BREAKING: Philippines upgrades coronavirus alert to Code Red Sublevel 2
The Philippine government has upgraded its 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) alert from Code Red Sublevel 1 to Sublevel 2. The decision was agreed upon by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting in Malacañang Thursday night.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

BREAKING: Metro Manila placed under ‘community quarantine’ due to COVID-19
President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the imposition of a “community quarantine” in the entire Metro Manila as the government scrambles to contain the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, Manila Bulletin

BREAKING: Metro Manila class suspension extended until April 12
The suspension of classes in all levels in Metro Manila have been extended until April 12, 2020 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

PRRD: Do not panic over COVID; gov’t doing everything possible to contain it
The public should “not panic” and “not kill yourself with worry” over the public health emergency brought by the coronavirus, President Duterte said Thursday night while announcing several measures to contain the spread of the disease.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte says no martial law as police, military mobilized to enforce Metro Manila lockdown
There is no martial law declaration even as the military and police have been mobilized to enforce the lockdown of Metro Manila to contain the new coronavirus outbreak, President Duterte declared Thursday night.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte tells barangay officials: Implement COVID-19 measures or go to prison
President Duterte told barangay officials to enforce the measures adopted by the government to address the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country or face jail time for dereliction of duty.
Manila Bulletin

Workers exempted from Metro Manila lockdown – Año
Workers and businessmen from the provinces will be allowed to enter and leave Metro Manila during the upcoming lockdown meant to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, as long as they present identifying documents that prove they need to work in the capital region.
Rappler, GMA News

Davao City closes borders due to coronavirus outbreak
The Davao City government is prohibiting residents from leaving its borders as the country deals with an increasing number of novel coronavirus cases. In a Facebook post on Thursday, March 12, the city government said all residents are prohibited from going out of Davao City.
Rappler

Philippines bans foreigners from coronavirus-hit countries
The Philippines will enforce a ban on travelers from countries with confirmed localized transmissions of the novel coronavirus, except for Filipino citizens and their dependents, foreigners who are permanent residents of the Philippines, and holders of Philippine diplomatic visas.
Rappler, Manila Bulletin

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If coronavirus outbreak worsens, Duterte to turn to China for help
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he will call China for help if the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the Philippines deteriorates.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

Duterte may announce urgent measures vs COVID-19 Thursday night
President Duterte is expected to deliver a public address Thursday night apparently to announce his decision on the proposed set of urgent measures to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the wake of the soaring cases of the deadly virus.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte’s foreign travels suspended
President Duterte’s foreign travels have been suspended indefinitely following the declaration of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Presidential Security Group (PSG) announced Thursday.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

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LOOK: Duterte takes COVID-19 test
President Rodrigo Duterte took the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test on Thursday afternoon after some members of his Cabinet subjected themselves in self-quarantine due to exposure to a COVID-19 patient.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Palace to make public Duterte’s COVID-19 test results
Malacañang assured the public that the test result of President Duterte for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be made public.
Manila Bulletin

Palace ‘seriously concerned’ over COVID-19 developments
Malacañang said it is “seriously concerned” with the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is now a pandemic but assured the public that the government is ready to address the situation.
Manila Bulletin

PSG to strictly impose no-touch policy, disinfection
President Duterte remains in good condition and will continue his work despite the surge of coronavirus cases in the country, Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief Col. Jesus Durante III said Thursday.
Manila Bulletin

PSG: No Malacañang lockdown despite COVID-19 outbreak
The Presidential Security Group (PSG) maintained that the Malacañang compound will not be locked down despite reports of Cabinet members being exposed to patients who tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Malacanang offices undergo disinfection –Andanar
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Martin Andanar has ordered the disinfection of the New Executive Building and advised employees and journalists to undergo self-quarantine amid concerns of possible exposure to coronavirus inflection.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte Cabinet continues to function in wake of quarantines
The Duterte Cabinet will continue to work and provide service even though some officials went on self-quarantine as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

Medialdea: Cabinet members to ‘stay away from each other’ for now
As some Cabinet members opted to subject themselves to self-quarantine after reported interaction with alleged coronavirus disease (COVID-19) positive government official, members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s official family will have to “stay away from each other” in the meantime.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

VP’s office sanitized, closed for 2 days
Taking the necessary precautionary measures, the Office of the Vice President has disinfected its premises because of the threat from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Pahayag ni VP Leni Robredo sa nagbabagong sitwasyon ukol sa COVID-19
Gaya ng ating panata, patuloy ang pagdaloy ng makabuluhang impormasyon mula sa Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo. Patuloy ang pagkonsulta natin sa mga eksperto. Patuloy ang ating pagsubaybay sa nagbabagong situwasyon ukol sa COVID-19, at patuloy ang ating mga rekomendasyon at panawagan.
Rappler

Robredo: Gov’t must provide ample supply of basic needs if lockdown imminent
Amid proposals to isolate certain areas due to rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the country, Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday urged the government to ensure the provision of basic food and sanitation necessities to communities.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Robredo bats for work-from-home scheme amid COVID-19 scare
Saying that imposing a four-day workweek is “not enough” in helping combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday urged the private sector and government offices to implement the work from home scheme instead.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ELECTION RELATED

Filipinos abroad may continue registering as overseas voters
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said that only registration at the local field registration centers for overseas voting are suspended at the moment due to the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19).
Manila Bulletin

DISASTER
 
MINDANAO

Special economic zone eyed
THE Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA), a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC), targets to convert its 25,000-hectare land into a Mindanao Special Economic Zone Area (Minseza) after allowing a Davao-based multinational company a portion of its property for suitable crop production.
Sunstar Davao

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

SC limits access to justice halls, court rooms
Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta on Thursday, March 12, directed trial court judges and personnel to limit access to the halls of justice and court rooms all over the country only to persons “with official business in the courts.”
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Senate not on lockdown, just restricted access – Sotto
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday clarified that the Senate is only under “restricted access” and not on lockdown as he earlier announced.
Manila Bulletin

Pacquiao files bill penalizing spitting in public places to prevent disease transmission
Boxing icon Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao has filed a bill seeking to prohibit the indiscriminate spitting and expelling of nasal mucus in public following the Department of Health’s (DOH) confirmation of the local transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Poe seeks to repeal discriminatory provisions of Revised Penal Code
Senator Grace Poe is seeking to repeal a part of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) which allows the murder or assault of a spouse caught having extramarital affairs. In celebration of the Women’s Month, the senator recently filed Senate Bill No. 1410 to abolish Article 247 of the RPC, which gives legally-married persons the license to kill his wife or daughters under 18 years of age when caught having sex with another person or their seducers.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

Salceda bats for Congress to convene in ‘virtual’ special session
Albay 2nd District Joey Salceda on Thursday requested Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and President Rodrigo Duterte to convene a special session in Congress that will tackle the socioeconomic impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which, he said, can be done via a “virtual” meeting.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Zarate calls for thorough sanitation of House; Castro asks DepEd to consider cancelling grad rites
House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate proposed on Thursday (March 12) that all areas of the House of Representatives (HOR) be thoroughly sanitized and disinfected before they hold committee hearings during the seven weeks’ break.
Manila Bulletin

Solon proposes establishment of elderly care and nursing complex in all cities, provinces
Aklan 1st district Rep. Carlito Marquez has sought the establishment of an elderly care and nursing complex in every city and province to provide quality and affordable care and nursing facilities for poor elderly Filipinos.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Sandiganbayan divisions suspend hearings because there are no prosecutors
Several divisions of the Sandiganbayan have suspended their scheduled hearings on Thursday and Friday to coincide with the suspension of work issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine National Police

PNP prepares for worse-case scenarios amid spread of COVID-19
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now preparing for worse-case scenarios amid serious threats of the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, including the possible lockdown of some parts of Metro Manila.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Coronavirus meltdown: Circuit breaker triggered as PSEi falls 10%
Investors clearly wanted out as the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell over 10% on Thursday, March 12, amid fears of the novel coronavirus' economic impact. This triggered the circuit breaker or the 15-minute trading halt for investors to compose themselves.
Rappler

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

OSG asked to respond to unattended civil case on Marcos ill-gotten wealth
The Sandiganbayan has ordered the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to respond over its failure to take the necessary legal action on the civil case involving late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sandiganbayan allows ex-councilor to check signature in evidence in graft case
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has granted the motion for production and inspection of document filed by former Patnongon Councilor Erika C. Orcasitas for her graft charge in connection with the reportedly anomalous P9.9 million transfer of ownership of a 40-ton rice mill from 2007 to 2008.
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Former Army chief Alberto is new PH ambassador to Israel
President Rodrigo Duterte appointed former commanding general of the Philippine Army Major General Macairog Alberto as the Philippines’ new ambassador to Israel.
Rappler

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

DOLE adopts 4-day work week
The Department of Labor and Employment, its bureaus, regional offices and attached agencies will implement a four-day workweek.
Manila Bulletin

OFWs can return to mainland China, except Hubei province
More than 600 stranded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are now allowed to go back to their jobs in all of mainland China except Hubei province, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Rappler

TRANSPORTATION

DOTr stepping up anti-COVID measures at offices, public transport
While health authorities are urging the public to observe social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, transport officials have stepped up its measures to assure the public of a safe mass transit system amid the rising number of cases of the disease.
Manila Bulletin

LTFRB suspends work on Friday, March 13
Work in all Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) offices will be suspended on Friday due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

Solon urges all commuters to wear face masks, other covering when riding public transport
House committee on transportation chairperson and Samar 1st district Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento on Thursday (March 12) said he wants to require the commuting public to use face masks or any other article that can be used to cover one’s nose and mouth while riding on all forms public transportation.
Manila Bulletin

351K users suspended via anti-fraud measures: Grab
At least 351,000 users of the popular ridesharing platform Grab have been suspended as part of the company’s anti-fraud measures in the country.
Philippine News Agency

HEALTH

Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

DOH reports 3 new cases of COVID-19; total cases in PH now 52
The Department of Health (DOH) reported three new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 52.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

3 more Filipinos who caught coronavirus die in PH
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Thursday, March 12, that 3 more Filipino patients who caught the novel coronavirus have died, bringing the country's total fatalities to 5.
Rappler, GMA News

2nd coronavirus fatality had hypertension, diabetes
The 67-year-old Filipina who died on Wednesday, the same day she tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), had hypertension and diabetes mellitus prior to contracting the virus, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Thursday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Rockwell confirms 2 residents are positive for COVID-19
Rockwell Land Corporation confirmed on Thursday that there are two residents who tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Joya North Tower, Rockwell Center, Makati.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

1-year-old in Cavite being monitored for possible COVID-19 infection
The provincial government of Cavite is monitoring a 1-year-old child from Tanza, Cavite who had a recent travel history to Italy, one of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epicenters in the world.
Manila Bulletin

QC now has 5 confirmed COVID-19 cases
There are now five confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced on Thursday.
Manila Bulletin

Manila Doctors Hospital confirms second patient positive for coronavirus
The Manila Doctors Hospital on Thursday confirmed that two patients who tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been admitted to the institution.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

COVID patient in Cagayan de Oro worked in Metro Manila
The 54-year-old man now confined at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro City who contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) worked in Metro Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Confirmed coronavirus case in Negros Oriental is a councilor
The first confirmed case of coronavirus in this province is “still fighting for his life,” provincial officials said in a press conference on Thursday afternoon, March 12.
Rappler

PIDS employee among new COVID-19 cases
An employee of the Philippine Institute For Development Studies (PIDS) is among those who have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
GMA News

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List: Gov’t officials on self-quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure
The following government officials are undergoing self-quarantine after being exposed to patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):
Manila Bulletin

BSP chief in self-quarantine
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno is in self-quarantine after being in contact with a person infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during a meeting with other government officials that included Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III.
Manila Bulletin

Davao City Rep. Ungab undergoes self-quarantine
Davao City 3rd Rep. Isidro Ungab has joined the growing list of Philippine lawmakers and officials undergoing self-quarantine as a precautionary measure against the dreaded 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Mayor Sara submits herself to voluntary isolation
Presidential Daughter and Mayor Sara Duterte submitted herself to voluntary quarantine after a meeting with Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian who also opted for self-quarantine after allegedly interacting with a person who is positive for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

More senators go on self-quarantine
More senators are now following the lead of Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay and announced Thursday that they will be under self-quarantine after a resource person during a committee hearing tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in critical condition.
Manila Bulletin

4 congressmen undergo self-quarantine
Four members of the House of Representatives are observing self-quarantine amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Those who have confirmed they are under self-quarantine are:
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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DOH: What to do if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19
The Department of Health (DOH) has suggested to individuals who might have been exposed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient to undergo self-quarantine.
Manila Bulletin

6,000 UP-developed COVID-19 test kits now in stock
Some 6,000 coronavirus detection kits developed by University of the Philippines (UP) scientists are now in stock, UP President Danilo Concepcion said Friday.
Manila Bulletin

Rizal Medical Center prepared for COVID-19 patients
The Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City has assured that its facility is prepared to assist patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Palace: China willing to aid PH in fight vs. COVID-19
China is willing to extend assistance to the Philippines to battle the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Malacañang announced Thursday in the wake of the surge of infections in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Russia offers PH cure for COVID-19
The Russian Federation, through its Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev has offered to donate a medicine that it used in treating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients in Russia.
Manila Bulletin

DILG: Use the word ‘lockdown’ in proper context
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged the media and the public to use the word “lockdown” properly in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Manila Bulletin

GSIS closes its head office as precautionary measure
The Government Service Insurance System’s (GSIS) head office in Pasay City was closed on Thursday following confirmation that a resource person who attended a Senate hearing in the building tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Staying compassionate in the time of coronavirus
The global spread of coronavirus isn’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon. Because of that – sure – it is tempting to be selfish and it is easy to feel powerless. In the Philippines, as soon as the cases of confirmed coronavirus rose, lines in grocery stores also marked up.
Rappler

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Relief awaits workers, medical firms on direct path of COVID-19
Relief would be available for workers who lost or would lose their jobs and medical firms which would suffer production logjams as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Healing mass vs COVID-19 set on March 16 at Veritas Chapel
Healing priest Rev. Fr. Joey Faller, founder of the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church in Lucban, Quezon, is inviting the public to a healing mass against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Radio Veritas’ Our Lady of Veritas Chapel in Quezon City on Monday, March 16, at 12 noon.
Manila Bulletin

Hontiveros warns water shortage a threat to COVID-19 response
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday warned that a water shortage, as the nation enters the dry season, would pose a big problem to the government’s efforts at battling COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin

Poe calls for ‘unity’ to combat COVID-19 crisis
Senator Grace Poe on Thursday called for unity amid the increasing risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Pangilinan suggests measures to contain COVID-19 spread
Opposition Senator Francis N. Pangilinan on Thursday assured the public that the health disaster could be defeated with quick and timely multi-sectoral, science-based interventions anchored on compassion after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 health problem a pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Filipinos urged to show ‘compassion, sense of humanity’ amid coronavirus
Two senators on Thursday called on the public to show compassion and a sense of humanity as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sotto: ‘Lockdown should be last option’
Imposing localized lockdown should be the “last option” as government offices must remain operational as the number of confirmed cases of the 2019 coronavirus disease continue to increase in the Philippines, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Thursday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Use hostels as temporary quarantine sites – Nancy Binay
Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday suggested to the Department of Health (DOH) and local health officials of converting hostels and other establishments as alternative quarantine sites for persons suspected of carrying the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Hoarders of masks, alcohol, vital commodities will be arrested — Palace
Malacañang warned those who are taking advantage of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country by hoarding vital commodities and selling them at very high prices that they will be arrested.
Manila Bulletin

DTI: Only 2 bottles of rubbing alcohol per customer
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Thursday that it has ordered retailers to limit the selling of alcohols to two bottles per consumer amid reports of panic buying due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

DTI goes after sellers of overpriced alcohol, medical supplies
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Thursday said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is already taking steps to prevent the selling of overpriced alcohol and medical supplies during the current public health emergency. The selling of reasonably priced products online, however, will be encouraged, he added.
Manila Bulletin

LOOK: Panic-buying amid lockdown fears in Metro Manila
Consumers on Thursday flocked to groceries in Metro Manila to stock up food items and sanitation needs amid fears of localized lockdown in the region due to the 2019 coronavirus threat.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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37 persons under investigation for coronavirus in Mandaue City 

Of the 52 persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 in Central Visayas, 37 are in Mandaue City, regional health officials said on Thursday, March 12.
Rappler

Las Piñas boosts surveillance effort amid first confirmed COVID-19 case
The city government of Las Piñas intensified Thursday its contact tracing efforts after it recorded its first confirmed case of the 2019 coronavirus disease or COVID-19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DepEd-Sarangani suspends classes due to virus fears
The Department of Education (DepEd) in Sarangani province has suspended classes starting next week in all public schools due to the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) threat.
Mindanews

Six Covid-19 PUMs in Agusan Sur cleared
Six of seven persons under monitoring (PUM) for the dreaded Covid-19 in this province were cleared Tuesday while the remaining one will have to wait for the result of his test until March 15.
Mindanews

SarBay fest, Mindanao’s biggest beach party, cancelled due to Covid-19 jitters
The upcoming Sarangani Bay (SarBay) festival, the biggest summer beach party in Mindanao if not the entire country, was cancelled due to the dreaded 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) threat, organizers said.
Mindanews

Soccsksargen execs move to avert Covid-19 threat
Local governments in Soccsksargen have instituted a slew of measures meant to put a stop the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) from entering their respective areas.
Philippine News Agency

Calaguas closed to tourists due to COVID-19 scare
Due to concerns over the possible spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Camarines Norte’s primary tourist destination Calaguas Islands was closed to tourists starting Thursday, March 12.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Albay readies list of measures vs COVID-19, including quarantine of persons from Metro Manila
The provincial government of Albay is lining up measures it planned to enforce to keep COVID-19 at bay, including 14-day quarantines for people arriving from Metro Manila and four-day work weeks for local government employees.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Classes suspended in 2 more towns in Albay as execs seek ways to stop COVID-19
Classes in all levels in private and public schools in the towns of Daraga and Libon in Albay have been suspended as officials scramble for ways to keep the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from spreading.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

2 patients in Pampanga hospital test positive for COVID-19
Two patients in the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) in Pampanga province tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a hospital official said on Thursday (March 12).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Central Visayas DOH keeping track of councilors at same venue as COVID-19 carrier during league meet
The Central Visayas office of the Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring several councilors for signs of COVID-19 infection.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Classes suspended in Tanauan over COVID-19 concerns
Classes in all levels in private and public schools in Tanauan City in Batangas province are suspended from March 13 to 14, according to a memorandum released Thursday, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Batanes town assigning another port for ‘faluwa’ to prevent contact with outsiders
People and goods would have to disembark and be unloaded from motorboats, known locally as faluwa, farther from their usual port to prevent contact with crewmen of a vessel that would unload construction cargo.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Baguio dev’t projects held back due to COVID-19 scare
Japanese experts in power plant development have postponed a trip to this mountain city due to concerns over the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), delaying a vital Baguio redevelopment project, the mayor told businessmen at a Wednesday gathering to discuss the impact of the virus.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Palawan records 2 new PUIs
Palawan has recorded two new persons under investigation (PUI) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) bringing the total number of PUIs in the province to three.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

No labels please, acting mayor pleads in case of Holy Land pilgrims in Catanduanes quarantine
Seven pilgrims who returned home on Thursday (March 12) from the Holy Land went on self-quarantine in a hospital in Virac, Catanduanes, according to Vice Mayor Arlynn Arcilla, the town’s acting mayor.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Davao Norte allots P16M for Covid-19 response
The province of Davao del Norte has released a PHP16-million budget for prevention measures related to the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

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What the WHO pandemic declaration on coronavirus means
By reversing course and using the charged word “pandemic” that it previously shied away from, the U.N. health agency sought to shock lethargic countries into pulling out all the stops.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Iran virus deaths reach 429, infections pass 10,000
Iran announced Thursday, March 12, that another 75 people had died of the new coronavirus, bringing the overall number of deaths to 429 out of more than 10,000 infections.
Rappler

World walls off as leaders warn viral pandemic will worsen
People around the world became increasingly closed off from one another Thursday as sweeping travel bans accelerated, walling regions apart as a viral pandemic unfolds and financial markets plunge.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Most coronavirus patients recover, still anxiety, fear loom
Amid all the fears, quarantines and stockpiling of food, it has been easy to ignore the fact that more than 60,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus spreading around the globe.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Chinese passenger upset about coronavirus check coughs at plane staff, restrained by crew
A plane passenger was put in a headlock by a male cabin crew after getting aggressive and coughing on a staff member while waiting to be let out in an airport in China.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Hand sanitizers, toilet paper become arcade game prizes amid shortages due to coronavirus
An arcade owner has decided to swap the usual teddy bears as claw machine prizes for more timely and valuable items: toilet paper and hand sanitizers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

IN PHOTOS: Rome’s eternally packed tourist sites emptied
For years, Rome seemed to have only a high season for tourism given the Italian capital’s eternal appeal with foreign visitors.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

COVID-19 expected to affect timing of Singapore elections
The Covid-19 situation and its impact on the economy are likely to worsen, and ensuring that Singapore can focus on overcoming the challenges is a major factor in deciding when to hold the general election, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Wednesday (March 11).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Reselling of masks for profit to be punished in Japan amid coronavirus outbreak
The Japanese government will soon be punishing those who resell surgical masks for profit as several nations face shortages of sanitary items amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Indonesia busts Malaysians for virus-mask smuggling
Indonesia has detained two Malaysians for allegedly trying to smuggle some 12,000 virus face masks back to their home country, police said Thursday, March 12.
Rappler

India suspends all visas issued to foreigners in bid to stop COVID-19
The Indian government has suspended all visas issued to foreign nationals to enter the country until April 15. The country’s Bureau of Immigration deputy director Dinesh Adhikar in a statement issued on Wednesday (March 11) said the visa suspension would affect all visas apart from diplomatic and official visas.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Up to 150 million Americans could get coronavirus: Live updates
The United States Congress physician expects somewhere between 70 to 150 million people in the country to eventually get infected with the novel coronavirus, a lawmaker said.
Aljazeera

Chiding governments, European Central Bank brings big guns to virus fight
European Central Bank (ECB) chief Christine Lagarde warned on Thursday, March 12, that the coronavirus was delivering a "major shock" to the global economy that required urgent, coordinated action from governments above all, as she unveiled fresh stimulus to keep credit flowing.
Rappler

Depth of economic slowdown depends on response – IMF
The severity of the slowdown in the global economy due to the coronavirus pandemic will depend on how long it lasts and how governments respond, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday, March 12.
Rappler

Canada PM working from home as wife tested for COVID-19
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife announced they were self-isolating Thursday, March 12, as she undergoes tests for the new coronavirus after returning from a speaking engagement with "mild flu-like symptoms."
Rappler

Princess Cruises suspends voyages for 60 days over coronavirus
United States cruise line Princess Cruises announced on Thursday, March 12, it was suspending voyages worldwide for 60 days in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rappler

Brazilian who met Trump tests positive for COVID-19
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's communications chief, who met Donald Trump last weekend at his Florida resort, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the government said Thursday, March 12.
Rappler

Iran asks IMF for first loan in decades to combat coronavirus
Iran said on Thursday, March 12, that it has sought immediate financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help it combat one of the world's deadliest coronavirus outbreaks.
Rappler

Singapore leader rules out lockdown amid coronavirus
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday, March 12, ruled out a lockdown of the city-state due to the novel coronavirus disease called COVID-19, as he said Singapore should tighten precautionary measures but not shut itself off from the world.
Rappler

Australia unveils $11-billion stimulus to ease virus downturn
Australia on Thursday, March 12, unveiled a massive US$11-billion spending plan designed to curb the economic hit from the coronavirus pandemic and avert the country's first recession in 29 years.
Rappler

U.N. Human Rights Council to suspend session over COVID-19
The top UN rights body decided Thursday, March 12, to suspend its main annual session at the end of this week over the new coronavirus pandemic.
Rappler

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Village’s ASF cases are first in Quirino province
Cases of African swine fever (ASF) have been confirmed in this town, the first for the province, according to local officials. Mayor Marcelina Pagbilao said blood samples from pigs in La Paz village tested positive for the disease that is fatal to hogs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

EDUCATION

DepEd officials on home quarantine due to COVID-19 threat
Education Secretary Leonor Briones and other officials and personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) are currently on home quarantine as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

DepEd to ‘protect everyone’ amid COVID-19 threat
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said it is doing its best to “protect” everyone — officials, teachers, personnel, and learners alike — as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country and across the world continues to escalate.
Manila Bulletin

DepED: Automatic passing of learners not an option
Despite the escalating threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) maintained that mass promotion and automatic passing of learners will not be allowed or tolerated.
Manila Bulletin

UP Open University offers online courses in e-learning for teachers
To provide alternative education arrangements amid the threat of the coronavirus disease, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is offering short special courses to capacitate teachers in online learning.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

HOUSING

TOURISM

Precautionary measures in place to keep Boracay Covid-19 free
The provincial government of Aklan is asking all Boracay Island visitors for a temperature check and to fill up health declaration cards to guard against potential carriers of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Save Masungi, save our wild lands
OUR trees are bleeding yet again as metal chains and barbed wires have pierced through the bark and branches of the forests in the southern region of the Sierra Madre.
The Manila Times

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY