Economic losses from COVID-19 onslaught hit P700 billion
Economic damage from the coronavirus outbreak and lockdowns enforced to control the contagion have reached P700 billion, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said on Thursday.
— Philippine Star
PH airlines ask Congress to enact financial support
Local airlines asked Congress for financial support as the industry is running out of cash amid the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.
— Manilastandard.net
PH coronavirus cases now at 8,488, deaths rise to 568
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the Philippines has reached 8,488 on Thursday, April 30, as the government reported 276 new cases.
— Rappler
‘This is not the time’: Labor groups warned against holding May 1 protests
The government has always been respectful and tolerant of the conduct of protest actions.
— Philippine Star
PH protests China districts, features in West PH Sea, asserts Hague ruling
The Philippine government on Thursday, April 30, launched a strong protest against China following its recent naming of districts and maritime features in the West Philippine Sea, asserting the 2016 Hague ruling that invalidated Beijing’s excessive claims in the waterway.
— Rappler
ASF largely confined to Luzon except for two Mindanao provinces
AFRICAN swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in 23 provinces across eight regions as of April 27, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said, noting that outside of Luzon, the disease is present only in two of the Davao provinces.
— BusinessWorld
Dollar reserves hit record $89 billion as of March
THE country’s gross international reserves (GIR) rose to a record $88.99 billion as of end-March, providing support to the economy amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.
— BusinessWorld
Virus-hit PH jails: Crisis within a crisis
As a community health worker in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, Rowena Baltazar spends most of her time caring for the sick and vulnerable at the local health center, her work made more challenging lately by the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and the ensuing quarantine measures imposed on Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gov t eyes 30,000 tests a day by end-May with 4 mega swabbing centers planned for Mega Manila
The Philippine government is set to put up four mega swabbing centers across Mega Manila to expand the country s testing capacity amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
— GMA Network
Companies lose P700B on lockdown
BUSINESSES have suffered about P700 billion in revenue losses so far as strict lockdown measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced companies to halt operations since mid-March, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Thursday.
— BusinessWorld
Railway projects on track, major airport works to proceed — DoTr
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said its ongoing railway projects are still on track despite the disruptions from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
— BusinessWorld
PH cancels hosting of 10th ASEAN Para Games
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) decided to cancel the country’s hosting of the 10th ASEAN Para Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
— Rappler
Garment industry seeks revival of domestic textile production
THE Philippines must revive its textile industry following global supply chain disruptions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, which cut off the garment industry from imported raw material, Philexport textiles, yarn, and fabric trustee Robert M. Young said.
— BusinessWorld
DOST to test virgin coconut oil on COVID-19 patients
Patients are being selected for the clinical trial of virgin coconut oil (VCO) as treatment for new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said on Thursday.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
Suspected COVID-19 case with autism turned away at hospitals, dies
A 19-year-old student suspected of being infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has died after three hospitals refused to accommodate him amid the threat of the pandemic.
— GMA Network
Government eyes to restore 1-M lost jobs in ‘post-COVID-19 recovery plan’
Under the program, workers in small businesses will be prioritized, and be deployed to construction work involving state infrastructure projects.
— Philippine Star
Bailed political prisoner stuck in Correctional amid pandemic
Human rights lawyers are pushing for the release of 53-year-old health worker and political prisoner Miguela Ocampo Peniero who is still detained at the Correctional Insitute for Women (CIW) despite securing a release order last March.
— Rappler
Inflation seen subdued in April
The prices of basic goods and commodities likely rose between 1.9-2.7% this month due to low oil prices.
— Philippine Star
MRT3, LRT2, PNR ‘ready’ to operate during total lockdown
Department on Transportation said railway services are prepared to be operational during the total lockdown, should the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases allow them so.
— Rappler
DOJ: New rules on pardon, parole to wait 15 days more
Despite the outbreak of COVID-19 in several jail facilities, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will observe the regulation 15-day wait after publication before implementing its new rules meant to expedite the release of inmates on parole or pardon.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
Concern over deaths in Bilibid mounts in the face of the pandemic
Concerns are mounting over the welfare of inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) as dead bodies continue to be seen inside with little to no explanation from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
— Rappler
De Lima slams ‘foul, unfair’ exclusion from virtual Senate sessions
De Lima, a former Justice secretary, said Sotto’s statement is “completely and absolutely misinformed.”
— Philippine Star
DSWD: Only 104 out of 1,632 LGUs have completed cash aid distribution
Only 104 out of the 1,632 local government units, or a measly 6 percent, have completed the distribution of social amelioration benefits on the April 30 deadline set by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
— GMA Network
Activist who helped Iloilo City’s hungry residents shot dead inside his own home
An activist involved in COVID-19 relief operations was shot dead this morning in his own home in the village of Santo Niño Norte, Iloilo City.
— Coconuts Philippines
Health Department warns against use of Carrimycin in treating COVID-19
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) yesterday warned against the use of the Chinese-manufactured drug Carrimycin after a high-ranking military official claimed that it helped him recover from COVID-19.
— Coconuts Philippines
NEDA chief sees Q1 positive growth amid Covid-19 ECQ
The country’s chief economist is still optimistic on hitting a positive economic growth in the first quarter of 2020 amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
— Philippine News Agency
CHED asks DBM: Spare funding for free tuition from budget cuts
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Thursday urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to exclude the funding for free tuition and the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program from its belt-tightening measure to ensure money for COVID-19 response.
— GMA Network
DOLE’s P25-billion coronavirus recovery plan: 1 million jobs, wage subsidy
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will roll out one million jobs and a wage subsidy program as part of its P25-billion post-coronavirus recovery plan.
— Rappler
33 more Filipinos overseas get coronavirus; total at 1,677
The number of Filipinos infected with the coronavirus climbed to 1,677 as of Thursday, April 30, after 33 more confirmed cases were recorded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
— Rappler
3.5-magnitude quake hits Isabela
A 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck Isabela on Thursday, April 30.
— Eagle News
One-meter distancing to be imposed in public transpo under GCQ — DILG
A one-meter distance between public transportation passengers would be strictly implemented in areas under relaxed quarantine measures, Malacañang said Thursday.
— Philippine Star
CIC launches portal for ‘contactless’ credit database access
STATE-RUN Credit Information Corp. (CIC) said it launched its Covered Entity Portal, through which financial institutions can register and submit documents online.
— BusinessWorld
Cops with COVID climb to 96
The number of PNP personnel infected with COVID-19 rose to 96 as three more police officers tested positive for the virus yesterday.
— Philstar
Philippines fish supply sufficient – DA
The country has sufficient supply of fresh fish in the market even with the extended enhanced community quarantine, the Department of Agriculture said.
— Philippine Star
Factory gate prices continue to drop in March
Factory gate prices continued to drop in March as declines were seen in 15 major industry groups, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said yesterday.
— Philippine Star
Go to government, LGUs: Prepare attractive trade, industry policies
Sen. Bong Go has urged the national and local governments to begin drawing up a stable and conducive policy environment that will entice stakeholders and investors to start businesses in the provinces to support the plan for the implementation of a “Balik Probinsya” program once the country overcomes the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis.
— Philippine Star
PNP open to investigation amid criticism of ‘militarized’ COVID-19 response
Police are only human that’s why they are also prone to mistakes when they’re stressed, he said.
— Philippine Star
DOH: Number of COVID-positive health workers now at 1,619 with 33 deaths
The number of healthcare workers who have contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the line of duty has climbed to 1,619, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Thursday.
— GMA Network
Index crimes in Region 1 down by 75% amid ECQ
The Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1) has recorded a 75-percent decrease from month ago in the number of index crimes in the region since the enforcement of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
— Philippine News Agency
LTFRB to issue special permits to allow limited PUV operations
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will issue special permits on Friday to allow a limited number of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to operate in areas under general community quarantine.
— GMA Network
DILG chief says ‘lockdown’ saves lot of lives
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday maintained that the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) has saved a lot of people from the deadly coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency
Philippines seeks $750-M COVID-19 loan from AIIB
THE Philippines has applied for a $750-million facility from China’s Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to help fund the coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) containment effort, with the application expected to be acted on by mid-May.
— BusinessWorld
Senators call for protection of workers’ rights amid COVID-19 pandemic
Some senators, on the eve of labor day, lobbied for the protection and welfare of Filipino workers while the country grapples with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— GMA Network
Supreme Court allows reduced bail for poor prisoners
In response to the coronavirus threat in congested Philippine jails , the Supreme Court announced on Thursday, April 30, that it will allow reduced bail and recognizance for poor prisoners.
— Rappler
Essential work and small religious gatherings allowed in GCQ
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday, April 30, that essential work and small religious gatherings are allowed in places under general community quarantine (GCQ), as long as safety protocols are in place.
— Rappler
As ‘few’ firms seek cash aid, BPOs still seen as ‘one of big winners’ of pandemic
The labor department said some BPO firms have asked for cash assistance for their employees, although the agency is unsure if the applications were granted.
— Philippine Star
AFP plane ferries medical supplies, stranded foreigners in Zambo
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has facilitated the transport of medical supplies as well as stranded soldiers and civilians, including foreigners, from and to this city amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.
— Philippine News Agency
Universities, colleges that can handle ‘flexible’ learning may open in August -CHED
Higher education institutions (HEIs) that are fully capable of implementing a flexible learning environment may open the next academic year in August, while those that are planning to continue with the traditional, face-to-face learning may do so in September or even later.
— GMA Network
DoE could outline plans for strategic oil reserve by June
THE Department of Energy (DoE) is planning to issue a circular by June outlining plans for the establishment of a strategic oil reserve.
— BusinessWorld
Año says gov’t to discuss if some sports will be allowed in GCQ areas
Government officials will discuss if some sports activities will be allowed in areas which will be placed under general community quarantine, according to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday.
— GMA Network
DOH, NPC assure protection of data privacy rights of COVID-19 patients
The Department of Health (DOH) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) have assured that personal data of COVID-19 patients will be protected against unbridled disclosure to the public.
— GMA Network
DOH accredits Marikina coronavirus testing facility – Mayor Teodoro
The Department of Health (DOH) has finally accredited the Marikina Molecular Laboratory, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro announced on Thursday afternoon, April 30,
— Rappler
3 Philippine cities finalists in WWF competition
The cities of Batangas, Muntinlupa and Santa Rosa have been selected as national finalists in the World Wide Fund for Nature “One Planet City Challenge ” this year.
— Philippine Star
NPA told to take ‘offensive posture’ as ceasefire ends on May 1
Communist guerrillas will transition from an active defense posture to an offensive posture on Friday, the Communist Party of the Philippines said.
— Philippine Star
RITM to receive financial aid from France to boost COVID-19 response
RITM is one of the laboratories in Southeast Asia that will benefit from France’s €2-million ECOMORE II project.
— Philippine Star
Manila’s Tondo 1 set for 48-hour lockdown
The entire first district of the city of Manila will be placed under a 48-hour hard lockdown from 5 am on Sunday, May 3, until 5 am on Tuesday, May 5, in an attempt to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
— Rappler
LOOK: Portion of Makati mall parking building collapses
A portion of the parking building of the SMDC Jazz Mall in Makati City collapsed on Thursday morning, April 30.
— Rappler
PUVs to operate with half of capacity, other proposed transport rules under GCQ
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has submitted to the Inter-Agency Task Force its proposed operation protocols for public transportation under the enhanced community quarantine and the general community quarantine.
— GMA Network
Government to unveil recovery plan for workers on Labor Day
The government will launch a recovery plan for workers as the country grapples with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
— Philippine Star
“We Heal as One Center” at PHL Arena turned over to gov’t; OFWs from Italy, Spain first to use quarantine area
At least 87 overseas Filipino workers repatriated from Italy and Spain were the first to use the quarantine facilities of the Philippine Arena Complex in Ciudad Victoria in Bocaue, Bulacan which were turned over to the Philippine government today, Thursday, April 30.
— Eagle News
Cavite targets 15,000 coronavirus tests a day with help from 3 universities
Cavite province is setting up additional coronavirus testing laboratories to achieve a testing capacity of up to 15,000 tests a day.
— Rappler
Palace appeals for religious activities suspension in GCQ zones
Malacañang on Thursday called on the temporary suspension of religious activities in areas that will be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) beginning May 1.
— Philippine News Agency
Bacolod City still under ECQ until May 15
Bacolod City is still under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until May 15, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday, April 30.
— Rappler
Taguig opens second drive-thru testing site in BGC
This is designed for residents who are vehicle owners and who are unable to get tested in hospitals and health centers. Each test takes only about five minutes to finish.
— Philstar
Antique to buy P15-M worth of test kits
The Antique provincial government will purchase PHP15 million worth of test kits for front-liners fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
— Philippine News Agency
Elderly can still go out for essential tasks under ECQ – Roque
The government’s coronavirus task force clarified on Thursday, April 30, that the elderly can still leave their homes for essential tasks or if their jobs are considered essential under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) rules.
— Rappler
11-hour power outage to hit entire Sorsogon province
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has scheduled an 11-hour power outage next week, affecting the entire province.
— Philippine News Agency
Task force to draft rules for Cebu’s ‘new normal’ post-quarantine
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said on Wednesday, April 29, she will create a task force to study and draft safety protocols and economic policies that the province should adapt when the enhanced community quarantine is lifted in the province on May 15.
— Rappler
SSS: Application to Small Business Wage Subsidy Program up to May 8
The Social Security System (SSS) is calling on private sector workers affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine due to the COVID pandemic to coordinate with their employers so they can be applied for financial assistance under the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) Program.
— Philippine Information Agency
Feature photo WWF Philippines
This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo focuses on World Tuna Day, May 2.
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 May 1 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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