COVID-19

Cases

4,351 new virus cases push PH total to almost 160,000
Confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines have jumped to over 157,000, the Department of Health (DoH) reported Saturday. 
Manila Bulletin, CNN Philippines

Overseas Filipinos with COVID-19 rise to 9,893
Cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Filipinos abroad increased to 9,893 as 15 new cases were confirmed Saturday, August 15, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Department of Health

DOH on fight vs COVID: Gov’t can take care of its people, but we still can’t say if we’re winning
Is the Philippines winning or losing the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)? Department of Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire yesterday said we are not yet at the stage that we can have an answer to that question, but assured that the government can take care of its people.
Manila Bulletin

IATF/NTF COVID-19

Mobilization of barangay officials could produce 5.5 M contract tracers — Galvez
There will be around 5.5 million contact tracers in the country if local government units (LGUs) across the country will mobilize barangay officials in finding coronavirus disease-positive patients, the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 bared Saturday.
Manila Bulletin

Transport group leaders tapped to enforce quarantine rules in PUVs
The Joint Task Force COVID Shield will tap leaders of Transport Operators and Drivers Association (TODAs) in enforcing the strict implementation of the minimum health standard protocol including the mandatory wearing of face shields in public utility vehicles and workplaces. 
Manila Bulletin

Kits, machines for pooled testing arrive, Go Negosyo founder Concepcion announces
Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion announced the arrival of extraction machines and testing kits from Chengdu and Shanghai, China.
Manila Bulletin

Regions

Luzon including NCR

COVID-19 claims life of dialysis patient in Cabanatuan
A 78-year-old dialysis patient has become Cabanatuan’s third coronavirus disease (COVID-19) fatality, according to an Aug. 14 bulletin from the city information and tourism office.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Bataan breaches 500-mark in COVID-19 cases
The province of Bataan breached the 500-mark in confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases middle of this week, and surged to 559 on Saturday, August 15.
Manila Bulletin

Angkas riders tapped as contact tracers in Pasay City
The Pasay City local government has tapped bikers of motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas as contact tracers to beef up the city’s efforts against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Bulletin

Medical frontliners in San Juan receive P5,000 cash incentive
San Juan City has begun the distribution of P5,000 cash incentives to medical frontliners in the city in  acknowledgment of their invaluable service and sacrifice.
Manila Bulletin

Angeles City LGU prohibits gatherings due to Covid-19
Mayor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin, Jr. said the local government prohibits gatherings including birthday parties, wedding receptions, barangay fiesta, concerts and other entertainment activities due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the city. The mayor said this is pursuant to City Ordinance Number 546 Series of 2020.
Sunstar Pampanga

DOST works for pilot of Tanod Covid app in Bulacan
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is working with the local government of Pulilan in Bulacan for the pilot implementation of Tanod Covid application that could help control the spread of the dreaded virus.
Philippine News Agency

Visayas

7 towns in Aklan remain untouched by COVID-19
Seven towns in the province of Aklan have so far not registered cases of coronavirus since the start of pandemic said the Provincial Health Office (PHO-Aklan). These COVID-19-free towns are Buruanga, Batan, Tangalan, Nabas, Balete, New Washington and Madalag.
Rappler

Mindanao

3 new Covid-19 cases recorded in Cagayan de Oro; all LSIs
THREE locally stranded individuals (LSIs) have tested positive for Sars-CoV-2, bringing the total number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in Cagayan de Oro City to 197. City Health Office Epidemiologist Dr. Joselito Retuya said all of the three new Covid-19 cases are currently staying at the city's Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility.
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro

Iligan seeks return to ECQ status as COVID-19 cases surge but…
A surge in COVID-19 cases in Iligan City has prompted local officials to ask the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force to allow them to revert to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status from the extended Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) to prevent more infections in the coming days.
MIndanews

Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

Gordon warns suspension of PRC, PhilHealth partnership due to non-payment of COVID-19 testing services
Senator Richard Gordon on Saturday warned that he will suspend the Philippines Red Cross’ (PRC) partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) should the latter fail to pay its dues for the humanitarian organization’s COVID-19 testing services by Monday, August 17.
Manila Bulletin

Incidents and Violations

Gadon trends on Twitter for unique way of wearing face mask
Lawyer Larry Gadon became a trending topic on Twitter Saturday after he was spotted waiting in line in a grocery wearing his face mask in a unique way.
Manila Bulletin

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

Why Covid infections in PH keep rising
We need ground implementers, but politics gets in the way. The trend of continuing increases in Covid-19 infections in the Philippines over the weeks to nearly 7,000 a day from a few hundred is an indication, beyond any political administration, of one of our weaknesses in practical, integrated ground responses to crises or logistically complex situations.
The Manila Times

Sunday Essay: Dreaming of a Covid-19 vaccine
ABOUT nine months from now, President Rodrigo Duterte could get vaccinated against this coronavirus that has altered how we live and work this year. That is not certain. It’s merely what the presidential spokesman, Harry Roque, announced last week.
Sunstar Cebu

Are you immune to Covid-19 for three months after recovering? It's unclear
It's the question everyone wants answered: How long are we protected from catching Covid-19 after we've recovered from the novel coronavirus -- and what does that really mean?
CNN

World

New CDC guidance says Covid-19 rates in children are 'steadily increasing'
Health experts say children make up more than 7% of all coronavirus cases in the US -- while comprising about 22% of the country's population -- and the number and rate of child cases have been "steadily increasing" from March to July.
CNN

Indonesia to make big leap in health sector amid COVID-19 pandemic: president
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said fundamental reforms in the health sector should be accelerated amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and oriented to preventive measures and healthy ways of life.
Xinhua

Coronavirus updates: Significant number of Navy midshipmen test positive on return to school
The novel coronavirus has now killed more than 767,000 people worldwide. More than 21.2 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
ABC News

Coronavirus UK map: the latest deaths and confirmed Covid cases
Latest figures from public health authorities on the spread of Covid-19 in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find out how many confirmed cases have been reported in each local authority.
The Guardian

LA mayor embraces shift in COVID-19 testing strategy: simplicity and speed
The mayor of the second-largest U.S. city has joined a growing clamor among health experts and politicians for a radical shift in the nation’s coronavirus testing strategy - from an emphasis on the utmost accuracy to a focus on speed and simplicity.
Reuters

Health officials in Illinois have identified Covid-19 cases linked to a 'mini-prom'
Health officials in southern Illinois are looking for people who attended a "mini-prom" earlier this month and may been exposed to multiple confirmed cases of coronavirus.
CNN

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Palace welcomes SC decision allowing Veloso to testify vs. recruiters
Malacañang welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to let detained overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso testify against her alleged illegal recruiters and prove that she was a victim.
Manila Bulletin

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OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

VP suggests medical reservists complement ‘One Hospital Center’ by attending to mild cases — VP
The government’s One Hospital Command Center in Metro Manila drew praises from Vice President Leni Robredo, but she said “complementary service” should also be available to those who don’t need hospitalization.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

Voter registration resumes Sept. 1
Voter registration will resume on Sept. 1 except in areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or Modified ECQ, the Commission on Elections announced on Saturday.
Manila Bulletin

DISASTER

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Strict time frame for basic permits pushed
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said Saturday the issuance by government agencies of basic permits must have a strict time frame.
Manila Bulletin

Poe appeals for help for jeepney drivers anew
Sen. Grace Poe has urged  the government anew to help displaced jeepney drivers earn as COVID-19 lockdowns continue to restrict public transport operations.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

Lawmakers relieved over decision to postpone classes; chides DepEd on unpreparedness
Lawmakers heaved a sigh of relief over the decision of government to postpone the resumption of classes from August 24 to October 5, saying that this exposed the Department of Education’s unpreparedness in pushing for the original schedule for opening schools.
Manila Bulletin

House panel to scrutinize P14-billion COVID-19 advanced payments
The House of Representatives committee on public accounts will look into at least P14 billion in advanced payments the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) has made to hospitals for COVID-19 cases despite the suspension of additional fund releases.
Manila Standard

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

DND marks 75th anniversary of end of WW2
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Saturday commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 (WW2) which is regarded as the bloodiest human conflict in the history of mankind.
Manila Bulletin

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Wearing of face shield inside Camp Crame made mandatory
Starting Monday, all police personnel and visitors of the National Headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be required to wear a face shield as part of the measures to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star

Philippine National Police

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

BOC to co-chair 29th ASEAN meeting to discuss int’l customs issues
Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero will lead a two-day dialogue among Southeast Asian nations to discuss various international customs issues.
Manila Bulletin

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

COA chides Cebu prov’l gov’t for granting time extensions, work suspensions that delayed over P400 M infra projects
The Commission on Audit chided the Cebu provincial government for granting “a series of time extensions and work suspensions” that resulted in the delay in the delivery of over P400 million worth of infrastructure projects.
Manila Bulletin

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Marcos doubts AMLC will find irregularities in bank accounts of PhilHealth officials
Senator Imee Marcos said on Saturday that she will not be surprised should the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) find no irregularities in the bank accounts of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) officials who face allegations of corruption.
Manila Bulletin

Imee calls Duque PhilHealth godfather
Another senator has urged Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to explain  the fresh claims of corruption and anomalies hounding the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
Manila Bulletin

2 PhilHealth whistleblowers ‘tell all’ to task force
Two whistleblowers have revealed that fraudulent schemes have been employed by  Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) officers and employees in collusion with doctors and hospitals for a number of years, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Saturday, Aug. 15.
Manila Bulletin

Task Force PhilHealth seeks collaboration with lawmakers
The task force investigating alleged corrupt activities at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will be collaborating with lawmakers who are also currently looking into
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

TRANSPORTATION

Face shields now required for int’l, domestic passengers
All international and domestic passengers are required to wear face shields aside from face masks starting Saturday, Aug. 15.
Manila Bulletin

PUV drivers warned, fined on Day 1 of face shield policy
The Land Transportation Office on Saturday conducted inspections nationwide on the first day of the implementation of the face shield policy in riding public transport.
CNN Philippines

Public transport agencies push enactment of legislative proposals to establish rights of passengers
Public transport regulatory and enforcement agencies have strongly endorsed the enactment of legislative proposals establishing the rights of passengers of taxis, tourists car transport services (TCTS) and other vehicles for hire to ensure their safety and protection.
Manila Bulletin

PAL operating limited int’l all cargo flights during MECQ
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is operating limited  all cargo international flights  during the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine.
Manila Bulletin

LRT-1 puts on hold layoff of over 100 workers
The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the operator of the LRT Line 1, will put on hold the layoff of over 100 workers of the railway system after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) expressed its concern on the retrenchment program.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

DAR working to enhance State crop insurance program
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is working on the enhancement of the government’s crop insurance program to ensure the 100 percent coverage of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) nationwide.
Manila Bulletin

DA thanks ADB for $400-M program loan
“On behalf of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Filipino farmers, and the Department of Agriculture, we profoundly appreciate the continuing support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), particularly its recent approval of the US$400-million loan to aid policy reforms of the Philippine government aimed at raising the productivity and competitiveness of the country’s agriculture sector, and significantly reduce poverty in rural areas.”
Philippine Information Agency

EDUCATION

School opening preparations continue, says DepEd
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that school opening preparations as well as other related activities will continue even if the scheduled school opening on Aug. 24 was postponed and was moved to Oct. 5.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd to adjust school calendar
After school opening was postponed for the second time, the Department of Education (DepEd) is now planning to make “certain adjustments” in the school calendar it issued in May.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd: Private schools allowed to open classes ahead of Oct. 5
As long as there are no face-to-face classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday said that private schools and other non-DepEd schools will be allowed to continue or proceed with their respective school openings.
Manila Bulletin

Teachers lament late release of funds, depletion of funds for production of self-learning modules
School heads from various regions nationwide are lamenting the late release of funds from the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office and the depletion of school funds for the mass production of self-learning modules (SLMs) which are needed for blended and distance learning this upcoming school year. Teachers lament late release of funds, depletion of funds for production of self-learning modules
Manila Bulletin

Colleges, universities not required to delay school opening — CHED
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has clarified that colleges and universities are not required to delay the opening of its academic year, following the announcement of the Department of Education to move the opening of classes to October 5.
Manila Bulletin

Allow schools that opened to continue classes, DepEd urged
Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay  asked the Department of Education (DepEd)  Saturday to issue clear guidelines and direction on how private schools that have already started classes would proceed and to allow those that are likewise ready to have an option to either start on Aug. 24  or later.
Manila Bulletin

WATER and ENERGY

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

DSWD records 160 cases of COVID-19
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has increased to 160, the department disclosed late Saturday afternoon. 
Manila Bulletin

DSWD warns public vs fake social media groups spreading false info on SAP
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has warned the public against social media pages and groups spreading false information on the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP). 
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING and SETTLEMENT

TOURISM

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Greenpeace pushes bike lanes in Metro Manila
Environmental group Greenpeace urged Filipinos to realize and appreciate the significance of having protected bike lanes in building better and more livable cities, particularly in Metro Manila.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY  

Bayanihan 2 to suspend many permit requirements for telco towers – Drilon
The government’s immediate recovery measure for the COVID-19 pandemic will suspend for 3 years many of the permits required of telcos to build cell towers, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said on Saturday, August 15.
Rappler