PH coronavirus cases now at 142; 1st Filipino recovers from disease
The Philippines now has a total of 142 cases of the novel coronavirus after two more patients tested positive as of Monday, March 16.
— Rappler
COVID-19 checkpoint queues stretch kilometres in Manila
Vehicles entering the Philippine capital were stuck in kilometre-long queues Monday at checkpoints enforcing a quarantine aimed at curbing the nation’s rising coronavirus cases.
— CNA
Philippines detects bird flu outbreak in quail farm
The Philippines has detected an outbreak of avian flu in a northern province after tests showed presence of the highly infectious H5N6 subtype of the influenza A virus in a quail farm, the country’s farm minister said on Monday (Mar 16).
— CNA
PH lifts travel ban to China for OFWs
The Philippines has lifted a travel ban to mainland China except for Hubei province, mainly to allow the return of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there.
— Inquirer.net
China to send medical supplies, experts to Philippines amid COVID-19 threat
The government of China will send help to the Philippines to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its Foreign Ministry said.
— GMA News
Chinese embassy donates 2K ‘fast test kits’ for Covid-19
The Chinese Embassy, together with the China Mammoth Foundation, has donated some 2,000 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test kits to the Philippines.
— Philippine News Agency
Entire Luzon under quarantine amid surge of COVID cases
President Duterte has placed entire Luzon under “enhanced community quarantine” following the rapid surge of coronavirus cases in the country.
— Tempo
Remittances increased by 6.6% to $2.6B in January
Money sent home by Filipinos working overseas increased 6.6 percent in January to $2.65 billion from $2.48 billion a year ago, driven by the sustained strength in land-based and sea-based remittances, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday.
— Manilastandard.net
Avian flu here; DA clears out 12,000 quails in Nueva Ecija farm
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it has completely depopulated 12,000 quails in a farm in Jaen, Nueva Ecija, that has been struck by H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
— Business Mirror
Duterte urges early release of 13th month pay as coronavirus-related job losses loom
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called for big companies to pay employees their 13th month pay in advance to help them weather disruptions in their livelihood caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
— The Philippine Star
DOH lists 14 countries with ‘high-risk importation’ of COVID-19
The Department of Health has listed 14 countries which have “high risk of importation” of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— Manila Bulletin
Cebu Pacific lays off over 150 cabin crew amid COVID-19 travel restrictions
Travel bans to and from Manila and in key provinces forced Cebu Pacific to lay off over 150 cabin crew members.
— CNN Philippines
Cavite under state of calamity due to coronavirus outbreak
The province of Cavite has been placed under state of calamity amid the growing number of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country.
— Inquirer.net
Impact of Covid-19 on Philippine economy may be larger than thought
THE impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the Philippine economy may be larger than first anticipated as the shock evolves, a report by JP Morgan Chase Bank suggested as it lowered the country’s growth forecast for 2020.
— The Business Times
Philippines orders mall owners to waive rent of stores affected by COVID-19 quarantine
The Philippine government has limited mall operations to establishments offering basic goods, ordering operators of shuttered shops to waive rent during the month-long community quarantine.
— GMA News
DTI orders groceries to limit number of shoppers
People going inside grocery stores will be limited to minimize the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus , based on a new memorandum circular from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) .
— Rappler
2 gov’t hospitals in Davao to focus on moderate to severe COVID-19 cases
To date, the Davao Region has catered to over 50 Patients Under Investigation (PUI) where out of that number, 29 patients have been discharged.
— Philippine Information Agency
Senator Zubiri tests positive for COVID-19
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri announced Monday that he tested positive for COVID-19.
— CNN Philippines
Filipino-produced COVID-19 test kits may be available in 2-3 weeks: scientist
The results of field validation of locally-produced COVID-19 test kits will be made available in 2 to 3 weeks, the Filipino scientist leading its development said Monday.
— ABS-CBN News
DOH revises hospital admission rules for COVID-19 patients
Not all patients who test positive for the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 have to be admitted in hospitals, a health official said on Monday.
— CNN Philippines
OVP fund drive for healthworkers’ protective gear reaches P12M
At least P12 million cash donations have been raised by the fund drive spearheaded by the office of Vice President Leni Robredo for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
— GMA Network
Negros Oriental declares state of calamity, closes borders
Governor Roel Degamo of this province declared a state of calamity Monday, March 16, following the widespread threat brought by the coronavirus disease pandemic.
— Rappler
WATCH: ‘No work, no pay’ workers grind despite traffic, coronavirus threat
With or without the threat of contagion, Flipinos who must work to earn traveled to Metro Manila on Monday, March 16.
— Rappler
Air pollution ‘likely’ to cut COVID19 survival: experts
Air pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles is likely to increase mortality from the novel coronavirus in cities, public health experts told AFP Monday.
— Eagle News
Philippines suspends mass, public transport in Luzon over COVID-19
Mass and public transportation will be suspended starting midnight of March 17 in connection with the enhanced community quarantine over Luzon that the Philippine government declared on Monday
— GMA Network
PH hosting of ASEAN Para Games delayed to October
The 2020 ASEAN Para Games was postponed to October 3 to 9, but under the condition that the coronavirus pandemic is under control and no longer a threat.
— Rappler
Duterte’s economic team rolls out P27.1-billion package vs coronavirus
President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic team on Monday, March 16, announced a P27.1-billion package to help frontliners fight the novel coronavirus pandemic and provide economic relief to affected sectors.
— Rappler
BSP may consider 50-bp rate cut on Thursday
BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno on Monday said they may consider a 50-basis point (bp) policy rate cut at its meeting on Thursday, after the US Federal Reserve’s emergency rate cut triggered policy easing by other central banks as they try to soften the blow of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the global economy.
— BusinessWorld
Why Duterte keeps saying vee-rus despite being corrected
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday addressed criticism that he repeatedly mispronounced the word “virus” in his public speeches.
— GMA Network
DOLE earmarks P2-B financial aid to workers
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has earmarked PHP2 billion to help assist workers affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.
— Philippine News Agency
Duterte: Luzon residents may only leave homes to buy food, medicines in COVID-19 enhanced quarantine
Work in public and private sector will be limited to a work from home arrangement, Duterte said in a nationally televised address.
— GMA Network
DOTr mulls ‘total ban’ on public transportation in Metro Manila
Commuters in Metro Manila may soon be forced to stay at home after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it is considering a total ban on public transportation for the duration of the community quarantine in Metro Manila.
— Philippine News Agency
House to create committee harmonizing gov’t efforts vs. Covid-19
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday proposed the creation of a special House committee aimed at harmonizing and streamlining government efforts to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency
Public utilities extend payment deadlines due to COVID-19
Public utilities are extending bill payment extensions in view of the Luzon-wide community quarantine imposed by the government to contain the spread of COVID-19.
— Eagle News
Sara Duterte warns INC leaders of legal action if they defy quarantine order
Mayor Sara Duterte on Monday, March 16, warned Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) leaders of legal action if they continue to hold worship services even after she had placed the city under community quarantine.
— Rappler
BARMM eyeing anti-dynasty rule in local government code
The Bangsamoro Government may be the first political entity to comply with an anti-dynasty provision of the 33-year-old Philippine Constitution.
— Manilastandard.net
Amid COVID-19 scare, Panelo to address media in online press conferences
President Rodrigo Duterte s spokesperson Salvador Panelo will be holding press briefings via teleconference beginning Tuesday as part of the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
— GMA Network
Duque thanks health workers: ‘The Filipino people will never forget your heroism’
Healthy Secretary Francisco Duque III thanked all health workers on the frontlines of the fight against the novel coronavirus, calling them heroes.
— Rappler
House to form committee on addressing COVID-19
The House of Representatives is creating a new coordinating committee to centralize its efforts in addressing the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
— GMA Network
Final exams waived in schools with suspended classes
There will be no final exams for students in public schools where classes are suspended because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
— Manila Times
Bananas no cure for Covid-19 – doctor
A health advocate on Monday shot down claims on social media that bananas can help cure coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
— Manila Times
Is the Metro Manila coronavirus lockdown bound to fail?
The lockdown or “community quarantine” of Metro Manila is difficult to implement and hurts livelihoods – and it may not even be the most effective way to fight the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
— Rappler
Coronavirus pushes Philippine shares deeper into bear territory
Philippine shares fell further into bear market territory on Monday, March 16, as the government struggles to contain the novel coronavirus .
— Rappler
Cebu guv warns retail stores on overpricing
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday warned retail establishments in Cebu that have reportedly jacked up the price of their rice amid the public health emergency situation in the country.
— Philippine News Agency
Cops call on health workers to help in quarantine duties at checkpoints
Police officers manning a checkpoint along Metro Manila’s boundary were upset over having to function as both peace officers maintaining order, and also as substitute health workers checking on the temperatures of travelers entering and leaving a community quarantined National Capital Region.
— GMA Network
Fire guts 9 houses in Pangasinan
A fire razed nine houses made of light materials in Barangay Mabanogbog here on Sunday night. SFO1 Franklin Corpuz, chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Department of the Bureau of Fire Protection, said the fire started around 11:29 p.m. and was put off at 12:10 a.m. “It has reached second level fire alarm …
— Philippine News Agency
Duterte asks Reds for ceasefire amid COVID-19 enhanced quarantine
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday asked the communist New People’s Army to stop its attacks on soldiers and police officers amid the enhanced community quarantine that the Philippine government declared all over Luzon.
— GMA Network
More flight cancellations seen as gov’t boosts fight vs. Covid-19
Air travelers may expect more flight cancellations after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday placed the entire Luzon under ‘enhanced community quarantine’ in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.
— Philippine News Agency
DA assures faster movement, unloading of fish products at 6 major ports in Metro Manila amid quarantine
In anticipation of a quarantine scenario, the Department of Agriculture said that it has already directed the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to ensure faster movement and unloading of fish products at six major ports in Metro Manila.
— Eagle News
Supreme Court grants bail to ex-NPA chief Rodolfo Salas
The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday, March 16, granted bail to former communist leader Rodolfo Salas who was arrested over the typically non-bailable charge of murder.
— Rappler
Cagayan de Oro orders closure of malls, curfew
Mayor Oscar Moreno ordered the temporary closure of malls, watering holes, entertainment centers, and bars, and other public places here starting Tuesday, March 17, as part of measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
— Rappler
WATCH: ‘Social distance’ cuts down public transport in Metro Manila
Metro Manila roads free of cars is a rare sight. But it’s a different scenario altogether at the border for commuters from the provinces coming into the capital region.
— Rappler
DOJ urged to fast-track GCTA releases amid coronavirus scare
As the coronavirus pandemic threatens to spread in the Philippines, a local judge in Naga is moving to ask the Department of Justice (DOJ) to fast-track its processes and implementation of Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) so qualified inmates may be freed soon.
— Rappler
Naga judge grants GCTA to student convicted of rape by sexual assault
A lower court in Naga has granted good conduct time allowance (GCTA) to a student convicted of rape by sexual assault.
— Rappler
NegOcc cancels 27th Panaad Festival amid Covid-19 threat
BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental provincial government has cancelled the staging of the 27th Panaad sa Negros Festival on April 20 to 26 amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat.
— Philippine News Agency
DSWD suspends activities of some safety net programs to prevent coronavirus spread
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Monday, March 16, a month-long, nationwide suspension of activities involving a number of its safety net welfare programs to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as well as protect its community workers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
— Rappler
Feature photo The Philippine STAR/ Walter Bollozos
This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo focuses on The Metro Manila COVID-19 lockdown.
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).
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Philippines morning news for March 17 added by Stella-maris Ewudolu on
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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.
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