COVID-19

COVID-19 cases in PH now at 142; one more patient recovers
Two new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases of the disease in the Philippines to 142, the Department of Health said.
Manila Bulletin

Sen. Zubiri tests positive for COVID-19
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Zubiri confirmed this Monday night, after Health Secretary Francisco Duque informed him of the test result.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

City of Manila: 2 more residents test positive for COVID-19
Two new confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have been reported and recorded in the City of Manila, bringing the total count for the city to three.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

COVID-19 cases in Batangas up to four
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Batangas has gone up to four, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas said on Monday.
GMA News

Diliman Doctors Hospital patient tests positive for coronavirus
A 67-year-old patient at the Diliman Doctors Hospital (DDH) has tested positive for the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOH reports first Filipino to recover from COVID-19; 2 new infections recorded
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported that a Filipino coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case has already recovered from the disease, becoming the first Filipino recovery recorded in the country.
GMA News

Davao region’s 1st confirmed COVID-19 patient recovering well, doctor says
The first confirmed COVID-19 patient in the Davao region (Region 11) has been recovering well and is now in stable condition at the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City, a health official said Monday.
Mindanews

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Everyone stay inside!: Luzon now under enhanced community quarantine
Malacañang said everyone from Luzon should stay inside their homes unless they have to go out for medical or humanitarian purposes, as President Duterte places the entire island under an enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte mulls total lockdown for Metro Manila, placing other provinces under quarantine
Worried about the coronavirus outbreak in the country, President Duterte is reviewing proposals to enforce a complete or total lockdown in Metro Manila and place other provinces under quarantine, Malacañang said Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte: Luzon residents may only leave homes to buy food, medicines in COVID-19 enhanced quarantine
The movement of  people in Luzon will be limited in accordance with the enhanced community quarantine that President Rodrigo Duterte declared over the entire Luzon.
GMA News

Duterte urges employers to give 13th-month pay in advance
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday urged businesses to consider giving in advance their employees’ 13-month pay or half of their salaries as the country fights the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte: ‘This is not martial law’
Duterte has placed Luzon under “enhanced community quarantine” in a bid to contain the increasing number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

'Enhanced community quarantine' in Luzon vs. COVID-19 in effect March 17, 2020
Only private establishments providing basic necessities will be allowed to remain open during the enhanced community quarantine of Luzon, the Palace said Monday.
GMA News

GUIDELINES: Luzon 'enhanced community quarantine'
On midnight of Tuesday, March 17, the Philippine government will place the entire island of Luzon on lockdown in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Rappler

Philippines suspends mass, public transport in Luzon over COVID-19
Mass and public transportation will be suspended starting midnight of March 17 in connection with the enhanced community quarantine over Luzon that the Philippine government declared on Monday.
GMA News, Philippine News Agency, Rappler

Año: LGUs to provide transpo alternatives for workers exempted from quarantine
Local governments can provide alternative modes of transportation for workers allowed to travel given the suspension of mass public transport under the Luzon-wide community quarantine imposed in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Monday night.
ABS-CBN News

Violators of enhanced community quarantine may be arrested for disobedience —Justice Secretary
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said violators of the enhanced community quarantine imposed by the government on Monday, March 16 to help contain the coronavirus disease may be arrested and penalized.
GMA News, Rappler

COVID-19 cases, social distancing swayed Duterte decision -Palace
The continued rise in COVID-19 infections and the results of the initial implementation of social distancing in Metro Manila factored in President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to impose an enhanced community quarantine on Luzon, Malacañang said Monday.
GMA News

Duque says enough ambulances, as mass transpo shuts down in Luzon
The Philippines' health secretary said on Monday, March 16, that there are enough ambulances in hospitals to respond to medical emergencies as mass transportation in Luzon is shut down during an island-wide quarantine.
Rappler

LGUs to figure out how health workers will go to work during Luzon quarantine
With all forms of public transportation in Luzon suspended and an "enhanced community quarantine" in place, national government said on Monday, March 16, that it will be up to local government units (LGUs) to provide transportation for those who must continue working. 
Rappler

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Panelo clarifies 'walang namamatay sa gutom' remark
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday responded to criticisms about his statement that nobody will die of hunger during the month-long quarantine of Metro Manila to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
GMA News

DOH revises guidelines for hospital admission of COVID-19 cases
The Department of Health (DOH) revised its guidelines for hospital admission of patients who will test positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

PH gov't eyes turning Lung Center into hospital exclusive for coronavirus cases
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III said the government is eyeing turning the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City into a hospital exclusive for patients with confirmed novel coronavirus infection.
Rappler

Hospitals barred from disclosing COVID-19 cases, deaths prior to DOH announcement
All state-run and private hospitals have been barred from disclosing any suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and deaths from the disease before the Department of Health (DOH) or concerned local government units make their own announcements.
Manila Bulletin

Health expert shares tips on containing the virus
Citing a prediction from the World Health Organization (WHO), Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines might balloon to 75,000 if the country does not “act fast.”
Manila Bulletin

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DILG issues call for everyone to make sacrifices
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año stressed that all sectors should make supreme sacrifices in the midst of the health crisis fearing the number of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) cases could reach 75,000 in five months if drastic actions are not taken.
Manila Bulletin

Security troops mull adjustments in border checkpoints
Police and military are thinking of making adjustments in the enforcement of the border checkpoints in Metro Manila during the community quarantine to ease the fears and anxiety of the public, and the long queues of vehicles entering and leaving the capital region.
Manila Bulletin

Cops call on health workers to help in quarantine duties at checkpoints
Police officers manning a checkpoint along Metro Manila's boundary were upset over having to function as both peace officers maintaining order, and also as substitute health workers checking on the temperatures of travelers entering and leaving a community quarantined National Capital Region.
GMA News

PH Army deploys one battalion to augment troops at frontline of COVID-19 crisis
The Philippine Army (PA) has fielded one battalion of soldiers to help in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it said Monday.
Manila Bulletin

DILG bans cockfighting until April 14
The conduct of cockfighting or “sabong” has been temporarily banned amid the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

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China to send medical supplies, experts amid COVID-19 spread
The Chinese government has committed to send assistance to the Philippines to help it deal with the coronavirus outbreak, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperon Li Jianzhao on Twitter.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

NGO accepts donations for needs of frontline health workers
The public can help provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and food and care package to frontline health workers fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
Manila Bulletin

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DTI orders limited mall operations in Metro Manila due to coronavirus
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered that mall operations in Metro Manila be limited to establishments offering basic necessities amid the growing concerns on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DTI reminds retail stores in Metro Manila to ensure social distancing among customers
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday reminded retail stores in Metro Manila to ensure that social distancing among its customers and store personnel is practiced.
Manila Bulletin

MMDA exempts trucks carrying food, medical supplies from EDSA truck ban
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced that trucks carrying medical supplies and food items were exempted from the truck ban along EDSA and other roads starting Monday.
Manila Bulletin

No Holy Week Mass, church rituals in NCR due to COVID-19
Catholic bishops in Metro Manila have suspended the celebration of the Holy Mass in the capital region until April 14, as well as other religious activities during the Holy Week, amid the growing concerns on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Brgy health workers should be acknowledged for indispensable role in community health, wellness
The Makabayan bloc wants to make mandatory the appointment of barangay health workers (BHWs), citing the community health workers’ crucial role in the delivery of primary health care, especially in this time of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Lockdown: Duterte’s stream of subconsciousness
Manila, the heart of an ancient kingdom and once the throbbing heart of global commerce, is now the first capital city in the entire region to come under collective quarantine. Officially, it’s called a “community quarantine”; others, including the President, have suggested it’s effectively a “lockdown.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Incoherence and incompetence
“Just obey’’ pretty sums up the government’s strategy in putting Metro Manila under a “community quarantine’’ to combat the spread of COVID-19 — despite the glaring absence of clear and coherent guidelines to warrant the public’s cooperation.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Sara Duterte bares brother Baste goes into self-quarantine
Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has voluntarily gone into a 14-day self-quarantine after manifesting symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) three weeks after visiting Metro Manila, Mayor Sara Duterte said Monday.
Mindanews

Davao, Tagum order partial lockdown due to Covid-19
Two cities in Davao Region ordered a partial lockdown on all entry and exit points that began at 7 p.m. on Sunday (March 15).
Philippine News Agency

Foreign, local visitors urged to leave as travel ban looms on Siargao Island
Owing to the COVID-19 threat, the Surigao del Norte provincial government wanted foreign and local tourists to immediately leave Siargao Island, causing anxiety to some of them.
Mindanews

CDO allows ship from Manila to unload some 500 passengers
M/V Francis Xavier, a roll on-roll off (RoRo) vessel from Manila that was turned away by authorities at the Nasipit port in Agusan del Norte, finally found a safe harbor here Monday morning, allowing at least 491 passenger to disembark.
Mindanews

Valencia City placed under ‘community quarantine’
The local government of Valencia has placed the city under “community quarantine” from 6 p.m. of March 16 to March 29, restricting the movement of residents as well as outsiders to protect the area from the spread of the dreaded novel coronavirus disease or COVID-19.
Mindanews

Preemptive lockdown imposed in South Cotabato
The entire province of South Cotabato was placed under preemptive lockdown effective Monday amid fears on the rising confirmed cases and spread of the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Mindanews

NegOcc cancels 27th Panaad Festival amid Covid-19 threat
The Negros Occidental provincial government has cancelled the staging of the 27th Panaad sa Negros Festival on April 20 to 26 amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat.
Philippine News Agency

Zambo City imposes border control over coronavirus
This city is closing its borders effective Monday midnight to protect residents from the possible entry and spread of the dreaded 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

Baguio City under community quarantine, curfew
Mayor Benjamin Magalong placed Baguio City under a community quarantine on Monday, March 16, effectively sealing off the country's "Summer Capital" from tourists as the national government scrambles to implement measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Rappler

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New York City schools to close Monday to fight coronavirus
New York City will close the nation’s largest public school system on Monday, sending over 1.1 million children home in hopes of curbing the spread of coronavirus, the city’s mayor announced Sunday, calling it a “very troubling moment.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Stocks, oil plunge as Fed virus move fails to ease fears
Stock markets and oil prices went into freefall on Monday, March 16, as interest rate cuts and fresh stimulus measures by central banks failed to lift confidence, with analysts warning that the Federal Reserve may have reached the limits of its power to fend off recession as the coronavirus spreads.
Rappler

Dubai bars, spas, lounges temporarily shut down over coronavirus threat
Dubai, this international city that never sleeps, may soon be getting lots of it in the coming days as authorities directed bars, lounges, and spas to suspend operations for two weeks till the end of March because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Rappler

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OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Duterte thanks health workers for Covid-19 response
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday thanked doctors, nurses, and other health workers for attending to patients who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

Only COVID-19 negative individuals allowed near Duterte – PSG
The President Security Group (PSG) on Monday said it would only allow those who tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to go near President Rodrigo Duterte during private meetings.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Cabinet officials to physically distance themselves from Duterte in Cabinet meetings
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Cabinet members will distance themselves from President Duterte in Cabinet meetings as the Presidential Security Group (PSG) said they will now strictly implement the no-touch policy on the Chief Executive.
Manila Bulletin

Palace tells employees: Don’t go to work, we’ll deal with your bosses
Malacañang said workers should not worry about not going to work amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, saying the Palace will talk to their bosses on their behalf.
Manila Bulletin

Chief of presidential security tests negative for COVID-19
Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Col. Jesus Durante III has tested negative for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Malacañang confirmed Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Malacañang to hold virtual pressers amid COVID-19 pandemic
Starting Tuesday, Malacañang will cease holding physical press briefings with members of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) and will conduct virtual pressers to practice social distancing to combat coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

OVP to distribute over P11.4M to hospitals, health workers amid spread of COVID-19
The Office of the Vice President said it will distribute over P11.4 million worth of funds from its office and donation collected to aid in the government’s response to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Robredo asks DSWD to continue cash assistance to poor amid COVID-19
Vice President Leni Robredo appealed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to recall its order suspending release of cash assistance and social pensions to beneficiaries amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News

ELECTION RELATED

DISASTER
 
MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

Hearings on urgent cases to continue amid courts' reduced operations from March 16-April 15
Hearings on urgent matters will continue even as the Supreme Court (SC) ordered all Philippine courts to "drastically reduce operations" from March 16 to April 15 amid the rising cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the country.
GMA News

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Sotto sees no need for special session to pass supplemental budget for COVID-19
Saying the executive department has enough budget on hand for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said  the Senate does not need to hold a special session to pass a supplemental budget.
GMA News

More cheap medicines urged by Senator Marcos
Senator Imee R. Marcos on Monday called on the government to reduce the prices of medicines and speed up the purchase of critical equipment other than just testing kits as the country scrambles to fight the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Coronavirus crisis: Early 13th month pay release, bills and rental payment moratorium pushed
The private sector can help alleviate the woes of workers amid the coronavirus disease 2019  (COVID-19) through the early release of the 13th month pay and one-month suspension of bills payment of basic utilities, Senator Bong Go said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Hontiveros: Give hazard pay to frontliners in fight vs coronavirus
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday called for the granting of hazard pay for “frontliners” in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) such as health workers, government employees, and military and police, among others.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Poe seeks payment holidays for customers of GFIs, private firms
Senator Grace Poe said Monday that companies in the private sector and government financial institutions should replicate the example of public utilities in granting payment holidays to their customers while Metro Manila is under community quarantine.
Manila Bulletin

Villanueva asks private sector to extend help to ‘no work, no pay’ employees amid quarantine
Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday asked the private sector to mirror the government in extending help to their “no work, no pay” employees affected by measures against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Gordon urges everyone to show ‘social cohesion’ to deal with quarantine situation
Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Tuesday called on everyone to show social cohesion during this critical period as Metro Manila has been placed under community quarantine.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

House passes 179 measures on third reading in the past 54 session days
Before Congress went on seven weeks-long Lenten break, the House of Representatives has passed a total of 179 measures on third and final reading, seven of which were signed into law, since July 22, 2019.
Manila Bulletin

Solon proposes ‘virtual session’ for lawmakers to tackle COVID-related bills
Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez proposed on Sunday (March 15) a “virtual session” for Congress to expeditiously tackle and pass measures to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to grant assistance to the sectors badly hit by the outbreak.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Salceda proposes Covid-19 net packages for workers, families
House Ways and Means Committee Chair Joey Sarte Salceda has crafted a comprehensive coronavirus response package to encourage families and businesses to comply with public health measures and to speed up economic recovery after the crisis.
Philippine News Agency

House panel eyes tax deadline extension amid Covid-19 crisis
The House of Representatives’ ways and means committee on Monday recommended the extension of the traditional April 15 tax filing deadline amid concerns over the coronavirus diseases (Covid-19) outbreak.
Philippine News Agency

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

NCR prosecutors told to reduce case backlogs during downtime
Despite the work suspension at the Department of Justice (DOJ), government prosecutors in Metro Manila have been asked to continue reducing the backlog of cases.
Manila Bulletin

DOJ: Curfew ordinances need to be published
City and municipal ordinances imposing curfews during the Metro Manila-wide community quarantine would still need to be published if there are penalties against violators.
Manila Bulletin

BuCor bars PUVs from entering New Bilibid Prison
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has prohibited public utility vehicles (PUVs) from entering the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation in Muntinlupa under community quarantine implemented as a preventive measure against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine National Police

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

‘Customs expediting release of medical equipment, PPEs’
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday said it is fast-tracking the release of imported medical equipment and supplies from the country’s ports, except those without the necessary permits.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Customs denies preventing release of emergency supplies
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) debunked claims Monday that certain ports or warehouses under it have been preventing the release of essential medical supplies and equipment amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

BIR to close 113 outlets more of online cockfighting firm
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said on Monday it will padlock another batch of 113 outlets of an online cockfighting (sabong) company for allegedly using unregistered betting machines.
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

Labor groups seek convening of NTIPC to address impact of COVID-19 on workers, businesses
Labor groups have called for the convening of the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) amid the coromavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

Laid off workers can be hired as disinfectors – DOLE
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it has a job offer to workers affected by the closure of several businesses due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

No general aviation flights in Metro Manila – DOTr
No general aviation flights will be available within Metro Manila, diverting all flights to Sangley Airport in Cavite or to Clark International Airport in Pampanga during the 30-day community quarantine period.
Manila Bulletin

Backriding prohibited in motorcycles — DOTr
The Department of Transportation temporarily banned backrides on motorcycles to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

No more international flights leaving Luzon starting March 20
Airports in the island of Luzon will no longer operate outbound international flights starting Friday, March 20, as the Philippine government enforces an "enhanced community quarantine," which, in effect, is a total lockdown of the island.
Rappler

HEALTH

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Live poultry in Nueva Ecija town tests positive for Avian flu
Live sample quails from a farm in Jaen town of Nueva Ecija tested positive for the H5N6 Avian flu after being examined by veterinary and quarantine officials, the Department of Agriculture (DA) revealed on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Gov’t ready to fight bird flu amid COVID-19 threat — Palace
Malacañang said Monday the government is ready to control the spread of bird flu even as the country is focused on fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
GMA News

EDUCATION

ENERGY

DOE orders price freeze on LPG, kerosene products
The Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered a price freeze of up to 15 days on key fuel commodities such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in various cities and provinces that already declared “state of calamity” relative to the surging spread of the novel coronavirus.
Manila Bulletin

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

DSWD suspends activities that require large gathering of beneficiaries
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has temporarily suspended “some activities of its programs and services” starting March 15 to April 14 that require beneficiaries and other stakeholders to gather.
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING

TOURISM

Baguio closes several tourist spots over community quarantine
Baguio City has temporarily closed down some of its famous tourist spots as it declared a community quarantine on Monday amid the country's battle against the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
GMA News

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

NWRB assures nation of enough water supply
The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Monday assured of enough water supply until the next rainy season while adhering to the high standards of cleanliness and public hygiene amid the coronavirus threat.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY