COVID-19

WHO disowns statement putting PH in a bad light
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that it did not issue an assessment that the Philippines had the “fastest rise” in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Western Pacific region.
Manila Bulletin

WHO data on Philippines’ COVID-19 situation may be wrong —Sotto
The World Health Organization's (WHO) data showing that the Philippines has the fastest growing number of COVID-19 cases in the Western Pacific region could be wrong, according to Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday.
GMA News

Cases

Philippines’ COVID-19 cases breach 37,000 with 1,080 new infections
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 37,000 mark on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,080 more infections—858 “fresh” or newly validated and 222 reported lated—bringing the total to 37,514.
GMA News

COVID-19 cases within PNP exceed 700 with 77 new infections
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases within the Philippine National Police (PNP) breached 700 on Tuesday with 77 new infections, bringing the total to 709.
GMA News

1 dead, 9 positive for COVID among Filipinos in Oman
Philippine Ambassador to Muscat Narciso Castañeda on Tuesday confirmed nine COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) confirmed cases and one fatality among Filipinos in Oman even as the embassy prepares to repatriate more displaced overseas Filipinos workers from that country.
Manila Bulletin

Department of Health

NCR still COVID-19 epicenter, says DOH
The National Capital Region (NCR) remains the epicenter of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
Manila Bulletin

Philippines has emerging COVID-19 hotspots in Mindanao, says DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday identified several “emerging hotspots” of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Mindanao. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH is monitoring the following areas:
GMA News

Returning LSIs not to blame for spike in COVID-19 cases in provinces, says DOH
Locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who returned to their hometowns from Metro Manila and other areas cannot be blamed for the spike in COVID-19 infections in the provinces, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.
GMA News

Funding issues hampering DOH's hiring of contact tracers
The Philippines is short of at least 76,000 contact tracers in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of funding, the Department of Health said Tuesday.
GMA News

Cebu solon urges DOH to address shortage of health workers, medical supplies in the city
Cebu City 2nd district Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa is calling on the Department of Health (DOH) to address the shortage of health workers, ambulances, and medical supplies in the city.
Manila Bulletin

IATF

Areas under ECQ, GCQ, MGCQ until July 15
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday announced the quarantine classifications that will be implemented in the country in the next two weeks or until July 15.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Cebu City stays under strictest ECQ; no easing of restrictions in Metro Manila
Cebu City, now the epicenter of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the Visayas, will remain under enhanced community quarantine until July 15, President Rodrigo Duterte announced past midnight on Wednesday. 
Philippine Star, Manila Standard, GMA News

Gov’t eyes more localized quarantine; approves economic team’s proposals
The government is considering the imposition of more localized quarantine measures at the community level, strict enforcement of health protocols, and optimized use of public transportation, among others, to revive the country’s stalled economy amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

Cimatu recommends retaining ECQ status of Cebu City
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu said he has recommended to President Duterte for Cebu City to remain under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
Manila Bulletin

Cimatu to move isolation centers out of Cebu City barangays to prevent COVID transmission
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said isolation centers put up inside barangays in Cebu City will be transferred farther to further prevent the local transmission of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Cimatu eyes Cebu Coliseum, other quarantine facilities
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu, who was directed by President Duterte sent to oversee the government’s pandemic response in Cebu City, is eyeing the conversion of the Cebu Coliseum into a quarantine facility for coronavirus patients in the city and nearby areas.
Manila Bulletin

Gov’t mulls P25-B fund for COVID-19 fight and economic recovery — Roque
In stepping the drive to stem the coronavirus outbreak, the government is eyeing a P10-billion subsidy program for its expanded testing efforts and another P15 billion for cash-for-work program, possibly for the hiring of contact tracers.
Manila Bulletin

Swab test result of returning Pinoys out in 3 days -testing czar Dizon
The National Task Force Against COVID-19 has rolled out an automated system for Filipinos returning home from abroad that will ensure the release of their test results within three days.
GMA News

Regions

Cebu City logs record-high 353 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths
Cebu City on Tuesday announced 353 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the highest number of new cases it reported in a single day, raising the total to 5,494.
GMA News

2 more contacts of Bicol returnees get COVID-19, raising cases in region to 110
Two more men in Camarines Sur have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), raising the number of known infections in the region to 110 on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

22 new COVID cases in Caraga; 138 total cases as of June 29
In span of three days, 22 more cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were recorded from laboratory results, bringing a total of 138 cases in Caraga Region.
Mindanews

Patient gets infected with COVID-19 after attending party in Davao
Mayor Sara Duterte has reported that a patient in the city got infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after attending a party in Calinan District here, urging the public to avoid inviting outsiders to their houses to celebrate special occasions.
Mindanews

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Sotto backtracks, now wants NCR back to ECQ
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the National Capital Region (NCR) should be reverted to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the people’s “hard-headedness”.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Military aiding health frontliners to stem COVID-19 outbreak in Cebu City
The government is not militarizing its approach to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in Cebu City, an official related to the city’s response efforts has disclosed.
Manila Bulletin

Go Negosyo Project ARK, CCCI join hands to help Cebu battle COVID-19
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion announced Tuesday that the business community, through the initiative of “Go Negosyo Project ARK” and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), will extend support to the Province of Cebu in mitigating the surge of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
Manila Bulletin

Moratorium on travel home to parts of Visayas frustrates LSIs at Manila pier
Several locally stranded individuals (LSIs) waiting for trips home at the Manila North Harbor expressed dismay at the government’s two-week moratorium on trips back to some parts of Visayas.
GMA News

4 LGUs appealed their quarantine status before IATF — Palace
Four local government units have appealed their possible quarantine status starting in July ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement on the matter on Tuesday night.
GMA News

Davao City may tap health workers among AFP reservists to help fight COVID-19
The City Government of Davao may tap health workers who are listed as reservists in the Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) to help the local government battle coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Mayor Sara Duterte said.
Mindanews

COVID-19 slams South Cotabato vegetable farmers hard
At Crossing Luib in Barangay Talisay here, Jeanalyn Valenzuela, a mother of three, counted 1,779 pesos in exchange for around 290 kilograms (kg) of talong (eggplant) and pipino (cucumber).
Mindanews

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Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

Red Cross molecular lab can test other infectious diseases, says Gordon
The Philippine Red Cross’ molecular laboratory is capable of testing not just for COVID-19 infection but for other infectious diseases as well.
Manila Bulletin

Go leads turnover of private sector donations to hospital in Cagayan de Oro
The office of Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go facilitated last Thursday the turnover of medical supplies and equipment donated by the private sector to JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) in Cagayan de Oro City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Incidents and Violations

2 Chinese arrested for illegally selling medicines
Two Chinese nationals have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Paranaque City for illegally selling medicines. NBI Officer-In-Charge Eric Distor identified the two Chinese nationals as Chui Bao Cai and Wang Jin Qi.
Manila Bulletin

Makati prosecutor’s office orders release of 113 quarantine violators in Makati
The Makati prosecutor’s office has ordered the release of 113 individuals who were arrested for alleged violation of quarantine protocols at a bar in Salcedo Village in the city.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

Filipino doctors shield their families with ‘quarantent,’ safe spaces
After taking a job in a hospital's COVID-19 emergency room, Dr. Jan Claire Dorado planned to move out of the family home to protect relatives from the risk of infection.
GMA News

A letter to Pol, 19
Dear Pol, I hope this letter finds you safe and sound. It is 2020, and this year is a year to remember. Today, it is 45 degrees outside, and we are heading toward the peak of summer in this foreign land.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

World

Beijing approves experimental Covid-19 vaccine for use in Chinese military
The Chinese government has approved the use of an experimental Covid-19 vaccine for the country's military -- the latest step in a global race to stop the deadly disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
CNN

AstraZeneca says Brazil close to coronavirus vaccine deal
Two days after Brazil’s government announced a deal with Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to get up to 100 million doses of a promising coronavirus vaccine, a director of the company said the document was actually a letter of intent and there are still key items to be negotiated.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Mexico City begins reopening amid high coronavirus case load
Some city subway stations that had been closed to reduce ridership reopened. The city’s metro system plans to distribute 1 million plastic face shields to passengers to lower the risk of infection on mass transportation.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

US biotech firm Inovio reports encouraging coronavirus vaccine results
The US biotech firm Inovio reported preliminary but encouraging results Tuesday from tests of an experimental coronavirus vaccine.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

'Nagtatrabaho 'yung tao': Duterte defends Duque anew over COVID-19 pandemic handling
President Rodrigo Duterte late Tuesday night defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III anew amid criticism on the government's handling of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.
ABS-CBN News

Duterte wants DOTr to give passengers more seats at airports
After seeing passengers whose trips to the provinces have been cancelled sleep outside the terminals, President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday ordered that more seats be placed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News

'Titigas ng ulo': Duterte blames Visayans' 'stubborness' for COVID-19 surge
President Rodrigo Duterte on late Tuesday night railed at the Visayan people for allegedly flouting lockdown rules that led to the surge of COVID-19 cases in their region.
ABS-CBN News

Cebu City now a COVID-19 hotspot due to quarantine violators – Duterte
Cebu City has become a COVID-19 hotspot because of people who violated quarantine rules, President Rodrigo Duterte said in a televised address early on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte wants probe into J&T Express cargo mishandling
President Rodrigo Duterte said that he wants courier service J&T Express investigated, after a viral video of its staff "mishandling parcels" made rounds on social media.
Rappler

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Sotto rates Duterte 8.5 out of 10 as President
Senate President Vicente Sotto III gave President Rodrigo Duterte a good rating on Tuesday as the latter marked his fourth year in the seat of power.
GMA News

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‘We beat UP prediction,’ says Roque, as PH COVID-cases still below 40,000
“Congratulations Philippines!” So declared by Malacañang after hailing the country’s achievement of “beating” the prediction of University of the Philippines (UP) researchers that the country could have 40,000 cases of coronavirus cases by end of June.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Hontiveros reminds Roque: ‘Hala, COVID-19 ang kalaban, hindi UP’
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday rained on presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's parade as she pointed out that the Philippines is battling COVID-19, not the University of the Philippines' projection on the rise of infections.
GMA News

Bayan to Roque: No, Harry. We did not win squat
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes on Tuesday slammed presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for claiming that the Philippines beat the prediction of experts from the University of the Philippines that COVID-19 cases would reach 40,000 by the end of June.
GMA News

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Duterte: Gov’t spent P40.36B on protective gear, test kits, COVID response
The Department of Health (DOH) has so far utilized P40.36 billion for its purchase of protective gear and test kits and implementation of other programs related to the coronavirus response, President Duterte said in his latest report to Congress.
Manila Bulletin

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Palace on Imee Marcos’ plea for face-to-face classes: ‘Baka naman ma-charm si Presidente’
Malacañang wants to see whether Senator Imee Marcos can convince President Rodrigo Duterte to allow face-to-face classes in areas with low risk of COVID-19 infection.
GMA News

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OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Robredo cites private donations for pandemic response
Vice President Leni Robredo said the private donations for the coronavirus response are more than just numbers, but it’s an affirmation of her “faith in the goodness of Filipinos.”
Manila Bulletin

Patronize Filipino online sellers — Robredo
What can you do to help Filipinos in this time of pandemic? Buy their products. Vice President Leni Robredo has appealed to the public to help their fellow Filipinos affected by the coronavirus crisis by buying their products from online stores.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

Voter registration remains suspended until Aug. 31 — Comelec
Voter registration, including satellite registration, will remain suspended up to August 31, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Senators: Gov’t patting itself on the back in claiming PH win over COVID-19
The Philippine government might only be praising itself in claiming that the country is winning the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Go urges gov’t to take up mental health concerns
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday appealed to the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to bolster efforts to extend psychosocial assistance to individuals struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression and other more serious psychological issues.
Manila Bulletin

Angara bats for more quarantine centers in Central Visayas
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has urged the government to build more mega quarantine facilities in Region 7, especially in Cebu, as the number of cases continue to rise in Central Visayas.
Manila Bulletin

Hontiveros tells gov’t: Don’t let POGOs leave the country without paying tax liabilities
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said the government should not allow Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) to escape accountability even if they plan to leave the country amid their tax liability issues.
Manila Bulletin

Sen. Risa Hontiveros urges government not to downplay Mindoro coast collision
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday appealed to the government not to downplay recent reports of another Philippine fishing boat colliding with a Chinese vessel saying it should thoroughly look into the incident and search for the 14 Filipino fishermen who are still missing.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

House committee to exercise oversight power over gov’t agencies handling PWD programs
The House Special Committee on Persons With Disabilities agreed on Tuesday to exercise congressional oversight power over government agencies tasked under the law to implement various programs for the country’s PWDs.
Manila Bulletin

House bill seeks to allow 'virtual' wedding ceremonies
A measure has been filed at the House of Representatives seeking to allow the conduct of "virtual" wedding ceremonies making use of video, audio, and data transmission devices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DILG directs LGUs to hike support for their schools
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday has directed the local government units (LGUs) to provide assistance to the public schools in their respective turfs as the localized Basic Education Learning Plan (BE-LCP) will soon be adopted by the Department of Education (DepEd).
Manila Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OSG on lockdown after employee tests positive for COVID-19
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) in Makati City has been placed on lockdown on Tuesday, June 30, due to possible exposure to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The OSG explained the move was made after one of its employees tested positive during rapid antibody tests.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine National Police

NCRPO chief, other Metro Manila police officials are COVID-19-free
Top officials of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) are all negative for the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in a test conducted for key police officers in Metro Manila aimed at ensuring that they are healthy and are not infected by the fatal coronavirus.
Manila Bulletin

Pangasinan cop arrested, detained for extortion
A policeman was arrested here for extortion. In a report, the arrested cop was identified as SMsgt Pedro Vinluan, 38, a resident of Calasiao town who was assigned to this town.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

COA report cites state-owned firm’s violations
Directors and key officers of a subsidiary of the AFP Retirement an Separation Benefits System have been asked to pay penalties that may be imposed by government regulatory agencies and the Quezon City government for various administrative lapses committed by the firm.
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

US embassy cancels visa interviews until July 31
Given the significant worldwide challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday announced the cancellation of all immigrant and non-immigrant visa interviews scheduled through July 31, 2020.
Manila Bulletin

China offers assistance following collision in waters off Mamburao
China's embassy in Manila on Tuesday offered assistance to Philippine authorities after 14 Filipino crewmen went missing since their fishing vessel collided with a Hong Kong cargo ship in rough waters off Mindoro Occidental.
GMA News

Gordon urges gov't to renew ties with EU amid pandemic
Senator Richard Gordon on Tuesday urged the Philippine government to mend its cracked relationship with the European Union (EU) amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
GMA News

West Philippine Sea

Remember Gem-Ver
In last week’s online summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, President Duterte called on countries with competing claims in the South China Sea to “refrain from escalating tensions and abide by responsibilities under international law, notably the 1982 Unclos or the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LABOR

Employment permits of workers in POGOs leaving PH will be cancelled — Bello
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Tuesday said the Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) of foreign workers will automatically be cancelled if the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), where they are employed, leave the country.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

LTFRB readies jeepney routes; health, safety protocols to be enforced
In a virtual press briefing, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III said they are currently finalizing the routes to be opened for conventional jeepneys that are expected to ply in the metropolis by Thursday or Friday.
Manila Bulletin

NAIA: Testament to a hero’s courage
A comrade during my politically active EDSA Revolution days reminded me once to keep in mind that we Filipinos have such short memories. How right he was. 
Business World Online

HEALTH

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

DA urged to coordinate with House on farm-to-market road projects
Nueva Vizcaya lone district Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma had asked the Department of Agriculture (DA) to properly coordinate and consult with the members of the Lower Chamber when it comes up with the listing of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects per region.
Manila Bulletin

EDUCATION

DepEd mulls extending public school enrollment to July 15
The Department of Education is mulling to extend the enrollment period for public schools until July 15. The last day of enrollment for public schools was supposed to be on June 30.
Manila Bulletin

Gov’t launches P700-M internet connection project for 7,000 public schools
The government has launched a P700-million project to provide internet connection for 7,000 public schools, President Duterte said in his latest report to Congress. The President said the Department of Education (DepEd) has started to procure internet connection for public schools to increase the number of educational institutions with internet access.
Manila Bulletin

Group wants ‘temporary, non-formal’ adaptive learning program
A federation of teachers on Tuesday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to adopt the implementation of a temporary and non-formal adaptive learning program for the coming school year as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Mindanao solons: GMRC law is for the best
House leaders from Mindanao have hailed President Duterte’s recent signing of Republic Act (RA) No.11476, the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education Act.
Manila Bulletin

Makati opts for better and safer ‘blended learning’
In the previous column, I mentioned how forward-looking local government units (LGUs) were using technology, particularly contact-free payment system apps, to facilitate government transactions and distribute aid to their constituents.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ENERGY

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

SAP2 distribution bogged down by slow uploading of beneficiaries info
The distribution of the second tranche of emergency subsidy to 12 million low income families has been bogged down by the “slow uploading” of beneficiaries’ information by local government units, limited state personnel, and reports of scam or fake messages.
Manila Bulletin

DSWD to forge MOA with FSPs for digital payment of SAP 2
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Tuesday that it will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with various financial service providers (FSPs) for the digital payment of the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash subsidies.
Manila Bulletin

P100K for each DSWD field office to provide PWDs with assistive devices
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Tuesday, June 30 that starting this year, it has earmarked an annual budget of P100,000 for each of its field offices to provide assistive devices to persons with disability (PWD) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING and SETTLEMENT

TOURISM

Ecotourism in the 'new normal' will mix old methods and 'strong science'
With COVID-19 pandemic changing the landscapes of most industries globally, local and international ecotourism experts recently discussed how they plan on innovating and redesigning the ecotour experience for travelers under the so-called “new normal.”
Philippine Star

Online visibility important in travel industry — survey
Having an increased online visibility is now a necessary condition to thrive in the new normal scenario. This was among the main recommendations of the recent Philippine Travel Survey which aims to generate insights on Filipino traveler’s sentiments on the new setting.
Manila Bulletin

WATCH: How will Philippine tourism recover after the COVID-19 pandemic?
The tourism sector is one of the hardest, if not the hardest-hit sector by the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has not only affected the country’s economy, but it has also caused the loss of thousands of jobs in the tourism sector.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

8 arrested for illegal quarrying of lahar sand in Tarlac
Eight persons have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Tarlac for illegal excavation of lahar sand. NBI Officer-In-Charge Eric Distor identified those arrested as workers of A Sand Quarry, namely, Erwin Feliciano, Renoel Paulino, Eugene Madolid, Rolly Verdeflor, Alex Gato, Rodel De Jesus, Rico Duron, and Gilbert Cubelo.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY  

NPC suspends work due to COVID-19 threat
The National Privacy Commission (NPC) announced the suspension of its office work until further notice due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.
Manila Bulletin