Shutdown of 3,000 companies affects 100,000 workers
More than 3,000 business establishments have reported a temporary shutdown of operations, while more than 200 have closed down permanently since January this year, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said, adding that the closures affected some 100,000 workers.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
PHL losses from tourism standstill could reach $22.6B
THE Philippines could lose up to $22.64 billion (P1.13 trillion) or seven percent of GDP if the tourism standstill caused by the pandemic extends to 12 months, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said in a report.
— BusinessWorld
Over 1,400 COVID-19 lab backlogs still remaining, says DOH
The country s licensed laboratories still have over 1,400 backlogs remaining for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.
— GMA Network
‘Do not be fooled:’ Groups say panel probing drug war deaths ‘damage control’
Human rights groups are not sold with the Duterte administration’s creation of a panel to reinvestigate 5,655 deaths in police drug war operations.
— Rappler
Manufacturing contraction eases
FACTORY ACTIVITY fell for a fourth straight month in June, although the pace of contraction eased significantly as manufacturers were able to boost output for the first time since February, according to a survey by IHS Markit.
— BusinessWorld
Permanent business closures estimated at 200, Labor dep’t says
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has tallied about 200 permanent business closures during the public health emergency, which imposed lockdowns that did not allow them to operate or impaired the mobility of suppliers and potential customers.
— BusinessWorld
DOH reports 999 new COVID-19 cases; total tally at 38,511
The Department of Health (DOH) listed a new batch of 999 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, with the total number of infected rising to 38,511.
— CNN Philippines
Agriculture contributing less to GDP for past 5 years
The agriculture sector’s contribution to the national economy has declined for five consecutive years as low productivity remains a challenge for the farm industry.
— Philippine Star
Edsa ‘transformation’ now comes with loops, ‘carousel’
Before the “transformation” of Edsa — complete with exclusive bus and bike lanes — promised by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade in May is fully realized, a temporary scheme will be implemented to ease and speed up the commute on Metro Manila’s busiest road, officials said on Wednesday.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
Anti-terror bill untouched on Duterte’s desk as automatic enactment nears
The controversial anti-terrorism bill remains sitting on President Rodrigo Duterte’s desk eight days before the much-criticized measure lapses into law.
— Philippine Star
DOH says ‘majority’ of new COVID-19 cases among repatriates; data show OFWs account for less than 10 pct
The Department of Health on Wednesday claimed that “majority” of the new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines in the last two months were among repatriated Filipinos, as coronavirus cases in the country continued to rise amid eased quarantine restrictions.
— ABS-CBN News
Cimatu orders DOH-7, Cebu City to reconcile coronavirus data
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu ordered the Cebu City Health Department and the Department of Health Central Visayas to reconcile their data on the number of coronavirus infections in the city, now considered the hot spot of the disease in the country.
— Rappler
BoP surplus widens in May
THE country’s balance of payments (BoP) saw a bigger surplus in May on the back of the National Government’s foreign borrowings and a narrower merchandise trade deficit.
— BusinessWorld
Philippines has exclusive jurisdiction over Mindoro collision – Palace
The Philippines will not allow foreigners to intrude into the probe on the collision between a Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship and a Philippine fishing boat in the vicinity of Occidental Mindoro, Malacañang said yesterday.
— Philippine Star
Borrowing binge swells 5-month NG debt
THE national government’s outstanding debt for the first five months of the year swelled by 12.3 percent to P8.89 trillion from P7.916 trillion in the same period in 2019 as Manila borrowed more in May from local and foreign sources to fund its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Business Mirror
Manila says it’s ready to protest Hong Kong sinking of fishing boat
THE PHILIPPINES would file a diplomatic protest if investigations show that a Hong Kong vessel had deliberately sunk a Filipino fishing boat in its territorial waters, its top diplomat said on Wednesday.
— BusinessWorld
Philippines on guard against new potential pandemic from China
The Philippines is monitoring a new type of swine flu from China which researchers fear could trigger another pandemic, an official from the Department of Agriculture said Wednesday.
— ABS-CBN News (video)
Ships ordered to allocate 12% space for food, agriculture
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered domestic shipping lines to allocate 12 percent of a vessel’s cargo space for agricultural and food products per trip to ensure sufficient supply across the country as quarantine measures remain in place.
— Philippine Star
Still no sighting of boat collision survivors
As of Wednesday afternoon, there was still “no sighting of survivors” in the weekend collision between the fishing vessel Liberty 5 and the Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship Vienna Wood, said Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
ABS-CBN paid P71.5B in taxes in 17 years, says exec
Broadcast network ABS-CBN paid the government billions in taxes throughout 17 years, an executive said Wednesday.
— GMA Network
Duterte order to remove airport restos for more seats to create unemployment problem -solon
As far as ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro is concerned, President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for the Department of Transportation to close down airport restaurants to give way for more seats for stranded passengers may do more harm than good.
— GMA Network
Overseas Filipino Bank goes digital, branchless
State-run Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) is now operating as a “digital only, branchless” bank, allowing clients to open accounts and conduct banking transactions anytime and anywhere across the globe.
— Philippine Star
DOLE slams ABS-CBN’s ‘misleading’ acts over franchise issue
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday denounced efforts of broadcast network ABS-CBN misleading its position to delude lawmakers on the issue of its franchise.
— Philippine News Agency
Metro Manila will remain under general lockdown, Duterte says
MANILA and nearby cities will remain under a general lockdown until July 15, while a strict lockdown in Cebu City, where there has been a surge in coronavirus infections will be kept, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said late Tuesday.
— BusinessWorld
Iloilo province imposes travel restrictions anew
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Wednesday issued an executive order imposing travel restrictions into the province through the provincial borders of Capiz, Antique and Negros Occidental.
— Philippine News Agency
Locsin reaffirms PH commitment to ‘effective, substantive’ South China Sea code
Recent developments in the South China Sea “threaten” the peace, stability, and security in the region, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. told his counterparts during a recent online meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers.
— Inquirer.net
Binay shuns entry of foreign tourists from low-risk countries
Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday said the Philippines is not yet ready to accept foreign tourists from low-risk countries amid the global pandemic.
— GMA Network
2,326 repatriates test positive for coronavirus
There were 2,326 repatriates who tested positive for the coronavirus, and are probably the reason for the increase in the number of cases in the country in May and June, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday, July 1.
— Rappler
DOH stumped where to get P1-M benefit for 34th health worker who died of COVID-19
The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said it was exploring options on how to grant the P1-million death benefit to the family of the 34th health worker to succumb to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the lapse of the Bayanihan Law.
— GMA Network
Supreme Court junks petition questioning Duterte’s Bayanihan Law
The Supreme Court has junked the petition challenging the constitutionality of the now-expired Bayanihan to heal as one Act , or President Rodrigo Duterte’s special powers to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
— Rappler
Lawmaker calls on DOH, DPWH to plan for quarantine facilities in each region
A lawmaker on Tuesday urged the Department of Health and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prepare plans for building quarantine facilities in every region of the Philippines.
— ABS-CBN News
P711-M pandemic aid released to 7-Eleven franchisees
Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven in the country, has started releasing its PHP711-million pandemic support program (PSP) for its franchisees.
— Philippine News Agency
Sky Fiber internet unaffected by cease and desist order
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) shut down ABS-CBN subsidiary Sky Cable Corporation’s satellite service, and the company’s TV Plus channels, on Tuesday, June 30, as the government continues to cripple the network’s reach.
— Rappler
DBM OKs release to OWWA of P5-billion funds
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) authorized the release of an additional P5 billion to augment the emergency repatriation fund for returning displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Business Mirror
READ: ABS-CBN’s statement on the shutdown of TVplus channels outside Metro Manila
ABS-CBN regrets to announce that it will stop its digital TV transmission of its TVplus channels CineMo, Yey, TeleRadyo, Jeepney TV, Asianovela Channel, and KBO in all other areas outside Metro Manila starting tonight, July 1, while we seek clarification on the scope of the cease and desist order.
— ABS-CBN News
51-year-old patient takes doctor hostage at Quezon City hospital
A patient at the East Avenue Medical Center was arrested by the police after he held hostage a doctor at the Quezon City hospital this morning.
— Coconuts Philippines
ABS-CBN not tax delinquent, says BIR
ABS-CBN Corp., which the regulator ordered closed after its franchise expired last month, had paid all taxes, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
— BusinessWorld
Asean recognizes PH efforts to address HR issues
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has recognized Manila’s efforts to establish mechanisms and address human rights issues related to its anti-illegal drugs campaign.
— Philippine News Agency
Senate staff dies of pneumonia while waiting for coronavirus test result
A Senate staff member who was waiting for his COVID-19 test died this morning of pneumonia.
— Coconuts Philippines
PH secures P23-B yen loan from Japan for Covid response
THE Philippines secured from the Japanese government on Wednesday a 50-billion yen (P23.5 billion) loan that will be used for budgetary support in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
— The Manila Times
Metro Manila, Calabarzon need to transition to MGCQ ‘quickly’ — Dominguez
The head of the government’s economic team on Tuesday urged President Duterte to speed up the transition of Metro Manila and CALABARZON region to a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) to allow more people to return to work and avoid deeper economic contraction.
— Philippine Star
SSS gives P5.4-billion calamity loans to 346,375 members
Over P5.4 billion worth of calamity loans for the Covid-19 health crisis have been approved by the Social Security System (SSS) last month.
— Business Mirror
Locsin urges coordinated COVID-19 response by ASEAN; warns vs ‘protectionism’
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has pushed for a coordinated COVID-19 response by ASEAN member states and encouraged his counterparts in Southeast Asia about coming up with a regional recovery plan even while nations control the spread of the virus.
— Inquirer.net
NBI seeks another Covid-19 testing for employees, detainees
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will conduct another round of rapid testing for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) among its workers and detainees starting Thursday.
— Philippine News Agency
Nat’l gov’t inspects protocol compliance of hotels, restos in NCR
Government officials visited on Wednesday two hotels and restaurants in a mall in Pasig City to inspect whether health and safety protocols against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) are being implemented.
— Philippine News Agency
Over 8,500 Filipinos abroad positive for coronavirus
The number of Filipinos abroad found positive for the coronavirus grew to 8,506 as of Wednesday, July 1, after the Department of Foreign Affairs reported 32 new cases.
— Rappler
LTFRB allows 49 routes for traditional jeepneys starting July 3
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board finally allowed traditional jeepneys to return to Metro Manila roads starting Friday, July 3.
— Rappler
Economy a factor in recommending COVID-19 quarantine measures, says DOH
The Department of Health’s coordinates with other agencies of governments as regards recommendations on the levels of community quarantine in certain areas to control the spread of COVID-19, its spokesperson said on Wednesday.
— GMA Network
Face-to-face classes with social distancing possible in some provinces, says Binay
Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday said face-to-face classes may be possible in some parts of the country with relatively lower risk of COVID-19 transmission.
— GMA Network
IATF revisits COVID-19 strategies; strengthens observance of minimum health standards
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the proposal to revisit strategies in combating COVID-19 while balancing the health and well being of the public and the need to open the economy.
— Philippine Information Agency
Patients in need of remdesivir can get special FDA permits
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Wednesday, July 1, that coronavirus patients who are determined to have a need for the investigational drug remdesivir can get special compassionate permits from the agency.
— Rappler
World Bank names new PHL country director
THE World Bank Group named Ndiamé Diop as its new country director for Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand starting Wednesday.
— BusinessWorld Online
DOLE contradicts self on ABS-CBN labor law compliance
The labor department became the latest government agency to castigate embattled ABS-CBN Corp., suddenly turning around from previous statements that cleared the broadcast network of labor violations.
— Philippine Star
Don’t rush easing quarantine in NCR, Calabarzon –expert
Easing quarantine restrictions in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon amid the COVID-19 threat should meet certain requirements, an expert from the University of the Philippines (UP) said on Wednesday.
— GMA Network
Philippine fruit production declines in first quarter
PRODUCTION of three major fruit crops — banana, calamansi and mango — declined in the first quarter while output of pineapple, the fourth major crop, rose, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
— BusinessWorld
Locsin: Don’t politicize PH boat collision with HK ship
Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr said on Wednesday, July 1, that the recent collision of a Philippine fishing boat and a Hong Kong-flagged cargo vessel off Mindoro should not be politicized since the incident took place in Philippine waters.
— Rappler
Antipolo market on 14-day lockdown after 18 test positive for COVID-19
The Antipolo New Public Market has been placed under a 14-day lockdown.
— Eagle News
Southern Leyte town lifts ECQ in virus-hit village
The local government of Libagon in Southern Leyte has lifted the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Nahulid village, where two residents tested positive for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency
Task force: SAF a solution to Cebu City residents’ ‘failure’ to follow health protocols
The 150 elite police troopers equipped with drones and armored vehicles, along with the 100-member augmentation force also sent to Cebu City are part of the administration’s “medical solution” to address the coronavirus threat, the government’s quarantine enforcement task force said.
— Philippine Star
Jolo police chief relieved from post
The chief of police of the Jolo municipal police has been relieved from his post.
— Eagle News
Former AFP chief posts footage of Sulu crime scene, slams PNP ‘violations’
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Ricardo Visaya on Wednesday, July 1, criticized the police’s handling of the crime scene where cops gunned down 4 soldiers in Jolo, Sulu – saying they committed “many violations.”
— Rappler
Man who held a doctor hostage in East Avenue says he wanted to die
A 51-year-old man who held a doctor hostage at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) on Wednesday morning said he hoped that police would kill him during the incident because he could no longer handle the stress caused by his personal problems.
— GMA Network
Coronavirus delays Dennis Uy’s Dito launch
The anticipated entry of the third telco player suffered a fresh setback after the pandemic prevented a Dennis Uy-led company from meeting its target to deliver fast broadband connection to a certain number of people.
— Philippine Star
CHED allows medical schools to admit students who have not taken NMAT
Medical schools have been authorized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to admit students who were unable to take the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) following its postponement.
— GMA Network
Pimentel Has 15 Days To File Counter-Affidavit For Quarantine VIolation
After four months, Senator Koko Pimentel has until July 15 to file a counter-affidavit over his quarantine breach.
— Philippine News
DepEd expects 80% enrollment for school year 2020-2021
The Department of Education (DepEd) projects an 80% enrollment turnout for public and private schools for school year 2020-2021, the department announced in a press briefing on Wednesday, July 1.
— Rappler
DOH: Residents of low-risk MGCQ areas still required to stay at home
The Department of Health on Wednesday, July 1, said people in low-risk modified general community quarantine areas should still stay at home.
— Eagle News
Bello says OFWs selling blood only do so for going out and drinking
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Wednesday, July 1, that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have reportedly sold blood in Saudi Arabia to make ends meet are only doing so for luxury spending like going out and drinking.
— Rappler
‘Not a misencounter’: Sulu cops tried to cover up soldier killings, says PH Army
Jolo police’s killing of four soldiers was not a case of misencounter, the Philippine Army’s spokesman said today, who alleged that the cops quickly filed a report to cover their misdeed.
— Coconuts Philippines
‘Extremely saddened’ Duterte wants to talk to 9 cops in Jolo ‘misencounter’
President Rodrigo Duterte was “deeply saddened” by the killing of 4 soldiers in Jolo, Sulu, and wants to speak with the 9 policemen who shot them dead, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Wednesday, July 1.
— Rappler
Cebu Provincial Capitol to shut down after 15 employees infected with COVID-19
The Cebu Provincial Capitol will be shut down for disinfection from today until July 3 after 15 of its employees tested positive for the coronavirus.
— Coconuts Philippines
Pinay Creates Healthy Beer Made From Durian Fruit
The usual sentiment people have about alcohol is that it is bad for our health.
— Philippine News
EuroMillions Superdraw: A lottery draw unlike any other coming to the Philippines
Get ready, because the EuroMillions Superdraw is coming!
— Philippine Star
Feature photo Department of Health (Philippines)
This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo focuses on Asean’s frontline healthcare workers in the battle against COVID-19.
Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
—
About Philippines morning news.
Philippines morning news roundup is the most comprehensive hand-curated selection of Philippines English language news headlines published. Each weekday we scour hundreds of local and international news sites and websites to find the most recent Philippines English language news today.
We filter our the dull, the boring, the repetitive, and the click-bait and package all of the Philippines daily news that you need to know to start your day into an easy to read, time saving format of Philippines news headlines and first paragraphs before 8.15am Manila time.
We clearly identify the source of all the Philippines news headlines, whether it is behind a paywall, a media release, or whether the news site uses annoying pop-up advertising or auto-play video, in case those things annoy you too. If a website uses particularly invasive pop-up adverts, we’ll tell you.
This enables you to make an informed choice of whether you want to learn more by clicking directly through to the original Philippines news article, or keep on reading the remaining Philippines daily news headlines.
Click here to get your Philippines English language news today by email before 9am Manila time daily. Remember to watch out for the confirmation email from us to confirm your subscription. Check your trash folder if you do not see it.
For more immediate updates download the AEC News Today Mobile App from the Apple or Google stores, or follow us on Twitter.
#Independentmedia
Governance, not government; policies not politics.
Stella-maris Ewudolu
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.
Latest posts by Stella-maris Ewudolu (see all)
- Zoonotic crossover fear sees Vietnam ban (almost) all wildlife trade (video) – July 26, 2020
- Job & revenue losses: COVID-19 to hurt Asean airlines the most – July 24, 2020
- Philippines morning news for July 24 – July 24, 2020
- Philippines morning news for July 23 – July 23, 2020