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COVID-19
Filipinos stressed, hungry due to COVID-19 pandemic remain high at 86% —SWS
Around 86% of adult Filipinos continued to experience stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found. In its July 3-6, 2020 National Mobile Phone Survey, SWS found that 51% of adult Filipinos experienced "great stress," while 35% had "much stress."
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Cases
Philippines reports 2,019 new COVID-19 infections, total at 78,412
The Philippines on Saturday reported 2,019 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, bringing the total to 78,412. This marks the eleventh consecutive day where over 1,300 new infections were reported and the fifth time in the past week where new cases breached 2,000.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News, Manila Bulletin, Rappler
COVID-19 cases among overseas Filipinos grow to 9,239 with over half recoveries
Cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Filipinos abroad grew to 9,239 with 31 new confirmed cases Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
Manila Bulletin
COVID-19 cases in PNP at 1,796
COVID-19 cases among the ranks of the Philippine National Police is now at 1,796, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said on Saturday.
GMA News
COVID-19 infections at PCOO climb to 13
The number of employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Presidential Communications Operations Office has climbed to 13, the agency announced Saturday.
GMA News
Department of Health
NKTI health workers stage silent protest for better treatment in fight vs COVID-19
A handful of health workers at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) staged a silent protest on Saturday, July 25, to ask for better protection and treatment in the fight against the coronavirus.
Rappler
IATF
Self-discipline needed to overcome COVID-19, says DILG official
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya on Saturday stressed that “individual discipline” is a must for the country to win its fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin
MinDA’s Piñol to IATF: suspend motorcycle barrier rule
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has asked the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 to suspend its policy requiring barriers for people riding motorcycles in tandem is “impractical, expensive and oppressive, and discriminatory.”
Mindanews
DILG assures safety of IATF-approved motorcycle barriers
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday maintained government-approved motorcycle shields or barriers do not cause accidents.
Manila Bulletin
Hatid Tulong sending home 8,400 stranded individuals from July 25 to 26
The Department of the Interior and Local Government said Friday, July 24, that 8,408 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) that are currently cramped in public facilities will start coming home to their provinces this weekend, July 25 to 26.
Rappler
Regions
66 new Covid-19 cases reported in W. Visayas
The Department of Health-Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD 6) on Friday logged 66 new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, raising the region's tally to 960.
Philippine News Agency
Parts of Antipolo to be placed under 7-day lockdown starting July 27
Some areas of Antipolo, Rizal will be placed under a seven-day lockdown beginning Monday, July 27, as part of measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
GMA News
6 neighborhoods in Cebu City placed on total lockdown
6 sitios in 5 barangays have been placed under hard lockdown, Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella announced on Saturday evening, July 25. The areas that will be placed on lockdown are:
Rappler
DOH Calabarzon office under lockdown due to COVID-19
Department of Health (DOH) Calabarzon regional director Eduardo Janairo announced on Friday, July 24, a temporary physical closure of the regional office from Monday, July 27, until next Friday, July 31.
Rappler
Ex-poll chair Brillantes intubated in Medical Center Manila due to COVID-19
Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. was intubated at the Medical Center Manila on Saturday afternoon after testing positive for COVID-19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Mayor Beng: ZC may revert to ECQ if rising COVID-19 cases continue
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the Zamboanga City government are working doubly hard to strictly monitor the implementation of quarantine health protocols to contain the increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases daily in the city, or else, the city will go back to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
Philippine Information Agency
Magalong orders lifting of total lockdown in 3 Baguio City villages
Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Saturday lifted the total lockdown in three villages here after local officials finished the contact tracing of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in those areas.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Kidapawan’s 1st COVId-19 treatment facility now open 24/7
The city’s temporary treatment and monitoring facility (TTMF) for COVID-19 patients has been given the nod by the Regulations, Licensing, and Enforcement Division (RLED) of the Department of Health in Region 12 and is now open 24/7.
Mindanews
3,109 LSIs set to return to Caraga region
A total of 3,109 residents of the Caraga region who are currently stranded in Metro Manila are set to return home on July 25 and July 27 under the government’s “Hatid Tulong” program.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Navotas offers free swab tests to workers
Companies located within Navotas can avail of the free coronavirus swab testing offered by the local government, Mayor Toby Tiangco said.
Rappler
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
PH Mining industry raises P402-M fund to help 1.4-M households, frontliners
The Philippine mining industry has so far raised ₱402-million worth of relief fund to help 1.4 million households and frontliners during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
[OPINION] Why the Duterte regime will be COVID-19’s main victim
In his fifth State of the Nation (SONA) address, President Rodrigo Duterte will probably be true to form: by turns menacing, double-talking, cursing, dripping with cynical humor, digressing, and irreverent.
Rappler
Leadership in the time of COVID-19
When President Duterte delivers this Monday what may well be the most awaited State of the Nation Address of his presidency, he may be disposed to go straight to what needs to be done to revive the economy from its induced coma and to meet the urgent needs of the poorest of our people.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Open data helps build trust, prevent misinformation
Open data is key in building trust and resilience especially in times of disasters, said University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) executive director Mahar Lagmay.
Rappler
Online protest: Is it an effective way to show dissent during a pandemic?
As the country continues to grapple with rising COVID-19 cases, several groups have opted to bring their protests online.
Rappler
Governments losing support for their handling of COVID-19: survey
Governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus outbreak from a public that widely believes death and infection figures to be higher than statistics show, a survey of six countries revealed Saturday.
Manila Standard
Coping with COVID-19
Nanding B. was making good as a high-ranking executive of a giant beverage company in Makati. After many years of service, his friends and office mates were astounded when he quit his high-paying job to work fulltime in the charismatic renewal apostolate he was serving.
Manila Bulletin
World
Coronavirus updates: U.S. deaths top 1,000 for fourth consecutive day
The United States on Friday reported more than 1,000 coronavirus-related deaths for the fourth day in a row, a grim run that has not been seen since late May. More than 74,000 new infections were reported nationally on Friday, one of the highest single-day totals yet.
The Washington Post
US agency vows steps to address COVID-19 inequalities
If Black, Hispanic and Native Americans are hospitalized and killed by the coronavirus at far higher rates than others, shouldn’t the government count them as high risk for serious illness? That seemingly simple question has been mulled by federal health officials for months. And so far the answer is no.
Associated Press
COVID-19 claims more lives in Brazil, Mexico, India
The novel coronavirus claimed a total of 1,156 lives in Brazil, 737 in Mexico, and 757 in India over the past day, according to health authorities on Saturday.
Anadolu Agency
The latest on the coronavirus pandemic
American medical experts are urging political leaders to shut down the United States to contain the pandemic after the country surpassed 4 million Covid-19 cases.
CNN
Pregnant women at risk of death in Kenya's COVID-19 curfew
Veronica Atieno remembers feeling her way through the dark alleys between the shacks that make up Nairobi’s slums, picking her way past raw sewage and rusty, razor-sharp metal roofing with trepidation.
ABC News
Coronavirus Australia: government sets up aged care response centre to deal with Covid-19 surge in Victoria
The federal government has launched a specialist aged care response centre to address the surging number of Covid-19 cases spreading through Victorian facilities, as authorities acknowledge measures taken to quash the state’s second wave of the virus have not yet led to lower numbers.
The Guardian
COVID-19 claims 31 more lives in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia announced 31 more deaths from COVID-19 and 2,201 new confirmed cases of the disease on Saturday. Of the new cases, 5 percent were recorded in Riyadh with the capital reporting 118 cases. Hufof reported 115 cases, Dammam 106, Makkah 103 and Buraidah 82.
Arab News
Africa’s confirmed COVID-19 cases pass 810,000: Africa CDC
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the African continent reached 810,008 on Saturday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said.
CGTN
Big Pharma and the cost of developing COVID-19 drugs and vaccines
The race to develop vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus pandemic is entering a crucial stage with large-scale trials under way. But with seemingly little oversight on pricing, some experts are concerned that pharmaceutical companies could end up charging way too much for COVID-19 treatments.
Aljazeera
Singapore Covid-19 cases jump by 513 in 24 hours
Singapore confirmed an additional 513 cases of Covid-19 in the country today, raising the tally of infections to 49,888. The republic's Ministry of Health (MOH) said two of the cases are work pass holders, six are imported, and the rest are foreign workers residing in dormitories.
New Straits Times
Brazil’s Bolsonaro tests negative for COVID-19
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said Saturday that he has tested negative for COVID-19, based on a fourth test since he said July 7 that he had the virus. “Good morning everyone,” Bolsonaro wrote on Facebook after reporting that the test was “negative.”
CGTN
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Duterte appoints ex-PSG commander Niembra as new AFP Intel chief
President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed the former commander of his close-in security detail as the new chief of the Philippine military’s intelligence unit, Malacañang confirmed Saturday.
GMA News
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Duterte to undergo COVID-19 swab test on Sunday —Nograles
President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to undergo COVID-19 swab test on Sunday, July 26, a day before his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Saturday.
GMA News
Senators want Duterte to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in 5th SONA
Lawmakers expressed on Saturday what they want to hear from President Rodrigo Duterte at his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
GMA News
Bong Go hopes Duterte's SONA will focus on measures to address COVID pandemic
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Saturday expressed hope that President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address would center on the government's plans and efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
GMA News
Upcoming SONA ‘crucial’ – Zubiri
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Saturday described President Duterte’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) as “crucial” to the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
Guevarra assures protest actions can be held during SONA
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Saturday, July 25, assured that protest actions can be held during the 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte on Monday, July 27.
Manila Bulletin
Online SONA protests better, but those who can't be stopped may gather in UP- PNP spox
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said it would allow protesters to gather at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City for the traditional mass action during the State of the Nation Address, even as it encouraged the public to instead express dissent online amid the continuing COVID-19 threat.
ABS-CBN News
Groups say no turning back on SONA protests
Various progressive and sectoral groups have no intention of backing out from their united protest actions on the day of President Duterte’s State-of-the-Nation Address July 27 amid the ban on mass gatherings.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler
Catholic bishop on SONA: ‘Listen to the cries of the people, present concrete solutions’
A Catholic prelate urged President Duterte to reveal the country’s true condition during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27.
Manila Bulletin
Duterte’s controversial laws: Can he push for more with 2 years left in his term?
Capping off his fourth year as the highest official in the land, President Rodrigo Duterte has affixed his signature to hundreds of bills — some more controversial than others.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pinoy musicians collab on protest video to be released on SONA day 2020
OPM icons Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, Cooky Chua, and Bobby Balingit are among the 35 musicians collaborating on a protest video to be released during President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27.
Rappler
Kakie Pangilinan, Ebe Dancel, Iza Calzado, others raise voices in ‘Tinig ng Bayan’ concert on SONA day
Kakie Pangilinan, Ebe Dancel, Iza Calzado and a host of other musicians and artists are coming together to raise their voices in a concert that will run parallel to President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27.
Rappler
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The Church finds a new voice
For several days now, Inquirer columnist Ambeth Ocampo, who has done more than most historians to make the events, personalities, and issues of the past come to life and become relevant again, has been writing on the oft-dramatic and tension-filled confrontations between Spanish-era governors general and archbishops of Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
'In the line of duty': 4 more of Robredo's staff test positive for coronavirus
Vice President Leni Robredo said Friday night 4 more of her staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, raising the number of infected workers in her office to 8.
ABS-CBN News
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Sotto wary of term extension, mulls skipping Charter change discussions
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Saturday that he’s mulling over inhibiting himself from legislative discussions on Charter change (Cha-cha) should it pushes through.
Manila Bulletin
Lacson airs pre-SONA thoughts, says Duterte not interested in Cha-cha
President Duterte appears not interested in having the 1987 Constitution amended that is being pushed by some members of the House of Representatives.
Manila Bulletin
Only corrupt, greedy could rip off Charter — Leila
Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima said Saturday that only those so corrupt and greedy could ever think of ripping off the 1987 Constitution through Charter amendment when the entire country is a veritable Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
JUDICIARY
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Zubiri pushes ‘Adopt a Poor Household’ program
Bukidnon 3rd District Rep. Manuel Zubiri has batted for the passage of his bill seeking to institutionalize the “Adopt a Poor Household” program which will encourage the hiring of the head of a poor family either for a household or business establishment.
Manila Bulletin
Review of ‘Doble Plaka’ law urged
Detained opposition Sen. Leila M. de Lima urged colleagues in the Senate Saturday to revisit Republic Act (RA) No. 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Law to prevent its adverse impact on the millions of law-abiding riders and motorcycle owners, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
House committee chairman calls for overhaul of PhilHealth leadership
The chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts Saturday called for an “overhaul” in the leadership of the Philippine Medical Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) amid new accusations of corruption that have implicated certain officials.
Manila Bulletin
Mandatory wearing of PPEs in public transport sought
Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento has sought the mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment, such as face masks, face shields, gloves, and the like in public transportation to help slow and prevent further transmission of COVID-19 among commuters and public transportation workers.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
NBI checking if convicted car thief Raymond Dominguez has died of COVID-19 -VACC chief
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is already checking reports that Raymond Dominqguez, the convicted leader of a notorious car theft group, has succumbed to COVID-19 while incarcerated at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), according to the father of Venson Evangelista, one of his victims.
GMA News
BuCor spokesperson: Inmate Raymond Dominguez positive for COVID-19, still alive
Bureau of Corrections spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag on Saturday refuted reports that high-profile inmate Raymond Dominguez died of COVID-19.
ABS-CBN News, Manila Bulletin
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Over 21,000 inmates released so far from BJMP facilities —DILG
More than 21,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facilities have been released as part of continuing decongestion efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said on Saturday.
GMA News
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
PMA cadet canned for stealing grapes; reversal of dismissal decision questioned
A second year cadet of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) was recently found guilty of stealing five pieces of grapes from her seniors and the decision reversing her punishment has been panned by officers and people with ties to the institution.
Manila Bulletin
Philippine National Police
Ordinances needed to declog jails of face mask violators, says PNP chief
The passage and enforcement of local ordinances for the mandatory observance of minimum health safety protocols are good measures to decongest police detention facilities amid the order of President Duterte to arrest those who would not wear face masks and violate the rule on physical distancing.
Manila Bulletin
PNP on plan to use gossipmongers in contact tracing: ‘They’ll only ask questions’
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday clarified that gossipmongers will only ask questions in tracing down contacts of those infected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
BoC earns P42.5 B in June
The Bureau of Customs reported on Saturday that it has surpassed its collection target last month. It had a collection target of P40.739 billion and surpassed this by 4.5 percent, collecting P42.591 billion in revenues.
Manila Bulletin
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
South China Sea: Time To Display Firm Resolve
As China continues its incursions into Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, there is a need for the latter to display firm resolve by leaving no doubt that it is prepared to use force in the extreme of circumstances, given the recurrent blatant and flagrant violations of its territorial sovereignty and integrity by China.
The ASEAN Post
LABOR
TRANSPORTATION
Nationwide coalition calls on gov’t to address ‘dire state’ of transport sector
Days ahead of President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address, a nationwide transport coalition has called on the government to address the “dire state” of the transport sector and prioritize the development of an inclusive, safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation system.
Manila Bulletin
Ahead of SONA 2020, groups ask Duterte to stop PUV modernization
Ahead of the President's 5th State of the Nation Address, commuter, transportation, and labor groups called on President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, as the country continued to reel on the effects of the pandemic.
Rappler
HEALTH
PhilHealth says it has ‘nothing to hide,’ welcomes probe into alleged anomalies
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) said Saturday it is prepared to undergo any investigation into alleged anomalies in the state-owned company.
GMA News
Duterte must use an iron hand to deal with widespread corruption at PhilHealth
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson on Saturday said President Duterte must use an iron hand in dealing with the widespread corruption at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) by putting to jail those held liable.
Manila Bulletin
Senate reso to unwrap ‘mind-blowing’ incidents of PhilHealth corruption
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Saturday the resolution he and his colleagues in the 24-member Senate would be filing on Monday would show that the COVID-19 pandemic has created more opportunities for systemic corruption at the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to flourish.
Manila Bulletin
PhilHealth gave P200-M to hospitals with only one COVID-19 patient each – Lacson
Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) released over P200 million worth of funds to hospitals treating only one COVID-19 patient each, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sotto stresses importance of Senate probe on PhilHealth controversies; says at least 4 officials want to testify
At least four officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) are reportedly going to testify in the Senate’s forthcoming investigation on the new allegations of corruption within the agency, Senate President Vicente Sotto said on Saturday, July 25.
Manila Bulletin
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
ARBO, hospital in Region 2 ink supply agreement
An agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) in Nueva Vizcaya is now assured of a direct buyer for their farm produce after partnering with the Region II Trauma and Medical Center which enables the latter to provide for their patients’ dietary needs.
Manila Bulletin
EDUCATION
Over 22 million students now gearing up for school – DepEd
More than 22 million students are currently enrolled in both public and private schools nationwide barely a month before the new school year starts in August, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.
Manila Bulletin
DepEd urged to strictly implement protocols amid reports of COVID-19 infection among teachers
A teachers group on Saturday demanded the “strict observance” of health protocols and work arrangements from the Department of Education (DepEd) after receiving several reports of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases involving teachers.
Manila Bulletin
Youth lament lack of education guidelines, plans amid COVID-19
After Education Secretary Leonor Briones maintained that classes for the school year 2020-2021 would resume on August 24 amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, youth leaders on Saturday lamented the lack of a comprehensive plan for education a month before classes are set to resume.
GMA News
ACT says schools, teachers ‘not ready’ for Aug. 24
Less than a month before the school opening on August 24, a federation of teachers alleged that the Department of Education (DepEd) is far from being ready, especially in implementing blended and distance learning.
Manila Bulletin
What will happen to 5,000 public schools without electricity?
In the alternate universe of the troll farms, the hurting sensibilities of lawmakers Rodante Marcoleta, Juanito Victor Remulla and Michael Defensor — hu, hu, hu — need urgent healing and attention and that should be the national priority.
The Manila Times
ENERGY
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
The Duterte era: A state of nature under attack
A complex array of multiple crises slowly brewing for four years breached the tipping point and inundated the Philippines in just the last four and a half months.
Bulatlat
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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