Philippines morning news for April 17

Philippines morning news for April 17
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Philippines morning newsGov’t threatens total lockdown as cases soar
THE government on Thursday threatened to impose a total lockdown if people continue to violate protocols against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
— BusinessWorld

Philippines now conducts over 4,000 COVID-19 tests daily, says task force
The Philippines now conducts over 4,000 tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) daily as the government moves to meet its target testing capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 by the end of the month.
— GMA Network

PH coronavirus cases now at 5,660; death toll hits 362
The Philippines has 207 new coronavirus cases, pushing the total number of cases in the country to 5,660 as of 4 pm on Thursday, April 16, the Department of Health (DOH) announced.
— Rappler

PH among riskiest countries to be in during coronavirus pandemic
The Philippines ranked 9th among the riskiest countries to be in during the coronavirus pandemic , according to a recent analysis of global pandemic data.
— Rappler

Duterte claims COVID-19 cure ready in a few days, lifting of quarantine to follow
President Rodrigo Duterte claimed on Thursday night that “killer antibodies” allegedly capable of curing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will be rolled out in a few days.
— GMA Network

Chinese experts say Philippines might not be able to cut COVID-19 transmission
Chinese medical experts from Wuhan, China said the Philippines might not be able to cut off the source of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network

Economic cost of virus spread likely to reach up to P2.5t — PIDS
The Philippines may suffer economic losses of P276.3 billion to P2.5 trillion due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
— Manilastandard.net

14 million wage, salary earners won’t benefit from govt’s cash aid program–group
Despite the billions of pesos spent by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its cash assistance program for workers affected by the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19), at least 14 million more wage and salary workers would likely be left behind, according to a coalition of the country’s largest labor groups.
— Business Mirror

Airlines, shippers warn of trade delays if seamen can’t travel
THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) said governments should facilitate the movement of international transport personnel who have been affected by travel restrictions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
— BusinessWorld

Borrowings to address revenue constraints amid quarantine
The government has funds to support its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response but additional requirements will be financed by borrowings as revenues are constrained, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.
— Philippine News Agency

DOH: There could be more COVID-19 recoveries than what has been reported
There could be more patients who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) than what has been reported, the Department of Health said on Thursday.
— GMA Network

Spraying objects with disinfectants not dangerous to people -Duque
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday clarified that spraying inanimate objects with disinfectants as a preventive measure against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not dangerous to people.
— GMA Network

‘Best practices’: Gov’t defends COVID-19 response as PH tally tops Southeast Asia
Like other countries, the Philippines is also using “best practices” when it comes to handling the coronavirus pandemic, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday as the nation confirmed it has the most COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia.
— ABS-CBN News

Palace rejects debt-payment freeze
THE government will face severe financial repercussions if it implements a moratorium for its foreign debt payments to free more funds for its response to the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19), Malacañang Palace said on Thursday.
— Business Mirror

Foreign cruise ships carrying Filipino seafarers allowed to dock in Manila despite Luzon lockdown
Foreign cruise ships carrying Filipino seafarers will be allowed to dock at Manila’s ports despite the ongoing Luzon lockdown, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said today said in a virtual presser.
— Coconuts Philippines

BSP reduces interest rate by another 50 bps to 2.75%
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday reduced the benchmark interest rate by another 50 basis points to 2.75 percent to support the economy amid the threat posed by the onslaught of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
— Manilastandard.net

More than half of COVID-19 patients have zero to mild symptoms –DOH
More than half of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the Philippines are asymptomatic or only show mild symptoms, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.
— GMA Network

‘We need to unite’: Duque says ‘hurt’ by senators’ calls for his resignation
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday he was “hurt” when he learned several senators called for his resignation for his “failure of leadership” in addressing the coronavirus crisis.
— ABS-CBN News

Duque admits health workers die in line of duty due to lack of PPEs, dishonest patients
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III admitted the growing list of health professionals dying while battling the coronavirus disease pandemic is due to a lack of protective gear available as well as patients who were dishonest about their condition.
— Rappler

Cash-strapped DOLE suspends cash aid but DBM said funds are coming
Of around 1.5 million applicants, only around 320,000 will get cash subsidy under the current budget of P1.6 billion.
— Philstar

14 senators call on Duque to resign over ‘failed’ coronavirus response
Majority senators called on Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to resign over his failure of leadership in the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
— Rappler

It’s Your Fault: Spokesman Harry Roque blames ‘stubborn’ Filipinos for rise in COVID-19 cases
Are all presidential spokespersons cut from the same cloth? Looks just about like it.
— Coconuts Philippines

Consumer confidence still ‘positive’ in Q1 but COVID-19 outbreak darkens outlook
Consumer confidence remained intact in the first three months of the year, but overall sentiment turned sour for the second quarter and the next 12 months as Filipinos brace for the impact of natural disasters and the coronavirus outbreak on prices of goods and their income, a central bank survey showed on Thursday.
— Philstar

President Duterte orders DOH to probe nine hospitals for allegedly refusing to accept patients
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, April 16, ordered the Department of Health to probe nine hospitals that allegedly refused to accept patients.
— Eagle News

Shipping time bomb ticks as thousands of Filipino sailors get stuck
VENCITO U. OPEN, 31, is one of about 50 Filipino seamen who have been stranded in a cramped dormitory in San Andres — Manila’s second-most densely populated district — jobless and about to become penniless after his flight to Saudi Arabia was canceled when the government locked down the main Philippine island of Luzon to contain a novel coronavirus pandemic.
— BusinessWorld

Duterte asks crematoriums to charge pre-COVID-19 fees
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday appealed to crematoriums to retain their prices that were in place prior to the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
— GMA Network

Manila funeral shops refusing COVID bodies face closure
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has approved an ordinance, which penalizes funeral homes rejecting persons who have died of the coronavirus disease 2019.
— Philstar

Duque denies waiver clearing DOH of responsibility if volunteer nurses get virus
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday said that there was no waiver that volunteer nurses were asked to sign clearing the Department of Health (DOH) of responsibility should they contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while at work.
— GMA Network

COVID-19 farm intervention to boost rice supply to 84 days adequacy
The country should have a “comfortable” rice supply in the next months despite disruptions caused by the six-week Luzon lockdown.
— Philstar

NEDA identifying supply chain issues to guide task force
THE National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) is evaluating the performance of supply chains during the pandemic and is hoping its findings will guide decision-makers on potential improvements.
— BusinessWorld

‘Underpaid, overworked, unappreciated:’ PH deployment ban scars nurses during pandemic
Jerrick Gomez was on the last leg of a nearly 3-year process of trying to find work in the United Kingdom when he returned to the Philippines in the last week of February.
— Rappler

Dole stops accepting applications for workers’ aid
The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) on Thursday said it had stopped accepting applications for the P5,000 cash aid to workers who lost their jobs due to lockdowns imposed by the national and local governments to halt the spread of the new coronavirus in the country.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

More red tape? Netizens debate DSWD regulation of donations
Should government departments regulate public solicitation and donation drives?
— Rappler

DOLE to give P5,000 cash to 85,000 formal workers after halt of COVID-19 assistance program
Despite stopping the acceptance of employers applications for the P5,000 cash aid to its affected workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Thursday that more than 85,000 beneficiaries are set to receive the one-time financial assistance.
— GMA Network

4.0-magnitude quake hits Davao Oriental
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Davao Oriental today.
— Eagle News

Why Philippine Solidarity With Vietnam in South China Sea Fishing Row Matters
The South China Sea flashpoint continues to spark trouble among claimants despite a spiraling pandemic.
— The Diplomat

Duterte backs Duque amid resignation calls
Hours after 14 senators, including his allies, called for the resignation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered his health chief to “stay put” as the Philippines struggles to contain the spread of coronavirus cases.
— Rappler

Over 14K Pinoys return to PH since Covid-19 outbreak
A total of 14,706 Filipinos abroad returned to the Philippines since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Thursday.
— Philippine News Agency

Third telco still ‘on track’ to meet commitments despite lockdowns — DICT
Dennis Uy-led Dito Telecommunity, the country’s third telco player, is still “on track” to meet its promises this year despite disruptions triggered by the coronavirus outbreak and the six-week Luzon lockdown meant to stem the contagion, the government said Thursday.
— Philstar

‘Protect the President:’ Palace screens all Duterte visitors with rapid virus tests
As the number of coronavirus cases in the Philippines rises, Malacañang is implementing stricter protocols to secure President Rodrigo Duterte, requiring all persons to undergo rapid coronavirus test before meeting the Chief Executive.
— Rappler

Quezon City adopts house-to-house swabbing
Quezon City has adopted various approaches to ramp up testing of its residents such as house-to-house swabbing to minimize the mobility of possible coronavirus disease 2019 carriers.
— Philstar

Davao City to implement odd-even scheme in use of food, medicine passes
Davao City will begin implementing an odd-even coding scheme on the use of its food and medicine passes to minimize crowding at supermarkets, pharmacies and similar establishments amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.
— GMA Network

No gov’t aid for those caught drinking, in cockfights -Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said aid will not be given to residents caught engaging in drinking sessions and cockfights amid the enhanced community quarantine.
— GMA Network

USAID assistance boosts PHL’s fight against deadly pathogen
The United States has completed giving the P203-million ($4 million) assistance for the Philippines to boost Manila’s fight against the novel coronavirus by providing the additional P66 million, or about $1.3 million out of the total fund.
— Business Mirror

No sobbing but a lot of haggling at busy funeral home
Never has a funeral home come so alive.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

NDFP alleges govt forces violated own cease-fire declaration in letter to UN chief
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has accused the military and police forces of violating their own cease-fire declaration in a letter sent to the United Nations, even as a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a firefight in Bicol while communist supporters yielded in Northern Luzon.
— Business Mirror

Relaxed power supply contracts ‘disastrous’ to plant operations
POWER producers said they cannot relax their supply contracts with distribution utilities (DU) and electric cooperatives (EC) to lower generation costs as this move would disrupt the energy supply chain.
— BusinessWorld

Benguet farmers transport 25 tons of produce for indigent families of Manila
Twenty-five tons of produce–amounting to 5,000 vegetable relief packs–was delievered to Manila City for the benefit of Benguet farmers. The relief packs were then donated to indigent families in dire need amid the COVID-19 health crisis.
— Philstar

ERC orders staggered payment scheme for electricity bills
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed electricity distribution companies to implement a staggered payment scheme amid the coronavirus lockdown .
— Rappler

‘Coronavirus-free’ town in Batangas protests preparations for an isolation facility
Ibaan town Mayor Joy Salvame protested ongoing preparations to turn an evacuation center within the town into an isolation facility for confirmed coronavirus cases in Batangas province.
— Rappler

Philippine Red Cross launches COVID-19 testing center
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday launched its testing center for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was the 16th laboratory in the country to receive accreditation to conduct independent testing.
— GMA Network

BARMM vows to address hospitals’ lack of ventilators
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) vowed to address the lack of ventilators, a device crucial for treating 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients, in the hospitals across the region.
— Philippine News Agency

PBS launches musical get-together to honor Pinoy front-liners
The Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) is launching a musical get-together starting next week to honor Filipino front-liners continuing to work amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
— Philippine News Agency

Duque asks Congress to pass bill creating PH Centers for Disease Control
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told Congress Thursday, April 16, that the raging battle against the coronavirus pandemic is the best reason to pass a bill creating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Philippines.
— Rappler

OVP, partners open 15th free dorm for health workers, frontliners
The Office of the Vice President (OVP), in cooperation with its private partners, has opened its 15th free dorm for health workers and frontliners amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
— GMA Network

Surigao Sur town to buy P3.5-M worth of local farmers’ produce
The municipality of Carrascal in Surigao del Sur has set aside PHP3.5 million to buy agricultural products from its own farmers to ensure food sufficiency during the quarantine period.
— Philippine News Agency

NPA rebels urged to surrender amid health crisis
The chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has called on the communist New People’s Army (NPA) fighters to surrender amid the crisis brought about by the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency

U.P. Board of Regents approves proposal to end semester on April 30
The University of the Philippines (UP) Board of Regents (BOR) on Thursday, April 16, has approved the proposal of an advisory council to end this year’s second semester on April 30 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
— Rappler

Get gov’t permits first before organizing donation drives, Social Welfare Department says
Countless Filipinos including celebrities have organized donation drives since the COVID-19 outbreak began, for the benefit of frontliners and urban poor communities.
— Coconuts Philippines

Palace warns fake news peddlers anew
Malacañang on Thursday warned fake news peddlers anew saying they could face sanctions, including fine of up to PHP1 million, under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020 or Republic Act 11469.
— Philippine News Agency

NBI given until April 24 to finish probe on N. Ecija hospitals
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Thursday the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been given 10 days to investigate reports of six Nueva Ecija hospitals that allegedly refused admission to a sick senior citizen who later died at home.
— Philippine News Agency

Landbank launches loan program for businesses hit by virus
The Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) is offering a loan program with a low interest rate for small and medium enterprises and microfinance institutions affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
— Rappler

ECQ not the best time for public to be ‘picky’: IATF
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Thursday discouraged the public from going to their neighboring areas for the purpose of visiting bigger supermarkets or pharmacies.
— Philippine News Agency

Changing captains amid COVID-19 pandemic difficult, Bong Go says
Senator Christopher Bong Go on Thursday said that changing leadership within the Department of Health (DOH) was difficult in the middle of the country’s battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network

DSWD to LGUs: Distribute emergency subsidy first, validation later
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has amended its emergency subsidy program (ESP) guidelines to speed up the distribution of cash aid to families in need.
— Rappler

FALSE: Duterte to declare total lockdown, close all establishments
Claim: President Rodrigo Duterte is going to announce a “total lockdown,” where all establishments will be closed to further curb the spread of COVID-19. People are asked to stock up food and other essential items that are good for 2 weeks.
— Rappler

PH has most virus cases in ASEAN? ‘This is not a contest,’ says Nograles
Filipinos should not be alarmed by the Philippines having the most number of coronavirus cases in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) because it is not a competition but a race for detection and containment, said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Thursday, April 16.
— Rappler

Free wi-fi installed at quarantine centers for frontliners, patients
Free Wi-Fi has been provided to quarantine centers nationwide to aid health workers in submitting reports and allow frontliners and patients to keep in touch with their families amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Eagle News

Father walks from Pasig to Makati with dead baby in a box
A grieving father was forced to walk from Pasig City to Makati City carrying his dead baby in a box as mass transportation was not available due to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
— GMA Network

DepEd advises parents to coordinate with school for fees refund
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday advised parents to coordinate with school authorities regarding the expenses paid for the graduation or moving up ceremonies of their children.
— GMA Network

Clashes reported as ceasefire with NPA ends
A communist guerrilla was killed in an armed clash with government forces in Sorsogon province on Thursday, April 16, a day after the lapse of a shaky ceasefire , which both sides accused the other of violating.
— Rappler

How coastal towns can feed constituents by helping small-scale fishers
The spread of the novel coronavirus in the country has made it tough for thousands whose lives depend on the sea due to the implementation of travel restrictions and curfew schedules.
— Philstar

DOLE stops accepting applications for workers’ cash aid
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has stopped accepting applications for its cash aid program for private sector workers affected by the coronavirus lockdown.
— Rappler

PRO-9 ‘Adopt-a-Family’ COVID-19 aid program helps 256 households
According to Quidilla, delivering the food packs and other assistance would also help civilians to stay at home, one of the main measures to ensure physical distancing and keep the virus from spreading.
— Philstar

80,000 live broiler chickens distributed to quarantined residents of Sagay City
Thousands of live and cuckling 45-day-old broiler chickens made their way to the homes of quarantined residents of Sagay City in Negros Occidental.
— Rappler

Pasig jails suspects who used fake IDs to get food coupons meant for students
The Pasig City government on Thursday, April 16, apprehended persons caught using fake ID cards to avail of food coupons meant for public school students and their families.
— Rappler

 

 

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This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo focuses on COVID-19 in Asean.

 

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About Philippines morning news.

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Stella-maris Ewudolu

Journalist at AEC News Today

Stella-maris graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Education from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria in 2005.

Between November 2010 and February 2012 she was a staff writer at Daylight Online, Nigeria writing on health, fashion, and relationships. From 2010 – 2017 she worked as a freelance screen writer for ‘Nollywood’, Nigeria.

She joined AEC News Today in December 2016.

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