Philippines Morning News For March 25, 2020

Poor should get food, cash aid first – Bong Go
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go called on concerned government agencies to provide food and cash assistance to the most vulnerable groups first as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
— Manila Times

Duterte wants speedy delivery of medical supplies in war vs. COVID-19
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night called for the speedy delivery of medical supplies amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network

Duterte’s special powers bill punishes fake news by jail time, up to P1-M fine
A last-minute amendment to President Rodrigo Duterte’s special powers bill to contain the novel coronavirus was an expansion of the section on penalties, which now specifically punishes the spreading of fake and alarming information by up 2 months in prison and up to P1 million in fines.
— Rappler

Couples urged to practice family planning amid enhanced community quarantine
We are uncertain as to when the health emergency caused by COVID-19 will abate. As such, we do not want to add on to the current situation with another possible crisis caused by unplanned pregnancies, as they could bear added weight to our already strained medical institutions,” POPCOM chief Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III said in a statement.
— GMA Network

DOT to probe hotels that kicked out stranded foreigners
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Tuesday vowed to probe all hotels and inns that reportedly kicked out stranded foreign tourists while Luzon is under enhanced community quarantine and domestic flights are limited.
— Philippine News Agency

Army’s CBRN unit activated to combat COVID-19
The Philippine Army’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit has been activated to counter the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network

PNP forms anti-fake news task force amid Covid-19
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed a task force that will go after fake news peddlers on social media in a bid to prevent disinformation amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat in the country.
— Philippine News Agency

Philippine Airlines suspends all flights
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is suspending all flight operations starting Thursday, March 26, as it grapples with the worldwide effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
— Rappler

‘We have no more food’: Jeepney, tricycle drivers in Bacolod cry for help
Drivers of public utility vehicles in Bacolod City cried for help, saying they have no more food to feed their families a week after the city imposed community quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease.
— Rappler

PHL coronavirus cases climb to 552 as 90 more new cases added to list; 2 deaths and 2 recoveries also reported
There are now 552 total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country as more positive test results come in, the latest of which were 90 additional cases today, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the Department of Health said.
— Eagle News

[ANALYSIS] The Philippine gov’t should get cash into the hands of the poor, now
On March 15, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that it would suspend a number of its social welfare programs to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
— Rappler

Endangered green sea turtle rescued in Palawan
Environment authorities in this province went out to rescue an endangered Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) believed to have been hit by a boat propeller in Puerto Princesa City.
— Rappler

PH coronavirus cases now at 552
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Department of Health on Tuesday, March 24, confirmed 90 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total number in the Philippines to 552.
— Rappler

Evicted, banned from eateries: Frontliners face discrimination in Iloilo City
Nurses working in the hospital where Iloilo’s first coronavirus patient was confined are being shunned by local stores, boarding houses, and even their own barangays and homes.
— Rappler

Chinese Maritime Militia on the Move in Disputed Spratly Islands
Even as the coronavirus crisis sweeps through Asia, China continues to assert its presence in the South China Sea by deploying maritime militia around disputed islands and reefs in the Spratly island chain, according to vessel tracking data and satellite imagery reviewed by Radio Free Asia.
— Spratly Islands

PH communist party orders truce amid Covid-19 pandemic
THE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Tuesday night declared a unilateral ceasefire amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
— Manila Times

Duterte gets more power to fight virus
Bill grants P8,000-cash aid to 18-M workers Congress hopes that the country will have a better chance of stopping the spread of the deadly coronavirus and cushioning its impact on millions of workers forced to stay home by handing President Rodrigo Duterte special powers, including the use of P275-billion unused public funds.
— Manila Times

Focus on people with symptoms – WHO exec
THERE is a need to focus on people exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to maximize the benefit of the enhanced community quarantine, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
— Manila Times

PRRD thanks Congress for ‘special powers’ vs. Covid-19
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night thanked Congress for granting the executive department with “special powers” to address the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak in the country.
— Philippine News Agency

9-year-old boy is 15th Filipino with coronavirus in Singapore
A 9-year-old boy who recently visited the Philippines is the 15th Filipino to test positive for the novel coronavirus in Singapore, the country’s Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Tuesday evening, March 24.
— Rappler

ITRMC to suspend out-patient services, focus on COVID-19 cases
The Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) here informed clients that the regular Out-Patient Services shall be suspended starting tomorrow, March 25, until further notice.
— Philippine Information Agency

NOLCOM provides support in fight vs COVID-19
Air Force, Army and Naval units under the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) in Regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera currently provide the needed logistical support in the fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
— Philippine Information Agency

Bacolod City to buy 3K Covid-19 test kits
The city government here has set aside PHP5 million for the purchase of 3,000 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) diagnostic test kits.
— Philippine News Agency

‘Frustrated’ Marikina mayor to DOH: Operate our COVID-19 lab and we’ll handle funding
The mayor of Marikina said he is willing to cede over the city s COVID-19 Testing Center to the Department of Health (DOH) so that the laboratory can become operational at the soonest possible time.
— GMA Network

DOH distributes 56,000 N95, 59,000 surgical masks
The DOH announced that it has distributed 56,000 N95 masks and 59,000 surgical masks to frontline healthcare workers who are lacking personal protective equipment (PPE) and assured them that more supplies are on the way.
— GMA Network

Cordillera youth seek to protect frontliners with improvised face masks amid shortage
A youth group in Cordillera is working to ensure frontliners battling the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in the area are well-protected.
— Rappler

Travel restrictions leave over 4,000 tourists stranded in PH
With both domestic and international flights severely affected by travel restrictions, over 4,000 tourists have been left stranded in the Philippines, unable to return to their home countries.
— Rappler

PH coronavirus watch: Confirmed cases per hospital, as of March 24, 2020
Health authorities continue to ramp up efforts to detect possible cases of the novel coronavirus in the Philippines.
— Rappler

Groups urge gov’t, companies to prioritize BPO workers’ welfare amid pandemic
Days into the enhanced community quarantine triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, various groups called on the government and on Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies to guarantee the safety and income of workers.
— Rappler

DFA to donors: Ensure test kits, equipment are FDA-approved
Foreign governments and other donors planning to give crucial supplies for the Philippines’ fight against the coronavirus disease must first ensure that they comply with the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH).
— Rappler

Tim Hortons reopens select branches for take-out and delivery
Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons has re-opened for business in the Philippines starting Monday, March 23, 2020, a few days after closing all branches on Tuesday, March 17 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
— Rappler

Two more Filipinos test positive for coronavirus in the UAE, number of cases jump to 248
Two more Filipinos have tested positive for the coronavirus disease in the United Arab Emirates, as its number of cases spiked to 248 in just a day.
— Rappler

Number of coronavirus-positive Filipinos abroad climbs to 169
The number of Filipinos abroad confirmed to have the novel coronavirus increased to 169, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday, March 24.
— Rappler

Duterte signs law granting special powers to deal with COVID-19
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the law allowing him to exercise additional powers to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network

Senate Doc: All senators tested for coronavirus
THE head of the Senate’s medical and dental department had defended senators’ move to have themselves tested for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) after one of them got infected.
— Manila Times

Filipino in India dies due to coronavirus
A Filipino in India died from the novel coronavirus disease, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Tuesday, March 24.
— Rappler

CPP declares nationwide ceasefire amid COVID-19 threat
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Tuesday declared a nationwide ceasefire from March 26 until April 15 as the Philippines grapples with a rising number of new coronavirus cases.
— GMA Network

Gov’t to implement ‘national action plan’ on coronavirus, with DND on the lead
As the number of people infected with the novel coronavirus continues to rise, President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night, March 24, said the government is set to implement a national action plan to combat the deadly outbreak.
— Rappler

Sister-in-law of PH39 dies in Dumaguete hospital
The sister-in-law of the first confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patient in Negros Oriental, known as PH39, died Tuesday at a private hospital here, three days after she was admitted for exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
— Philippine News Agency

12-hour curfew set in Lanao del Sur
The Lanao del Sur provincial government will be imposing a new curfew starting March 25 as part of the measures to contain the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
— Philippine Information Agency

Zamboanga City reports 1st coronavirus case
Health authorities confirmed on Tuesday, March 24, the first case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Zamboanga City.
— Rappler

Non-medical frontliners detail difficulties amid COVID-19
Other than medical personnel, there are other workers who are also considered frontliners who provide basic services amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network

Duterte calls doctors who died in war vs. COVID-19 heroes
I am saddened by the news that the virus has claimed the lives of our doctors along the way. Lahat po sila ay bayani, Duterte said in a nationally televised address.
— GMA Network

Army taps reservists in fight vs COVID-19
Philippine Army has tapped reservists in Aurora in its fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
— Philippine Information Agency

Transport group assures unhampered trips for food, emergencies
The Committee on Transportation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) here assured on Tuesday that air, land, and sea transportation will continue but on regulated and controlled basis to ensure there will be no shortage of supplies in Negros Oriental.
— Philippine News Agency

13 COVID-19 cases in QC placed under home quarantine
Thirteen of Quezon City’s 62 confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have been placed under home quarantine.
— GMA Network

Bagac arrests residents for violating quarantine rules
Special Task Force on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) of Bagac reported that several residents in the town were already arrested for violating rules implemented during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
— Philippine Information Agency

Manila cop tests positive for Covid-19
A police officer assigned at the Manila Police District (MPD) tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), an official said on Tuesday.
— Philippine News Agency

The doctor is in
ADD my name to the expanding list of admirers of DOH Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire, MD, who has been daily, regularly updating an anxious public on what they need to know and need not fear about COVID-19.
— Tempo

Suspect in Surigao del Sur radioman’s murder falls
Elements of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office arrested Rolly Mahilum, the prime suspect in the murder of DXBF Prime Broadcasting Network operations manager and anchor Christopher “Chris Rapido” Lozada (Lozada) in October 2017.
— Philippine News Agency

Guv imposes partial liquor ban in Bohol
Governor Arthur Yap on Tuesday issued another executive order, imposing a partial liquor ban in Bohol province.
— Philippine News Agency

Aklan gov defends imposing preemptive ‘enhanced community quarantine’
Governor Florencio Miraflores said the government’s decision to imposed an enhanced community quarantine in the entire province even without a novel coronavirus infection was aimed to protect the people and families of Aklan.
— Rappler

BSP seen to tap other policy tools more than key rates
Fitch Solutions forecasts the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to further utilize other policy tools more than the key rates this year to address the economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency

Fellow doc sings ‘Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan’ in honor of cardiologist who died from COVID-19
A fellow doctor has dedicated a touching song tribute to his colleague Dr. Raul Diaz Jara, a COVID-19 frontliner who passed away on Tuesday.
— GMA Network

Senior military officer tests positive for virus; AFP chief on home quarantine
A senior military officer and his wife have tested positive and are being treated for the novel coronavirus, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Felimon Santos Jr said in a statement to reporters on Tuesday, March 24.
— Rappler

DOH: Released patients do not need another test if vital signs normal
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, March 24, said that patients healed of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 do not need to undergo another test if their vital signs have returned to normal.
— Rappler

Davao ready for limited coronavirus tests but Mindanao mass checking sought
The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City on Tuesday, March 24, said it is now capable of local testing of samples for the novel coronavirus disease.
— Rappler

Philippines in favor of Tokyo 2020 Olympics postponement
With various sports federations around the world clamoring for the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics , Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Bambol Tolentino said a delay would also benefit our national athletes.
— Rappler

12 QC barangays now under ‘extreme enhanced community quarantine’
The Quezon City government placed more barangays under extreme enhanced community quarantine, bringing the total number to 12, as novel coronavirus cases in the city rose to 62.
— Rappler

LOOK: In Parañaque, curfew violators sit under the sun as punishment
A barangay in Parañaque has been punishing curfew violators caught during the Luzon lockdown by forcing them to sit under the sun, even if the penalty was not prescribed by the city’s curfew ordinance.
— Rappler

DOH confirms 3rd Covid-19 case in Bataan
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday night confirmed a third patient in the province found positive for the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19), prompting this town, where he is from, to institute stricter measures to prevent its spread.
— Philippine News Agency

Support our heroes
IN the current war against COVID-19, our frontline forces are the health workers – doctors, nurses, medical technologists, radiologic technologists, caregivers, and maintenance staff of health facilities.
— Tempo

Alaminos buys veggies, fruits from farmers for Covid-19 relief
The city government bought about 730 kilos of vegetables and 10 tons of fruits from farmers in its upland barangays, and distributed these as relief goods to the residents.
— Philippine News Agency

Pangasinan enforces extreme enhanced community quarantine
Governor Amado Espino III has placed Pangasinan under extreme enhanced community quarantine from March 23 to 31, after the province recorded four cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency

Not enough evidence pregnant moms can pass coronavirus to unborn child – research
Recent studies examining pregnant mothers with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) found that there is not enough evidence to conclude they can pass the disease to their unborn babies.
— Rappler

2 more persons under investigation for coronavirus die in Cagayan de Oro
Two more persons under investigation (PUIs) for the novel coronavirus died in a Cagayan de Oro hospital as the region confirmed 3 new confirmed cases, authorities revealed on Tuesday, March 24.
— Rappler

Foreign tourists stranded in Boracay due to lockdown, restrictions
As many as 150 foreign tourists may still be in Boracay Island and are unable to return home after the government enforced travel restrictions in the light of global coronavirus pandemic.
— Rappler

Bus that evaded Luzon lockdown quarantined in Davao de Oro farm
Thirty-two of passengers aboard a trans-island bus from Manila, including a pregnant woman and a one-year old child, were blocked from entering Davao region.
— Rappler

Bicol doctors start fundraiser for frontliners’ protective equipment
In an effort to provide personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the hospitals’ 500 frontliners, physicians from the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) in Albay launched a fundraiser on Sunday, March 22, dubbed “Tarabangan para sa frontliners (Help for the frontliners).
— Rappler

Even wakes banned during Luzon lockdown – PNP
Even wakes, which are customary overnight vigils in the country, are banned under the lockdown to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus , Philippine National Police (PNP) Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said on Tuesday, March 24.
— Rappler

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Philippines morning news for March 25 added by Stella-maris Ewudolu on March 25, 2020
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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.