Duterte announces 4 more novel coronavirus cases in PH
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday evening, March 9, announced 4 more novel coronavirus cases, bringing the country's total confirmed cases to 24. Duterte said the 4 new cases came from "West Crame, San Juan, Sta Maria, and Project 6 in Quezon City."
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte suspends classes in Metro Manila March 10-14 over coronavirus threat
Classes in all levels in Metro Manila will be suspended from Tuesday, March 10, to Saturday, March 14, President Rodrigo Duterte announced Monday night, March 9. Government officials will meet Saturday to review the pronouncement.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Duterte declares state of public health emergency over coronavirus
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a proclamation declaring a state of public health emergency due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Price controls, ease of gov’t purchases provided for in Duterte’s public health emergency EO
The government may control the prices of basic goods as well as buy medical equipment without passing the bidding process under a declaration of public health emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, a Palace official said Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte meets NCR mayors, health officials amid rise in coronavirus cases
President Rodrigo Duterte was to meet officials of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases and Metro Manila mayors on Monday afternoon after health officials recorded additional cases of COVID-19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte rejects Metro Manila coronavirus lockdown for now
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night, March 9, rejected calls to place Metro Manila on lockdown after health officials recorded a spike in novel coronavirus cases.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

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PSG implements ‘no-touch’ policy to keep Duterte safe from COVID-19
The Presidential Security Group (PSG) said it will implement the “no-touch” policy as a preventive measure to ensure the safety of President Duterte and his family amid the local transmission of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Duterte rejects PSG’s ‘no touch’ policy: ‘Kalokohan ‘yan’
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said he would not follow the Presidential Security Group’s (PSG) “no-touch” policy to ensure his safety from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), stressing that he would continue to “embrace” or shake hands with the people he meets.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Duterte likely to defy ‘no touch’ policy — Go
President Rodrigo Duterte will likely defy the “no touch” policy that will be implemented by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to his long-time aide.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Honeylet wants Duterte to avoid ‘big crowds’ for now due to COVID-19
The partner of President Rodrigo Duterte, Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña, wants the Chief Executive to avoid “big crowds” for the meantime as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the country rose to 20.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Malacañang asks media help in spreading gov’t information on coronavirus
Malacañang on Monday called on the Philippine media to help disseminate vital COVID-19 information to provide the public with appropriate and legitimate guidance in battling the contagion.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Panelo: ‘Cautious’ Duterte has ‘enough basis’ not to order shutdown of Pogos
President Rodrigo Duterte has “enough basis” not to order the shutdown of the Chinese-dominated Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos), Malacañang said Monday as it defended the chief executive stance against the closure of the controversy-filled Pogos.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

PRRD: ‘Heads will roll” if gov’t agencies fail to act on POGO-related illegal activities
Heads will roll if the police and other law enforcement agencies will be remiss in their duty to run after those involved in illegal activities linked to offshore gaming operations, Malacañang warned on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Marcos presses gov’t to stop POGO industry
The Philippine government is at the losing end due to the continued operation of the controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

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Duterte certifies Citira bill as urgent
President Rodrigo Duterte certified as urgent the proposed Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (Citira), which is pending before the Senate plenary.
Rappler

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Duterte plans to visit Kuwait to ask for death penalty for killers of a Filipino worker
President Duterte is planning to visit Kuwait amid concerns about the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there. The President said he intends to visit Kuwait and seek the “maximum” penalty for the suspects involved in the killing of a Filipino worker.
Manila Bulletin

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

ELECTION RELATED

Comelec suspends registration of voters
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday announced the suspension of the ongoing voter registration.
Manila Bulletin

DISASTER
 
MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

SC urged: Affirm Senate role in ending treaties
The Senate has asked the Supreme Court to affirm its power requiring its concurrence in the termination of treaties. In its petition for declaratory relief and mandamus, the Senate also called on the high court to order the Office of the Executive Secretary to refer the notice of withdrawal from the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to the chamber for its concurrence.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Philippine senate suspends session until March 11 due to spread of COVID-19
The Philippine Senate on Monday suspended its plenary session for a day, after health authorities announced the rise of the novel coronavirus cases in the country to 20 that include cases of local transmission.
ABS-CBN News, GMA News

House of Representatives

House to tackle supplemental budget for COVID-19 response
The House of Representatives is set to tackle proposals for supplemental budget to aid the government’s disease control and prevention measures as the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 continues to threaten the country.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Solons push for better foreign currency regulations; Salceda proposes anti-bulk cash smuggling law
Lawmakers cited on Monday (March 9) the need to put in place mechanisms to validate the truthfulness of foreign currency declarations.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

House pushes bill on spending limits for candidates
The House of Representatives on Monday approved on second reading a measure proposing an increase in the spending limit of candidates and political parties for the election campaign.
Philippine News Agency

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Foreign governments praise BI for drive vs. sex offenders & alien fugitives
The Foreign Law Enforcement Community (FLEC) Philippines has commended the efforts of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for barring the entry of registered sex offenders (RSOs) and arresting alien fugitives hiding in the country.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine National Police

Gamboa: No evidence that Chinese soldiers are in PH
There is no evidence that members of the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is in the country, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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PNP Chief back to work after surviving crash
With his right arm still in sling, Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, reported to work on Monday four days after the unfortunate chopper crash in San Pedro, Laguna last week that involved him and seven others.
Manila Bulletin

Gamboa rules out ‘sabotage’ as cause of chopper crash
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa on Monday ruled out “sabotage” as the reason behind the helicopter crash that he survived last week.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Gamboa: Conditions of 2 generals in chopper crash ‘improving’
The health conditions of the two high-ranking police officials who were critically injured during a helicopter crash last week are “improving.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Philippine stocks suffer worst nosedive since global financial crisis
The spread of the novel coronavirus pushed Philippine shares off a cliff, suffering their steepest one-day percentage drop since the 2008 global financial crisis.
Rappler

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

Sandiganbayan orders arrest of Ex-PCGG Chair Sabio
The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division has ordered the arrest of former Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) chair Camilo L. Sabio after he was found guilty of graft for reportedly trying to influence his brother, an associate justice of the Court of Appeals (CA) to rule in favor of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) back in 2008.
Manila Bulletin

Sandiganbayan: Mike Arroyo trial on PNP chopper deal to proceed
The trial on the case of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and his co-accused’s involvement in an alleged anomalous sale of helicopters to the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall proceed, Sandiganbayan has decided.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Locsin’s Twitter account locked over ‘shoot them’ tweet vs Bayan
After a rather undiplomatic, if not violent, tweet against militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Twitter has locked the account of the Philippines’ top diplomat for breaking its rules.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Palace on Locsin’s tweet: Maybe just hyperbole
Malacañang on Monday suggested that Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s threatening tweet which reportedly violated Twitter rules should not be taken literally.
Philippine News Agency

DFA chief back on Twitter
FOREIGN Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. was again tweeting on Monday, a day after being locked out off Twitter.
The Manila Times

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

PH, source of modern-day slaves
LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd says the government is slowing down the processing and deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait, two weeks after it lifted the ban on sending workers to the Arab country.
The Manila Times

Coronavirus outbreak not an excuse to fire workers – TUCP
Labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Monday, March 9, urged employers to refrain from using the novel coronavirus outbreak as an "excuse" to fire workers.
Rappler

TRANSPORTATION

MIAA, CAAP defer airlines' fees; urged to open new routes
To help ease the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the aviation sector, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will defer local carriers' payment for parking, landing, and take-off at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and all CAAP-operated airports.
Philippine News Agency

MRT-3 upgrades power supply for increased safety
New uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units were installed in several stations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) this weekend, in a move to increase the security and reliability of the rail service.
Philippine News Agency

HEALTH

Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

BREAKING: DOH bares 10 more coronavirus cases; PH tally rises to 20
The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed 10 additional cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country, bringing the latest tally to 20.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

4 latest coronavirus patients restricted in various Metro Manila hospitals
The four latest coronavirus patients in the country are getting medical attention in different private hospitals in Metro Manila, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Puerto woman with no foreign travel watched for coronavirus
A 45-year-old female resident of Puerto Princesa City is being monitored for possible novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Coronavirus case recorded in Quezon City
A patient who tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently admitted at a hospital in Quezon City, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Vico Sotto says 1 of 10 coronavirus patients is a Pasig local
One of the 10 individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country is a resident of Pasig City, Mayor Vico Sotto confirmed Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Marikina City confirms first coronavirus case
Marikina City on Monday confirmed its first case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

41 patients still in hospitals for coronavirus monitoring
As four more individuals tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Sunday night, 41 more patients are currently admitted in different hospitals nationwide as of Monday morning on suspicion that they have also contracted the disease.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

2 Filipinos in Lebanon tested positive for COVID-19
Two Filipinos in Lebanon tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

PH coronavirus watch: Suspected cases per region, as of March 9, 2020
Health authorities continue to ramp up efforts to detect possible cases of the novel coronavirus in the Philippines. The Department of Health's (DOH) tracker showed that at least 706 patients have been probed as of 9:30 am Monday, March 9.
Rappler

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DOH: Those who resist quarantine face sanctions
Those who will resist undergoing quarantine will face sanctions, the Department of Health warned on Monday. “Yung mga tao hindi na pwede umalma. Kapag kinakailangan na iyong indibidwal ay ma-quarantine, ay hindi dapat aalma dahil ito ay para sa kabutihan ng lipunan… upang maiwasan, mapigilan ang pagkalat,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.
Manila Bulletin

DOH to coordinate with LGUs to reduce confusion about COVID-19 cases
The Department of Health (DOH) has committed to coordinate closely with local chief executives and harmonize public announcements about any coronavirus cases in their areas.
Manila Bulletin

DOH, not LGUs, should officially announce outbreak details –Duque
Amid public confusion on the COVID-19 reporting, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reiterated Monday that the official announcement of novel coronavirus cases in the country has to officially come from the Department of Health (DOH).
Manila Bulletin

DOH denies hiding COVID-19 info from the public
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday denied accusations that it is hiding the real figures on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases from the public.
Manila Bulletin

Enough bed capacities for quarantine facilities amid coronavirus crisis – DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, March 9, said that isolation hospitals in the Philippines have enough bed capacities for cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Rappler

Place NCR on lockdown over coronavirus? ‘Premature at this point’ – DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it is still “premature” to put Metro Manila on lockdown amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Duque: No need to avoid hospitals of coronavirus patients
There’s no need to avoid hospitals where confirmed patients of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are admitted, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday, adding these health institutions are well- equipped to handle patients with COVID-19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOH reminds level 2 and 3 hospitals they may not refuse patients ‘suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19’
In the wake of new coronavirus infections reported in the country, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has reminded all level two and three hospitals not to refuse patients with the suspected disease or else risk sanctions.
Manila Bulletin

Expert says gov’t should implement social distancing to prevent COVID-19 spread
An infectious disease expert suggested Monday that government authorities must consider implementing drastic measures in order to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

WHO: Summer season won’t kill coronavirus
The World Health Organization (WHO) debunked the popular belief that the forthcoming summer season in the Philippines will kill the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), saying there was no evidence to back such claim.
Manila Bulletin

People with respiratory illness should not go to work, school – WHO country rep
People with respiratory illness should avoid going to school, work, and crowded places for the meantime to avoid infecting others, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said Monday following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Threat of coronavirus pandemic now 'very real' – WHO
The World Health Organization warned Monday, March 10, there was now a "very real" threat that the new coronavirus outbreak will become a pandemic, but stressed the virus could still be controlled.
Rappler

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PCOO to work 24/7 to multiply COVID-19 info
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has vowed to continue to work 24/7 and “multiply” efforts to deliver timely, accurate, and reliable information on combating the spread of the new coronavirus in the country.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

Binay, Marcos scold DOH for only having 2K COVID-19 testing kits on hand
Two senators on Monday scolded health officials over the lack of testing kits available in the country amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Tolentino urges LGUs to be vigilant as COVID-19 cases rise
Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday called on local government units (LGUs) to be vigilant amid the rising number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country.
Manila Bulletin

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Decision to cancel mass is up to bishop – CBCP
Will masses be canceled now that the government has raised the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) alert system to Code Red level 1? Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said the decision to cancel or not the masses is entirely up to the respective bishops.
Manila Bulletin

SBMA starts disinfection protocol vs. Covid-19
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has started disinfecting facilities and buildings frequented by the public following the declaration by Malacañang of a state of public health emergency due to heightened threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

Classes in Manila suspended from March 9-15 over coronavirus fears
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday ordered the suspension of classes in the capital city from March 9 to 15 as more cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were recorded in Metro Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Binay ensures ‘protocols in place’ as Taiwanese with COVID-19 visited Makati
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay on Monday assured that an isolation area has been established by the local government unit and that response teams were placed on alert after the Department of Health (DOH) said one of the 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases was admitted to the Makati Medical City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Self-quarantine for family of COVID-19 patient in QC ordered
The Quezon City government has ordered the family of the 57-year-old Filipino from District 1 who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to undergo self-quarantine.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Greenhills shopping center is safe – Zamora
It is safe to visit Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City as steps have been taken to decontaminate the prayer room at the mall that has been frequented by a person found positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOH, PHO trace contacts of Aussie-based female with coronavirus
The Department of Health Ilocos regional office (DOH-1) and the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) have identified and are monitoring some people who had close contact with an Australia-based Filipina who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

Classes in 2 Pangasinan towns suspended amid coronavirus threat
The local governments of Lingayen and Bugallon towns suspended the classes in all levels on Monday as a precautionary measure amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID 19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOH steps up Covid-19 surveillance in Soccsksargen
The Department of Health in Region 12 (DOH-12) said it has stepped up community surveillance against the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) in the wake of the declaration of the country under state of public health emergency.
Philippine News Agency

Yap reassures Boholanos on efforts to prevent entry of Covid-19
Governor Arthur Yap has reassured Boholanos that the provincial government is on top of the efforts in protecting the island province from the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) following President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a Code Red, Sublevel 1.
Philippine News Agency

DOH says W. Visayas on track in responding to Covid-19
Western Visayas is on course in terms of implementing measures in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

Zambo City strengthens surveillance vs. Covid-19
The City Health Office here has strengthened surveillance and existing measures to prevent the entry of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) into this city.
Philippine News Agency

CDO, MisOr heighten measures vs. Covid-19
Local governments have started implementing heightened measures to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

DILG overrules Bacolod ban on vessels from China, HK, Macao
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has overruled the executive order (EO) issued by Mayor Evelio Leonardia which prohibits the docking of vessels from China, Hong Kong and Macao in any of its seaports as a precaution against the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

Mayor wants domestic flights included in Covid-19 monitoring
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan on Monday said he recommended to the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas and the management of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to include the domestic arrivals in monitoring passengers’ health condition.
Philippine News Agency

DOH ramps up Covid-19 preparedness in Davao
The regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) in Davao Region assured it has ramped up preparedness measures against the potential spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the region.
Philippine News Agency

Palarong Pambansa 2020 postponed due to coronavirus outbreak
The 2020 Palarong Pambansa will be staged a later date after it was postponed due to the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Rappler

Cebu gov says preventing coronavirus entry tougher than stopping swine flu
The provincial government of Cebu would further tighten enforcement of a health protocol that would prevent the entry of passengers with fever, cough, cold, body weakness and difficulty in breathing at any of the province’s ports of entries.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Unicef disowns erroneous COVID-19 messages online
The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) disowned erroneous messages circulating online about purported COVID-19 advisories.
Manila Bulletin

Shanghai Disney Resort announces partial reopening
Shanghai Disney Resort announced on Monday it would reopen a select range of shopping, dining and recreational options around the facility, while the Disneyland park will remain closed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Portugal’s president self-isolates amid virus outbreak
The office of Portugal’s 71-year-old president said Sunday that he has canceled all public activities and will stay at home amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Coronavirus outbreak will slash global investment flows – U.N.
The rapid spread of the deadly new coronavirus is expected to take a serious toll on foreign direct investments (FDI) worldwide, with United Nations (UN) economists forecasting a drop of up to 15%.
Rappler

India denies entry to cruise ships on virus fears
India has banned all foreign cruise ships from its ports because of the coronavirus, with one European vessel turned away from Mangalore in the south at the weekend, officials said Monday, March 9.
Rappler

Singapore to allow ship barred by Malaysia and Thailand to dock
Singapore will allow a cruise ship carrying about 2,000 people to dock after it was barred by Malaysia and Thailand over coronavirus fears, officials said Monday, March 9.
Rappler

IMF calls for 'substantial' stimulus, coordination against coronavirus
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on governments worldwide Monday, March 9, to join forces and roll out aggressive financial supports for the coronavirus-infected global economy, including steps to help workers and businesses directly.
Rappler

Oil crash sparks 'Black Monday' meltdown on virus-hit markets
World oil prices crashed Monday, March 9, fueling a vicious sell-off on stock markets which were already buckling under from the spreading coronavirus outbreak.
Rappler

Cyprus reports first 2 coronavirus cases, all EU states now hit
Cyprus on Monday, March 9, reported its first two confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, meaning that all 27 European Union member states have now reported infections.
Rappler

Iran announces 43 new coronavirus deaths, raising toll to 237
Iran on Monday, March 9 reported 43 new deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall toll to 237 dead.
Rappler

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China turns to propaganda to right image in virus ‘war’
As the rest of the world grapples with a burgeoning virus outbreak, China’s ruling Communist Party has deployed its propaganda playbook to portray its leader as firmly in charge, leading an army of health workers in a “people’s war” against the disease.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

EDUCATION

DepEd directs schools to heighten precautions against COVID-19
In light of recent developments related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday called on schools to ensure “heightened precautions” are strictly observed.
Manila Bulletin

2 DepEd events push through in Cagayan Valley amid coronavirus threat
The National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) in Tuguegarao City and the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) here pushed through on Monday (March 9) despite an order from the Department of Education (DepEd) suspending all national and regional events involving students.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

No suspension of classes yet in UP campuses nationwide
There is no suspension of classes yet in all University of the Philippines (UP) campuses nationwide amid confirmed cases of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Senator ‘strongly urges’ DepEd to suspend graduation rites amid COVID-19 threat
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian “strongly urges” the Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend graduation rites due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ENERGY

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

HOUSING

TOURISM

Boracay combats coronavirus impact with discounts
Businesses in Boracay have slashed prices by as much as 50%, just to stay open and attract local tourists as the novel coronavirus spooks the foreign market.
Rappler

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

DENR eyes bamboo as replacement for wood
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu on Monday reiterated calls for Filipinos to consider planting and using bamboo as wood alternative in increasing the country’s forest cover.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY  

Aussie watchdog sues Facebook over Cambridge Analytica breach
Australia's privacy watchdog announced legal action against Facebook Monday for alleged "systematic failures" exposing more than 300,000 Australians to a data breach by Cambridge Analytica.
Rappler