COVID-19

PH coronavirus cases jump by 538; total cases now 2,084
The Philippines now has 2,084 coronavirus cases as the Department of Health (DOH) reported 538 new cases on Tuesday, March 31, the biggest single-day increase so far. The DOH also confirmed that 10 more patients died due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), raising the death toll in the country to 88.
Rappler, Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency, UNTV, ABS-CBN News

DFA: 368 Filipinos abroad positive for COVID-19; 9 deaths, 117 recoveries
Thirty countries and regions covering the Asia and Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas have reported a total of 368 Filipinos stricken with COVID-19, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

97 Filipinos afflicted with COVID-19 in Europe
Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo Nolasco on Tuesday said there are 97 Filipinos stricken with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the entire Europe, including those in Italy, one of the epicenters of the pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

5 health workers in Davao City positive for COVID-19, 2 of them SPMC frontliners
Five health workers, two of them frontliners at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), SPMC chief of hospital Leopoldo Vega confirmed on Tuesday.
Mindanews

Pioneering pediatric surgeon Leandro Resurreccion III falls to COVID-19
A pioneering Filipino pediatric surgeon passed away on Tuesday morning due to the coronavirus disease. The Philippine Children’s Medical Center mourned the passing of 57-year-old Dr. Leandro Resurreccion III–the institution’s “first fallen soldier in the battle versus COVID-19.”
Manila Bulletin

Frontliners in Laguna hospital overjoyed after 21 PUIs tested negative for COVID-19
Doctors and other frontliners in Sta. Cruz, Laguna were overjoyed after learning the 21 Persons Under Investigation (PUI) confined in their hospital have tested negative for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
GMA News

Whiff of good news: 25-30 percent of Makati Medical Center’s COVID-19 patients recover
The Makati Medical Center (MMC) on Tuesday said 25 to 30 percent of its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have already recovered.
Manila Bulletin

‘Have faith in the Lord,’ says recovered COVID-19 patient
“Magtiwala tayo sa Diyos na tayo’y pagagalingin.” This was the message of a man who recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to his fellow patients, and to everyone affected by the health crisis.
Manila Bulletin

83-yr-old lola is oldest to recover from COVID-19 in Philippines
While elderly people are among the most vulnerable to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an 83-year-old woman from Sta. Rosa, Laguna just became the oldest person so far to recover from the deadly disease in the Philippines.
GMA News

Former senator Bongbong Marcos positive for COVID-19
The health condition of former senator Ferdinand ‘’Bongbong’’ R. Marcos Jr. is improving after following health protocols for COVID-19-positive patients.
Manila Bulletin

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Why it bought the PPEs at P1,800 per set, DOH explains
The Department of Health on Monday defended the P1.8-billion cost of the one million sets of personal protective equipment it bought for the country's frontliners against COVID-19.
GMA News

DOH warns public vs. COVID-19 test kits sold online
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday warned the public against buying COVID-19 rapid test kits being sold online, stressing that only healthcare workers are authorized to administer such tests.
GMA News

DOH to test healthcare workers for COVID-19 even with mild symptoms
The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Tuesday that it has revised its policy for COVID-19 testing to include healthcare workers after receiving reports that frontliners were being denied tests by medical facilities.
GMA News

DOH checking if 49 more labs can do COVID-19 tests
Amid calls for the government to speed up the release of test results for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, the Department of Health (DOH) said it was processing the accreditation of at least 49 laboratories that have expressed willingness to become extension facilities for testing.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Medical City emergency room turned ICU-like by COVID-19
The emergency room of The Medical City in Pasig was turned into an intensive care unit (ICU) as the hospital grapples with the influx of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.
GMA News

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DILG secretary Año tests positive for COVID-19
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed on Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, ABS-CBN News

Defense Secretary Lorenzana tests negative for coronavirus
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana tested negative for the novel coronavirus, he told reporters on Tuesday night, March 31.
Rappler

Philippines eyes 'massive forced quarantine' for suspected COVID-19 cases
The government is considering "a massive forced quarantine" for the country's hundreds of persons under investigation and the thousands under monitoring for possible COVID-19 infection if the number of confirmed cases doesn't decrease in the coming days.
GMA News

National Task Force issues guidelines for LGUs in fight against pandemic
Local government units (LGUs) have been directed to ensure the provision of basic necessities for their constituents, tap personnel to help in intensive contact tracing, and conduct frequent disinfection of their areas.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler

Gov’t readies parameters whether to lift, extend, expand ECQ in Luzon – Nograles
The government is readying the “parameters” on whether to lift, extend, or expand the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon due to the coronavirus outbreak, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler

Concepcion urges shift to barangay-based quarantine
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion III is pushing for a shift to a barangay-based quarantine after the month-long, Luzon-wide enforcement of enhanced community quarantine measures ends on April 15.
Manila Bulletin

Week 3 of lockdown: No national quarantine centers yet
It's been nearly 3 weeks since the Luzon-wide lockdown, but the government's plan to convert various facilities in and outside Metro Manila into quarantine centers has yet to roll out.
Rappler

Philpost employees exempted from ECQ –Nograles
Employees of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHILPost) have been exempted from the strict home quarantine requirement in Luzon, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced Tuesday. Nogales said the employees of the government firm however must observe social distancing measures in their work place to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
Manila Bulletin

DPWH gives free bus rides to health workers in eastern metro
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) deployed shuttle buses to give free rides to health workers in the eastern part of the metropolis on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

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2 Davao derby goers admitted at NMMC
Two persons who participated in a derby in Davao City have been admitted at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) here.
Mindanews

Iligan CHO says elderly woman latest COVID-19 case
The City Health Office (CHO) here has disclosed that an elderly female from Barangay Del Carmen in this city has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Aklan's 3 coronavirus cases all travelled to Manila
Aklan province in Western Visayas, where the famous tourist island Boracay is located, recorded 3 cases of the novel coronavirus disease.
Rappler

Pampanga’s Covid-19 death toll rises to 4
The province’s death toll due to the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) rose to four as another patient died on Tuesday while confined at Green City Medical Center in the City of San Fernando.
Philippine News Agency

Eastern Visayas confirms 2nd case of coronavirus
A 63-year-old male from Calbayog City with travel history to Manila tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease. He is the second confirmed case in the region, Department of Health (DOH) director Minerva Molon said on Tuesday, March 31.
Rappler

‘Antique remains COVID-19 free’ — Rep. Legarda
“Antique remains COVID-19 free.” This was declared by Deputy Speaker and Antique lone district Rep. Loren Legarda on Tuesday, 31 March, as she assured her constituents that the necessary financial assistance will be immediately given to the marginalized households.
Manila Bulletin

In Dinagat Islands, containment is key to coronavirus response
Dinagat Islands would rather be safe than sorry. As early as February 4 or more than a month before local transmission of the novel coronavirus in the country was confirmed, Dinagat Islands put in place preventive measures against the novel coronavirus through an executive order.
Rappler

Agusan del Sur starts lockdown April 1
The entire province of Agusan del Sur will be under lockdown starting Wednesday, April 1, as provincial officials wanted to make sure that the rising cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Davao Region will not spread in this landlocked province.
Mindanews

La Trinidad lockdown temporarily halts vegetable shipments
Vegetable shipments from La Trinidad, Benguet were temporarily suspended after the local government placed the entire town on lockdown due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
GMA News

Leyte legislators approve Covid-19-related ordinances
The Leyte provincial board has passed ordinances supporting the central government’s effort to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. 
Philippine News Agency

On 2nd day of testing, Central Visayas has no new COVID-19 cases
Twenty-five new tests yielded negative results for the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 in the Visayas on Tuesday, March 31.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Covid-19 panic turns on Philippine docs and nurses
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s “enhanced community quarantine”, a Covid-19 lockdown measure imposed in March on the capital Metro-Manila and across the northern island of Luzon, is in some ways causing more suffering than its preventing.  
Asia Times

[OPINION] Anticipating the aftermath of the pandemic through a human rights response
On March 27, 2020, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made a statement defending President Rodrigo Duterte’s appointment of military men to lead the national policy against COVID-19. Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., former AFP Chief and current presidential adviser on the peace process was designated by Malacañang as Chief Implementer of the Philippines’ declared national policy to combat COVID-19. Former generals Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Secretary Eduardo Año are also part of the National Action Plan, as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.
Rappler

[OPINION] Putting the 'community' back in the enhanced community quarantine
My mom, who hails from Bicol, has experienced being forced to stay home or evacuate during Mayon Volcano's eruptions. However, she tells me that in facing today's public health crisis, she's "unaccustomed."
Rappler

Test those China-made kits
The last thing anxious Filipinos need right now amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic is a Department of Health (DOH) that reverses itself once too often.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Who will look out for women?
There was a very funny meme on Facebook that was supposed to be a record of the crimes and public offenses that had taken place since the “enhanced community quarantine” was put in place. 
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Public vigilance is working
The measure of a government in a crisis isn’t whether in the rush to act, mistakes are made and things go wrong, but how mistakes are fixed, and the time taken to sort out unanticipated problems when they arise.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Home and community care
Rightly so, the growing number of COVID-19 patients has led public and private hospitals to appeal for more government support for facilities, equipment (mainly ventilators), and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to protect health professionals and workers, for whom the term “frontliners” has now become a synonym.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Govt must now craft and start post-lockdown strategies
THREE weeks into the lockdown of Metro Manila and other major urban areas in the Philippines, the government must now craft appropriate strategies to end this draconian but necessary means of containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
The Manila Times

Covid-19 conspiracy theories
The lockdown, enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or similar appropriate euphemisms is a correct attempt to contain a deadly pandemic.
The Manila Times

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Don Bosco Tech students, alumni create face shields, aerosol boxes; working on ventilators, disinfection chambers
With the shortage of medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) a constant worry of the frontliners battling the COVID-19 virus, the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC) is one of the groups helping them win the invisible war.
Manila Bulletin

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WHO: Pandemic far from over in Asia
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region is far from over and countries must brace for large-scale community transmission of the respiratory disease, officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Manila said yesterday.
Philippine Star

Indonesia to release 30,000 prisoners early amid virus concerns
Indonesia is set to release about 30,000 prisoners early as the Southeast Asian nation seeks to avoid a possible surge in coronavirus infections in its overcrowded prisons.
GMA News

UNICEF allots $13M for children’s education during COVID-19 pandemic
As schools around the world remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said it would be ramping up support to all countries to help children continue their education.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Russians face up to 5 years' jail for spreading false coronavirus news
Russian lawmakers were set on Tuesday, March 31, to consider legislation imposing severe punishment – including up to 5 years in prison – for people convicted of spreading false information about the coronavirus.
Rappler

Air Canada to temporarily lay off half its workforce
Air Canada announced on Monday, March 30, it would temporarily lay off nearly half of its employees and reduce activity by up to 90% in the 2nd quarter due to the coronavirus.
Rappler

Immigration lawyers sue U.S. government over coronavirus risks
A US group representing immigration attorneys sued the US federal government on Monday, March 30, to stop in-person immigration hearings and to obtain better protection for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.
Rappler

New York gets hospital ship as coronavirus accelerates in U.S.
A military hospital ship arrived in New York Monday, March 30, as America's coronavirus epicenter gears up for the peak of the pandemic, with emergency restrictions extended as the national death toll passed 3,000.
Rappler

'When I wake I cry': The hell doctors, nurses face on France's virus front line
Every evening at the stroke of 8, millions of people across France take to their balconies to bang pots, beat drums, blow trumpets and to whistle and clap as loudly as they can.
Rappler

AI tool predicts which coronavirus patients get deadly 'wet lung'
Researchers in the US and China reported Monday, March 30, they have developed an artificial intelligence tool that is able to accurately predict which newly infected patients with the novel coronavirus go on to develop severe lung disease.
Rappler

World Bank warns China growth could screech to a halt
The coronavirus pandemic's economic fallout could cause China's growth to come to a standstill while driving 11 million more people in East Asia into poverty, the World Bank warned on Tuesday, March 31.
Rappler

Turkish police charge 4 over coronavirus house party
Turkish police charged 4 people, including the organizers and a DJ, after a weekend coronavirus house party in Istanbul where some guests dressed up as doctors, local officials said.
Rappler

China's factory activity rebounds but threat from virus looms
Chinese factory activity saw surprise growth in March as businesses grind back to work following a lengthy shutdown but analysts said the economy faces a challenging recovery as external demand is devastated by the coronavirus, while the World Bank warned growth could screech to a halt.
Rappler

Panama to restrict movement by gender during virus quarantine
The government of Panama on Monday, March 30, announced strict quarantine measures that separate citizens by gender in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Rappler

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OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Bayanihan law report: Duterte yet to fully exercise special budget powers
Six days have passed since the Bayanihan to Heal as One law took effect, and the first weekly report on its implementation showed that President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to exercise his budget powers fully.
Rappler

PRRD: DICT assists DOH with digital solutions to track COVID-19 patients
In the race to quell the spread of the new coronavirus disease, the government is exploring the use of technology to track patients with the infection while complying with cybersecurity and privacy laws.
Manila Bulletin

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'Is she hard on hearing?': Panelo blasts Hontiveros for criticizing Duterte's COVID-19 crisis handling
Malacañang said Tuesday it is "aghast at the insensitivity" of Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who criticized President Rodrigo Duterte's late-night report on his administration's handling of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
ABS-CBN News

The 'late' president? Netizens invent new timezone to adjust with Duterte
Punctuality is certainly not the President's strongest suit. On late Monday night, March 30, President Rodrigo Duterte's pre-recorded address – supposed to air at 4 pm – was broadcast as live much later at around 11 pm, 7 hours past the original schedule.
Rappler

'What's the plan?' PH celebrities are done with Duterte's tardiness, lack of details
Philippine celebrities sure didn’t hold back from expressing their disappointment over the lack of "transparency" or details of any actual plan on the novel coronavirus pandemic following President Rodrigo Duterte's late night press conference on March 30.
Rappler

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Without people’s support I am nothing — VP
In various ways, Vice President Leni Robredo does her part in helping the fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) full on, but she knows she just can’t do it alone.
Manila Bulletin

Filipinos donate fabrics for PPE production project of OVP
When Vice President Leni Robredo called on suppliers to provide medical-grade fabric for protective suits, Jonathan Ong quickly looked for ways on how to reach out to her.
Manila Bulletin

OVP distributes food packs, aerosols to COVID-19 frontliners
Medical frontliners from various hospitals in Metro Manila have received food packs and aerosol boxes from the Office of the Vice President amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

SC adopts online filing of criminal cases, bail in trial courts nationwide
Due to the rising incidents of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in the country, the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, March 31, allowed the online filing of criminal cases and posting of bail in the trial courts nationwide.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Senate receives first Palace report on Bayanihan law implementation
President Duterte has submitted to the Senate his first report on the implementation of the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act, a week after he signed it into law. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Tuesday that he received a “full report” from Malacañang at 12:40 a.m. of Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

De Lima urges DOH to increase COVID-19 testing facilities
Opposition Senator Leila de Lima urged on Tuesday the Department of Health (DOH) to increase its testing facilities in order to contain the spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19). De Lima did not hide her frustration at the failure of the DOH to approve two testing facilities in Marikina City.
Manila Bulletin

Gatchalian urges private lending institutions to waive penalties for delayed teachers’ loan payments
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday urged private lending institutions accredited under the Department of Education (DepEd) to waive penalties for delayed teachers’ loan payments as they too are affected by the government’s enhanced community quarantine.
Manila Bulletin

Poe questions DOH on prices of PPEs it bought
Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday questioned the Department of Health’s (DOH) purchase of expensive personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers fighting the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Marcos hits continued water service interruptions
Senator Imee R. Marcos on Tuesday took to task water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water for continued water service interruptions that reduced the effectiveness of a Luzon-wide lockdown in stopping the spread of the corona virus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

Recto pushes for details on gov’t’s COVID-19 plans
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Tuesday sought for clarifications on the government’s plans to address the novel coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Lack of funds could undermine gov’t intervention vs COVID-19 — Sen. Drilon
Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday raised concerns that the lack of sufficient funds could undermine the government’s interventions against the threat of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.
Manila Bulletin

Sen. Vilanueva files first Congress report, seeks action plan from government
Senator Joel Villanueva on Tuesday, April 1, said he hopes to see in the coming days how the government would actually implement its plans as authorized under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Manila Bulletin

Risa: Fallen health workers not fortunate, shouldn't have died in the first place
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday disagreed with President Rodrigo Dutertre's statement on Monday night that the health workers who died in the fight against COVID-19 were fortunate to have died such a death.
GMA News

Bato 'working in silence,' says daughter
As the country continues to battle the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, critics have started questioning why Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was out of the public’s sight.
Philippine News Agency

House of Representatives

Cayetano urges IATF to deliver clear message on current situation
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano Tuesday urged the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to be candid and honest about the current situation of the country’s fight against the deadly 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to avoid public confusion and misinterpretation of information coming from the government.
Manila Bulletin

‘Pulong’ to help health workers amid COVID-19 crisis
Deputy Speaker and Rep. Paolo Duterte (Davao City, 1st district) has vowed to help front line health workers involved in the campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Chinese doctors welcome to help PH
Chinese doctors experienced in battling the COVID-19 pandemic are welcome to the Philippines, according to two members of the House of Representatives.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

Local execs urged to come up with master list for gov't aid
To ensure the quick release of assistance to those affected by the public health emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging all local government units (LGUs) to fast-track the distribution of the Social Amelioration Card (SAC) and come up with a master list of qualified beneficiaries.
Philippine News Agency

Let LGUs lead the way
I have always been a fan of Mayor Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela City. In a time of crisis, he shows us how it is to maintain order, preserve calm, contain the virus, and protect the vulnerable.
Manila Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DOJ: Prosecutors in Laguna recovers from COVID-19
A prosecutor assigned at the Laguna Office of the Provincial Prosecutor (OPP) has recovered after getting infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday, March 31.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines

AFP gets share in P200-million medical equipment donation
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed on Tuesday that it has received its share in the P200 million worth of medical equipment and supplies donated for frontliners battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Caraga Army unit lists PUI, 8 PUMs for Covid-19
A soldier of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion has been listed as a patient under investigation (PUI) with mild symptoms while another eight are considered persons under monitoring (PUMs), a top Army official said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency

PH Air Force aircraft use surges in fight against COVID-19
Aircraft use by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has increased for civic missions related to the battle against novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippine National Police

PNP says number of violators of ECQ now over 70k
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said more than 70,000 individuals across the country have violated rules of the enhanced community quarantine being implemented due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
GMA News

Año orders PNP to bring assailants of health worker to justice
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday deplored “the dastardly act committed against a health worker who was assaulted by five suspects in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.”
Manila Bulletin

Covid-infected cops now at 7, number of PUIs and PUMs in PNP continues to soar
Four more policemen have caught the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), bringing the total number of those who tested positive in the Philippine National Police (PNP) to seven.
Manila Bulletin

PNP to dismantle all barangay checkpoints under uniform guidelines
Police commanders were ordered on Tuesday to dismantle all the existing barangay checkpoints set up along the national highway and provincial roads in a bid to implement a uniform quarantine guidelines against the spread of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

PNP: Crime down by half in Luzon, Metro Manila
Crimes in the Philippines have plummeted by half since the entire Luzon was placed on lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

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2 Marikina cops arrested for raping female detainees
Two cops from Marikina City Police Station were arrested by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), its chief, Major General Debold Sinas announced on Tuesday, March 31.
Rappler

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

Gov't can tap over ₱800-B for COVID-19 response
The government can tap over ₱800 billion to fund its response to the COVID-19 crisis, President Rodrigo Duterte said in his first weekly report to Congress on his additional powers.
CNN Philippines

Dominguez urges taxpayers: pay early
Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Tuesday appealed to taxpayers to pay taxes early to help the government generate funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Aid for firms 'take a back seat,' poor are 'priority' in PH virus fight
State support for businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic will have to "take [a] back seat," as the government prioritizes cash handouts to the poorest Filipinos, said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.
Rappler

DBM crafts order on special risk allowance for health workers
The Department of Budget and Management is currently drafting an executive issuance to cover the "special risk allowance" for public health workers battling the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Philippine News Agency

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Worst-case scenario: PH economy may contract 0.5%, says World Bank
The Philippine economy is expected to slow down along with regional peers amid the coronavirus pandemic, the World Bank said in a report on Tuesday, March 31.
Rappler

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

PH embassy reminds Filipinos in US to follow all health protocols
Filipinos in the United States were advised by the Philippine Embassy in Washington to follow all health protocols on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

100,000 employers waiting for gov’t financial assistance — DOLE
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday said that around 100,000 employers are now waiting for financial assistance from the government.
Manila Bulletin

DOLE: Employees can apply for financial aid on their own
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said employees may also apply on their own for the government’s COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) financial assistance if their employers refuse to do so.
Manila Bulletin

Private firms getting CAMP is fake news – DOLE
The Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region on Tuesday dismissed as fake news the so called list of private companies in Metro Manila that already received the COVID-19 Assistance Measure Program (CAMP) emergency cash assistance from the government that came out on social media.
Manila Bulletin

DOLE hands over P5.6-M cash aid to Caraga workers
The Department of Labor in Caraga Region (DOLE-13) released over PHP5.6 million to private sector workers affected by the community quarantine around the region to contain the spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency

TRANSPORTATION

CAAP to process, analyze data from crashed Lionair aircraft’s ‘black box’
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has made arrangements for the processing and analysis of the recorded material and data in the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) of the Lionair medical air ambulance that crashed on the NAIA runway Sunday night.
Manila Bulletin

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Clark Airport suspends all commercial flights effective April 3
The Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation said on Tuesday that air carriers flying out of Clark International Airport (CRK) have temporarily suspended all their commercial flights, effective April 3.
Philippine News Agency

HEALTH

Lack of PhilHealth rules on coronavirus expenses leaves patient’s family in limbo
For 28-year-old Joseph Mercado and his family, their father’s fight against the coronavirus disease is just half the battle. They are also battling with hospital expenses.
Rappler

1 of 4 Filipinos ‘frequently’ stressed – SWS survey
One out of four Filipinos frequently experience stress in their daily lives, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

DA touts importation of 300,000 metric tons of rice
A government task force has recommended to President Duterte the proposed importation of 300,000 metric tons of rice to boost the country’s supply amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Mobile stores rolled out in Metro Manila this week
More mobile stores selling fresh farm and fishery products at affordable prices will be rolled out in Metro Manila this week. The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched last week the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” at the Agricultural Training Institute in Quezon City, serving thousands of residents in the city by selling fresh vegetables and other agri-fishery products that are at least 20 percent cheaper than those sold at Metro Manila’s public markets.
Manila Bulletin

MinDA crafts plan to address potential rice shortage
North Cotabato’s provincial government and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will launch next week a program to augment rice supply in the area during the lean season.
Philippine News Agency

EDUCATION

DepEd personnel to JOIN LGUs’ COVID-19 activities
The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that its personnel may join in the activities initiated by local government units (LGUs) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd: Use of schools for COVID-19 only as ‘last resort’
The Department of Education (DepEd) maintained that using school facilities as isolation centers or quarantine areas for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) suspected individuals should only be the “last resort” of local government units (LGUs).
Manila Bulletin

School opening will depend on status of public health – DepEd
The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Tuesday that the possible adjustments to the opening of classes for School Year (SY) 2020-2021 will depend on the status of public health in the coming weeks.
Manila Bulletin

CHED sets guidelines for quarantine centers in SUCs
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued guidelines to local government units planning to use state universities and colleges (SUCs) as quarantine centers as the number of COVID-19) cases continues to rise.
Manila Bulletin

More than 9,700 students qualify as DOST scholars
A total of 9,788 graduating senior high school students earned a slot in the country’s premier science scholarship program—the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Scholarship Programs.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Cash aid for poor: P 8,000 in Metro; P 5,000 in regions
Though they are all poor families, they are not equal under the government’s emergency assistance package. Poor families in Metro Manila are each entitled to the maximum P8,000 in monthly cash subsidy for two months, while those in seven less prosperous regions, including Bicol, Caraga and Bangsamoro, will have to settle for P5,000, according to the chair of the House ways and means committee.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Times

DSWD releases guide on aid for 18 million low-income households
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday, March 31, issued a guide on how the 18 million low-income households will avail of the government’s social amelioration package.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

LIST: Qualified beneficiaries of COVID-19 subsidy
There is an assistance, in cash or in kind, waiting for people who are considered to be the most financially-hit while the enhanced community quarantine is in effect.
CNN Philippines

TRACKER: DSWD assistance during coronavirus crisis
The Department of Social Welfare and Developments (DSWD) was tasked under Republic Act No. 11469 or the "Bayanihan to Heal as One" law to provide economic relief to Filipino workers and residents affected by lockdown measures put in place to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus disease.
Rappler

DSWD receives P35-M cash donation from drug company to fight coronavirus
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has received some P35 million in cash donation from a private corporation located in Pasay City.
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING

TOURISM

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Sec. Cimatu: Conserve water, electricity, be eco-friendly while on ECQ
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu on March 31, Tuesday, encouraged Filipinos to consider the enhanced community quarantine as an opportunity to develop a lasting commitment to eco-friendly habits.
Manila Bulletin

NWRB to begin low water allocation for C. Luzon irrigation on April 1
The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) will be implementing lower water allocation for the irrigation requirements of some farmlands in Central Luzon starting April 1. From 20 cubic meters per second (cms) of raw water coming from Angat Dam, the irrigation allocation for farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga will be reduced to 15 cms in April.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY