler
Vietnam to speed up COVID-19 vaccine research
Vietnam will mobilize resources to accelerate the progress of creating a COVID-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Health has said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
S. Korea begins using remdesivir to treat COVID-19
South Korean health authorities said Wednesday stocks of remdesivir, an experimental antiviral once seen as a potential Ebola therapy, will be supplied to local hospitals for treating the novel coronavirus disease, or COVID-19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
EU excludes PH travelers, reopens to 'safe' countries
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday, July 1, will start allowing travelers from 15 countries to enter its borders, but left out visitors from the Philippines and dozens of other territories deemed too risky to open up to because they have not yet controlled the coronavirus outbreak.
Rappler
Order for Brazil’s Bolsonaro to wear a mask dismissed
A judge in Brazil on Tuesday dismissed a court ruling requiring President Jair Bolsonaro to wear a face mask in public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Daniele Maranhao Costa said the order was unnecessary since face masks are already mandatory in the capital Brasilia.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Toronto makes masks mandatory, citing US problems
Canada’s largest city has made masks mandatory in public indoor spaces. “You have told us you don’t want to see a repeat of what you see when you turn on your TV and see reports from the United States,” Toronto Mayor John Tory said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Unemployment soars in Brazil due to virus
Brazil's unemployment rate rose to almost 13% in the March-May quarter as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic saw a record 7.8 million jobs cut, according to official figures published on Tuesday, June 30.
Rappler
Coronavirus turns Chile’s middle classes into new poor
During more than three decades of boom in Chile, the middle classes reaped the rewards, but just three months of the coronavirus pandemic has already reduced many to poverty.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
COVID-19 cases explode in California prison
The number of COVID-19 cases has exploded in one of California’s oldest prisons, San Quentin, as more than 1,000 inmates have tested positive for the virus, authorities in the US state announced Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
U.S. stocks gain to finish banner quarter, shrugging off virus spike
Wall Street stocks capped an historically strong quarter on a positive note on Tuesday, June 30, again ending decisively higher and shrugging off a resurgence in United States coronavirus cases.
Rappler
Thailand schools reopen with strict hygiene rules
Mask-wearing pupils catching up with friends at one Bangkok high school were quickly told to spread out as they headed back to lessons on Wednesday, July 1, after months of distance learning due to coronavirus restrictions.
Rappler
Airbus cuts 15,000 jobs to face aviation's 'gravest crisis'
European aircraft maker Airbus said on Tuesday, June 30, it is planning to cut around 15,000 jobs worldwide, 11% of its total workforce, in response to the "gravest crisis" the industry has ever seen caused by the coronavirus.
Rappler
COVID-19 cases mount at the ends of the Earth in Timbuktu
Harandane Toure started taking malaria pills when he first spiked a fever but as the days passed his illness only worsened. Doctors ultimately told him he was among the hundreds now infected with the coronavirus in this town long fabled for being inaccessible from the rest of the world.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Not much ‘advances’ in M. Manila’s COVID-19 doubling rate — Palace
Metro Manila’s COVID-19 case doubling rate remained at seven days, which is why its lockdown status remained at general community quarantine (GCQ), Malacañang said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Roque on critics amid 'beating UP' remark: Slow sila to gets
Medyo slow sila to gets." This was how presidential spokesperson Harry Roque replied to critics who pounced on him for his statement about the country winning over the UP predication regarding COVID-19 cases.
GMA News
‘I congratulated the people, not gov’t efforts’: Roque
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday clarified that he was congratulating the Filipino people and not the government efforts when he declared that the country beat a coronavirus forecast.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
UP team: COVID trend not a game
The trend of COVID-19 cases in the country gives no reason for Filipinos to raise their fists in the air in exuberance, according to the University of the Philippines research team, whose projections Malacañang claimed the Philippines beat the other day.
Philippine Star
Binay on COVID-19: ‘We are not winning the battle’
Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday disagreed with Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque who said the Philippines is “winning” the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Philippines running 16,000 tests a day, half of 32,000 daily target: Palace
The Philippines has reached half of its coronavirus daily testing target, Malacañang said Wednesday, more than 100 days into one of the world's toughest and longest coronavirus lockdown.
ABS-CBN News
Gov't eyes P17-B funding for hiring of 50,000 contact tracers
The government will earmark P17 billion for the hiring of 50,000 contact tracers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday.
GMA News
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Duterte signs bill upgrading Bicol Medical Center
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a bill upgrading the capacity of Bicol Medical Center. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11478 which increases the hospital’s capacity from 500 to 1,000 beds, his former aide and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
SC junks petition challenging Bayanihan law, ECQ in Luzon
The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed a petition challenging the validity of Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act and presidential proclamations on the government's strategy in responding to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Philippine News Agency
Sans SC ruling on release of high-risk inmates, detainee gives birth to a baby girl
While the country is fighting a pandemic and detention facilities are struggling to prevent its spread inside prison, a political detainee has given birth to a baby girl.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
‘This is the worst’: Senate hearing on PH internet suspended over connectivity issues
“This is the worst.” A Senate public services committee hearing into the status of internet service in the country on Wednesday took an ironic turn after it suffered connectivity issues.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Recto fears that pandemic may slash Naia’s 2020 revenues by P10B
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday expressed worry that the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic may cut the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (Naia) 2020 revenue by as much as P10 billion.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
On-site living quarters, rent allowance mulled for teachers in remote areas
The construction of on-site living quarters and provision of housing allowance for teachers deployed in geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas were among the proposals raised in a Senate hearing on Wednesday to address their accommodation and transportation woes.
GMA News
House of Representatives
Another House employee tests positive for coronavirus
Another employee of the House of Representatives has been tested positive for coronavirus, House Secretary General Jose Luis Montales said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
Vico to report on gains, progress on 'Araw ng Pasig'
The Pasig City government has announced Thursday (July 2) as a special non-working holiday in observance of the 447th "Araw ng Pasig" anniversary, with Mayor Vico Sotto poised to deliver a "state of the city" address.
Philippine News Agency
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
AFP Inspector General, Spokesperson promoted
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Inspector General and the AFP Spokesperson have been promoted to the next higher rank in a ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin
Philippine National Police
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
62 BOC employees test positive for COVID-19, 34 have recovered
A total of 62 employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with more than half being able to recover.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
PH, Japan exchange notes on Covid-19 loan assistance package
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Japanese Ambassador Haneda Koji on Wednesday exchanged diplomatic notes in simple rites at the Department of Foreign Affairs on the 50-billion Japanese yen (approximately PHP23.13 billion) loan assistance package extended by the Japanese government to support the Philippines’ Covid-19 emergency response, as well as related social protection, relief, and economic recovery stimulus measures.
Philippine News Agency
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
World Bank appoints new country director for Philippines
The World Bank has appointed a new country director for the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Thailand effective Wednesday, July 1.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
West Philippine Sea
HK, PH vessels collision unrelated to SCS row: Locsin
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday said the collision between a Philippine fishing vessel and Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship has nothing to do with Manila's maritime row with Beijing.
Philippine News Agency
LABOR
DOLE to bring home remains of 274 Saudi OFWs by July 4
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said it is looking to bring home the remains of 274 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have died due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and other natural causes in Saudi Arabia on July 4.
Philippine News Agency
DOLE seeks add'l funding to help more OFWs
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to ask for additional budget from President Rodrigo Duterte to be able to assist more displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) applying for cash assistance under its Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program.
Philippine News Agency
Sumifru labor dispute resolved
A peaceful settlement has been reached between 92 plantation workers from Compostela and Sumifru (Philippines) Corp. in a conciliation mediation sanctioned by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Region 11 (Davao Region) early this month.
The Manila Times
TRANSPORTATION
MMDA wants placement of bus doors to left side to avoid accidents on Edsa
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Wednesday said it is now eyeing to move passenger doors of buses traversing Edsa to the left side to avoid accidents following the installation of bus stops on the left lanes of the major thoroughfare.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Interim operation of busway along ‘new Edsa’ begins
Commuters can expect a reduced travel time along Edsa–Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare–thanks to the Edsa busway that started its interim operation on Wednesday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Having doors on left side of bus dangerous on other roads — provincial bus group
Moving the doors to the left side of a bus – which is being proposed to allow buses to use stops along Edsa’s median lanes – could be dangerous for passengers once the bus is on other roads, a leader of a provincial bus group said on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HEALTH
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
EDUCATION
Is DepEd ready for online learning by Aug. 24?
The House Minority bloc on Wednesday expressed doubts on the readiness of the Department of Education (DepEd) in implementing online learning under its Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) when classes open on August 24.
Manila Bulletin
DepEd says to push through with Aug. 24 class opening
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said Wednesday the opening of classes in public schools on Aug. 24 will proceed despite the extension of the enrollment period until July 15.
ABS-CBN News
Lower enrollment turnout in private schools for SY2020-2021
The economic setback brought by the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the lower turnout of enrollees in private schools as compared to public schools, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
ENERGY
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DENR files raps vs. Puerto Princesa police chief
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has filed several criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against relieved Puerto Princesa Police Director Col. Marion Balonglong in line with the illegal arrest and maltreatment of eight DENR employees last June 10.
Philippine News Agency
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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