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Palace vows PH gov’t to remain ‘proactive’ in battle against spread of nCoV
The government has pledged to stay “proactive” in combating the spread of the novel Coronavirus (nCoV) following the return of a group of Filipinos from Wuhan, China.
Manila Bulletin
Duterte worried over virus’ effect on economy
President Duterte is hoping that medical experts will soon find a cure for the 2019-novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) as the effects of the virus in the country was already bothering him, Malacañang said.
Manila Bulletin
Panelo: Gov’t to shoulder medical expenses of PUIs
The government is expected to shoulder the medical expenses of patients under investigation (PUIs) for the new coronavirus in public hospitals and other state facilities, a Palace official said Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
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PRRD set to issue formal order for VFA termination
President Rodrigo Duterte will most likely make an official directive on Monday about the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States (US), Malacañang said on Sunday.
Philippine News Agency
Duterte to study Senate recommendation on scrapping of VFA
President Duterte will study any recommendation from the Senate review of the country’s visiting forces agreement (VFA) with the United States despite government moves to scrap the deal, Malacañang said Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
Palace asserts Duterte Cabinet remains united
Malacañang denied that there was a clash among President Duterte’s most trusted men after his Cabinet officials issued somewhat different statements about the Chief Executive’s order to scrap the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.
Manila Bulletin
TURNING POINT: VFA Termination: Another Presidential Joke?
To terminate a defense pact – the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) on account of the cancellation of the tourist visa of Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, a loyal ally, the architect and strategist of President Duterte’s drug war is whimsical, puerile and reckless.
Mindanews
Del Rosario warns vs VFA abrogation
The Visiting Forces Agreement is essential to both the Philippines and the US in effectively implementing the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), according to former foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, who sees it fitting to fully revisit President Duterte’s decision to terminate the accord.
Philippine Star
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Duterte to new appointees: I don’t need your loyalty
Loyalty to President Duterte is not a prerequisite for new appointees in government, the President himself said. The Chief Executive recently said government officials must focus on their job as public servants, and not nurture any loyalty to him.
Manila Bulletin
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Maynilad, Manila Water should come clean, pay P2-billion fine – Atienza
BUHAY Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza wants Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Services to come clean about their “sins”, and pay the penalties slapped against them.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo hails PH team that fetched Filipino repatriates in China
Vice President Leni Robredo has nothing but good words to say about the Health Emergency Response Team that repatriated 30 Filipinos from Wuhan, China, where the 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak originated.
Manila Bulletin
Robredo says gov’t should run after all fake news purveyors – not just those behind nCoV scare
Vice President Leni Robredo wants the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to go after peddlers of fake news that does not only concern the 2019 novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
Taal Volcano unrest enters 2nd month
Taal Volcano in the province of Batangas stayed under Alert Level 3 on Sunday, February 9, as the unrest entered its 2nd month.
Rappler
Batangas thanks Pasig brgy for donating 2,700 pairs of shoes, slippers to Taal victims
The Provincial Government of Batangas has commended a barangay in Pasig City for donating 2,700 pairs of footwear to Batangeños affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano recently.
Manila Bulletin
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Gatchalian calls for strengthening of disaster risk reduction and management law
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday renewed his push for lawmakers to consider amending the country’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 by empowering all local government units (LGUs) and strengthening their existing disaster risk reduction and management capabilities.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
Villar proposes creation of food agency to ensure gov’t readiness during crises
If there’s any lesson to be learned from the recent eruptive episode of Taal Volcano, it’s that the government should always be ready to handle the basic needs of the evacuees, especially food. As such, Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar is pushing for the creation of a commission that would ensure adequate food supply during times of calamity or crisis.
Manila Bulletin
Passage of bill creating disaster resilience department should not be delayed – lady solon
Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (TINGOG-SINIRANGAN) on Sunday, February 9, warned Congress against delaying the approval of the bill creating the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), saying that it would be “detrimental” to the country.
Manila Bulletin
DPWH, DOH told to observe regularity in toilet construction
House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Anakalusugan Party-List Rep. Mike Defensor doesn’t want any hanky-panky in the construction of some P350 million worth of new toilets by the national government.
Manila Bulletin
Iloilo solon files bill that would encourage more membership in AFP reserve force
Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas of the fifth district of Iloilo has filed a bill seeking to encourage professionals to join the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Manila Bulletin
House approves bill declaring October as National Cooperative Month
The House of Representatives has unanimously approved on third and final reading a bill declaring October as the “National Cooperative Month” in recognition to the valuable contributions of some 26,000 cooperatives to the national economy.
Manila Bulletin
Solon’s bill demands banks to further support aggie, rural financing
The House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries has sought the plenary approval of a bill mandating banking institutions to strengthen the financing system for agricultural, fisheries and rural development in the country.
Manila Bulletin
House bill filed to expand benefits of solo parents
Deputy Speaker and Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte Jr. of the 2nd district of Camarines Sur has urged his colleagues to take a second look at the 20-year old Solo Parents’ Welfare Law to further help solo parents cope with the challenges of raising their children on their own.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Let court decide if use of NCC as quarantine facility if challenged – Guevarra
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said Sunday, February 9, any resident or town official in Capas, Tarlac may file a case to stop the use of the Athletes’ Village in New Clark City (NCC) as quarantine facility for Filipinos returning from China.
Manila Bulletin
BI reminds aliens to file annual report early
Foreign nationals registered with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have been reminded that they have only until this Feb. 29 to file their 2020 annual report.
Manila Bulletin
Saying GCTA issue still hangs, CA junks con’s plea
The Court of Appeals (CA) has denied the plea of a drug convict to be released from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), saying the controversy over the issuance of Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) had not been fully resolved.
The Manila Times
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Hermogenes Esperon on national security
Last week, I visited National Security Adviser, General (retired) Hermogenes Esperon, former Chief of Staff of our Armed Forces. He was appointed by President Duterte in May 2017, a fitting recognition for his services to the republic.
Philippine Star
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
Eleazar warns rookie cops not to use PNP to get rich
Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, deputy chief for operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP), warned newly recruited policemen against using their uniform to enrich themselves through money from illegal drugs and other criminal activities.
Manila Bulletin
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
Beyond tourism, virus to cost P20B a month
THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and local economists said the impact of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) on the economy could be larger if the effect on industry, agriculture, and consumption spending will be included.
Business Mirror
Lockdown seen to spur factory exodus to PHL
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) is now persuading manufacturing firms in China to move to the country, as the government seeks opportunities from the coronavirus outbreak that is slowing trade and business worldwide.
Business Mirror
DTI budget hiked to promote local products abroad – Angara
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Sunday assured that the government has enough support to step up efforts to improve the quality of products and services produced in the country.
Manila Bulletin
New Zealand envoy wants more Kiwi firms to do business in PH
NEW Zealand Ambassador-designate Peter Kell wants to encourage more Kiwis to do business with their Filipino counterparts. “My aspiration is to encourage more New Zealand companies to do business with Filipinos,” Kell said in an interview Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, in his visit to promote a post-graduate scholarship program of their government to the Cebuanos.
Sunstar Cebu
Prospects dim for free-trade deal with EU
A free-trade deal between the Philippines and the European Union will not likely be concluded soon as conditions in the country are not right enough to hold another round of negotiations.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
6 ex-Quedancor officials convicted of graft over P1.92-million loan
The Sandiganbayan convicted of graft 6 former officials of the Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation (Quedancor) over an anomalous transaction involving almost P2 million in 2006.
Rappler
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
LABOR
DOLE inspection of businesses employing foreigners resumes
The special inspection of alien-employing establishments has resumed. In Administrative Order No. 46, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III sent out 323 Labor and Employment Officers (LEOs) in key areas to inspect and verify the legitimacy of employment of foreign nationals in establishments, including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), across the country until June 30 this year.
Manila Bulletin
KMU backs creation of TWG for ILO Tripartite Mission
The militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno on Sunday welcomed the Department of Labor and Employment Administrative Order creating a Technical Working Group on the preparation for the International Labor Organization Tripartite Mission with respect to the Philippine government’s adherence to ILO Conventions 87 and 98 which it ratified.
Manila Standard
TRANSPORTATION
TSA cites satisfactory security compliance at NAIA
Inspectors from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States Department of Homeland Security were satisfied with the improved security measures and technology now being implemented at the country’s main gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Manila Bulletin
Angkas asks unlisted riders to be patient amid crackdown
ANGKAS, whose drivers were apprehended by authorities for operating even if they were not included in the master list of riders for the pilot study, encouraged its members to “wait for a few more days” before they are allowed to ply the roads of Metro Manila.
Business Mirror
HEALTH
WHO releases 3 guidelines on prevention and control of nCoV ARD
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released three guidelines on the prevention and control of the 2019-novel Corona Virus (nCoV) Acute Respiratory Disease (ARD) amid the spread of the virus in China and 24 other countries.
Manila Bulletin
WHO acts to stop misinformation about nCoV
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set up measures to curb the spread of misinformation about the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease.
Manila Bulletin
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China virus deaths rise past 800, overtaking SARS toll
The death toll from the novel coronavirus surged past 800 in mainland China on Sunday, February 9, overtaking global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic, even as the World Health Organization said the outbreak appeared to be stabilising.
Rappler
Where did they go? Millions left Wuhan before quarantine
For weeks after the first reports of a mysterious new virus in Wuhan, millions of people poured out of the central Chinese city, cramming onto buses, trains, and planes as the first wave of China’s great Lunar New Year migration broke across the nation.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
China’s response to nCoV draws worldwide praise
China has received worldwide confidence from experts and political personalities that it will be able to hurdle its fight against the dreaded novel Coronavirus (nCoV), with some countries even appreciating its measures in curbing the disease in the midst of the epidemic drawing global fear and panic, a Xinhua News Agency report noted.
Manila Bulletin
New study offers glimpse of how nCoV spread from ground zero
Nearly half of the first 138 patients who were admitted at a hospital in Wuhan, China on the early days of the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) presumably acquired the virus in the same medical facility, a study recently published in an American peer-reviewed medical journal has disclosed.
Manila Bulletin
China offers $43-billion boost to firms fighting novel coronavirus
China's central bank said Sunday, February 9, it will offer a 300-billion-yuan ($43-billion) boost next week to help businesses involved in fighting the virus epidemic which has swept China and infected thousands.
Rappler
Scientists race to develop vaccine for new coronavirus
Scientists from the United States to Australia are using new technology in an ambitious, multi-million-dollar drive to develop a vaccine in record time to tackle China's coronavirus outbreak.
Rappler
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Coronavirus 'fake news' network busted in Hungary
Hungarian police said on Saturday, February 8, it has busted a network of "fake news" websites that reported alleged coronavirus-related deaths in Hungary, so far free of reported infections from the deadly virus.
Rappler
6 new novel coronavirus cases found on Japan cruise ship
Six more people on a cruise ship off Japan are found to have the new coronavirus, the government said Sunday, February 9, bringing the number who have tested positive on board to 70.
Rappler
Bangladesh aircrew refuse to work on Wuhan evacuation flight
Aircrew from Bangladesh's national carrier Biman have refused to work on a flight aimed at repatriating citizens from virus-hit Chinese cities, forcing the government to scrap the evacuation plan.
Rappler
Thousands from cruise ship in Hong Kong freed after virus tests
Thousands of people stranded aboard a cruise ship in Hong Kong for 5 days were allowed to disembark on Sunday, February 9, after its 1,800 crew tested negative for the deadly new coronavirus.
Rappler
N. Korea on highest alert to protect Pyongyang from coronavirus
North Korea has been putting in all-out efforts to prevent the new coronavirus from reaching the capital city of Pyongyang, the country’s state media said Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
S. Korea reports 3 more coronavirus cases, total at 27
The South Korean government will concentrate efforts not just on fighting the novel coronavirus, but also on minimizing its economic fallout, President Moon Jae-in reiterated Sunday, as the country reported the 25th case of the virus.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Fear and panic can do more harm than the coronavirus, says Singapore PM
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak is a test of Singapore’s social cohesion and psychological resilience, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday (Feb 8).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Climate, immunity, incompetence? Indonesia’s zero recorded coronavirus cases raise questions
Almost a month after the first novel coronavirus case outside of China was confirmed in Thailand on Jan. 13 and amid the virus’s subsequent spread to a number of other countries, Indonesia seems to remain free of the fast-spreading illness.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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32 Filipinos return from Wuhan
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) successfully brought back to the country on Sunday 32 Filipinos, including two Philippine consulate staff in China, from Wuhan City, ground zero of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD).
Manila Bulletin, Rappler
32 Filipino repatriates free from flu-like symptoms after arrival from China
The 32 Filipinos repatriated from China’s Hubei province did not exhibit any flu-like symptoms when they arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
Manila Bulletin
Number of PUIs in PH climbs to 284
The number of persons under investigation (PUIs) for the 2019 novel Coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) has climbed to 284 nationwide, the Department of Health reported Sunday.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler
No report of any NAIA quarantine escapee – BI
The spokesperson of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday denied the allegation based on a viral social media post that a Chinese national was able to escape the quarantine area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Manila Bulletin
Several patients admitted at V. Luna Hospital for nCoV monitoring
“Several” patients were admitted at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center (V. Luna General Hospital) in Quezon City for possible case of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD), a military health official revealed on Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
DFA open for a 2nd repatriation flight from China
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed readiness to arrange another repatriation flight for Filipinos in China’s Hubei province amid the continued spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD).
Manila Bulletin
PHL among most at risk from impact of ’19-nCoV
THE Philippines is one of the countries most at risk of suffering the economic impacts from the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak and a slowdown in the Chinese economy, according to a study by an independent global think tank.
Business Mirror
Airlines, hotels cut rates to boost domestic travel amid nCoV crisis
TOURISM and travel stakeholders are banding together to cushion the economic impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) by pushing their marketing and sales efforts to domestic travelers.
Business Mirror
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Palace ensures health safety of Tarlac residents
Malacañang assured residents of Capas, Tarlac that they will be safe as town officials continued to protest the use of the New Clark City as the quarantine site for the Filipinos repatriated from Wuhan, China.
Manila Bulletin
Capas mayor explains initial reaction to quarantine news
Capas, Tarlac Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan said they are offering their ‘home’ to the repatriated Filipinos from Wuhan China.
Manila Bulletin
Año assures Tarlac residents’ safety from nCoV infection
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Sunday stressed there should be no cause for fear or alarm over the safety of Capas, Tarlac residents as mounting opposition snowballed amid the operation of a quarantine facility for the novel Coronavirus (nCoV) cases at the New Clark City (NCC).
Manila Bulletin
PNP on-guard against any protest action in New Clark City to be staged by disgruntled locals
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed several policemen near the New Clark City in Tarlac amid threat of protest actions from local residents, who are against turning the area into a quarantine site for repatriated Filipinos from Hubei, China.
Manila Bulletin
Solon hails Capas hosting of Wuhan repatriates a ‘noble thing’
Magdalo Party-List Rep. Manuel Cabochan III has described the hosting by the town of Capas in Tarlac of the quarantine of Filipino repatriates from Wuhan, China, as a “noble” thing.
Manila Bulletin
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5 PUIs in Negros Oriental test negative for nCoV; governor orders resumption of classes
Five persons under investigation (PUIs) in Negros Oriental have tested negative for the 2019 novel Coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD), the provincial government said Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
Central Luzon public hospitals placed on blue alert
The Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH-CLCHD) on Sunday placed all public hospitals in the region on blue alert status in line with the quarantine process of the Filipino repatriates from virus-infected Hubei province in China.
Manila Bulletin
Mayor decries fake news circulating that nCoV has spread to Iloilo City
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas has slammed a fake report being circulated through text messages and social media posts about the supposed spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) in the city.
Manila Bulletin
Contact tracing in Negros Or. complete – Governor Degamo
Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo said on Sunday that all 82 persons who were in contact with the Chinese couple who tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) have been traced.
Manila Bulletin
7 persons under investigation for virus in Bohol
There are now seven persons under investigation (PUIs) in Bohol for possibly contracting the 2019-novel coronavirus. Of this number, five are said to have interacted with the 60-year-old Chinese woman who is the third confirmed case of 2019-nCoV in the country, according to a report from GMA News on Saturday.
Manila Bulletin
First PUI for n-CoV in Region 12 in ‘strict isolation and medical management’
The Department of Health (DOH)-Region 12 reported on Sunday its first person under investigation (PUI) for the deadly novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV).
Mindanews
Bacolod now has only 5 persons suspected of nCoV infection
The number of patients under investigation (PUI) and quarantined for suspected infection of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) in Bacolod City hospitals has dropped to five.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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A MORO IN EXILE: Be less bureaucratic, more proactive, more imaginative, more transparent in containing the 2019-nCoV
Today’s daily news roundup, mostly bad but with some good news in the end. First, in just a little over a month, nCoV fatalities already exceed the eight-month total of the more lethal SARS showing that it is not just the mortality rate that matters but also the much quicker spread of the nCoV virus.
Mindanews
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FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
80 million peso losses incurred due to African Swine Fever
Commercial and backyard hog growers in Davao Region have incurred an estimated P79.81 million in revenue losses after the dreaded African Swine Fever (ASF) wreaked havoc in three towns of Davao Occidental and two barangays in Davao City since the first case was reported on January 28, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Saturday.
Mindanews
900 pigs culled in Bulacan town due to ASF
Some 900 pigs were culled Saturday in a farm in Norzagaray this province after being tested positive for African swine fever (ASF). The ASF-infected pigs were owned by a certain Edwin Ong of the Eco Agri Farm located in Barangay FVR, Norzagaray. The hogs were also buried at the farm’s compound.
Philippine News Agency
Bukidnon steps up efforts to prevent entry of African Swine Fever
Bukidnon, Mindanao’s top producer of hogs, is stepping up efforts to prevent the entry of the African Swine Fever (ASF), a killer disease affecting pigs, in the wake of recently confirmed outbreaks in Davao Occidental and neighboring Davao City.
Mindanews
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PHL still 2nd top banana exporter in 2019–FAO
THE Philippines was the second-largest exporter of Cavendish bananas for the second consecutive year in 2019, with total shipments reaching a record high 4 million metric tons (MMT), the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said.
Business Mirror
EDUCATION
Lawmaker seeks to limit hours teachers spend pencil-pushing
The chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means is to file on February 10, a bill seeking to overhaul the education system of the country.
Business Mirror
ENERGY
ERC rejects DOE price scheme for renewable-energy auction
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) does not agree with the Department of Energy (DOE) that there should be a preapproved rate for renewable energy (RE), which will be the cap for the planned auction of 2,000 megawatts (MW).
Business Mirror
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
TOURISM
Glan, the ‘Boracay of the South,’ bans Chinese tourists due to nCoV
Touted as the “Boracay of the South” due to its powdery white sand beaches, this town, Sarangani’s major tourist destination, has banned beach resorts from accepting Chinese tourists as a preventive measure against the spread of the dreaded 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Mindanews
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Rio cites DICT’s gains, awaits Duterte action on his resignation
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. explained on Sunday the reported irregularity in the department which some camps are saying was the reason for his offer of resignation, even as he awaited President Duterte’s action on his resignation letter.
Manila Bulletin
Notoriously undesirable
I feel terribly insulted by the joint statement released by Secretary Gregorio Honasan and Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. saying they have “settled their differences” about the alleged anomaly in the disbursement of confidential funds of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that they now say was not an anomaly at all but was “legal and legitimate.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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