Philippines morning news for May 4, 2020

PH temporarily suspends all flights starting May 3
The Philippine government temporarily suspended all flights to and from the country starting Sunday morning, May 3, to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
— Rappler

Nearly 10,000 inmates freed as virus hits Philippine jails
Nearly 10,000 prison inmates have been released in the Philippines as the country races to halt coronavirus infections in its overcrowded jails, a Supreme Court official said Saturday.
— The Jakarta Post

Philippine COVID-19 cases breach 9,000; deaths at 607
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 9,000 mark on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 295 new infections, raising the total to 9,223.
— GMA Network

Quarantine sites’ congestion spurs curbs on flights
ALL inbound international commercial flights will be temporarily suspended for one week to allow what the government cited as a need to decongest the country’s quarantine facilities and prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
— Business Mirror

On World Press Freedom Day, groups wary of shrinking space for fundamental freedoms
As in years past, we observe World Press Freedom Day more for the lack than the reality, NUJP said.
— Philippine Star

Taal update: Volcano still on alert level 1, eight volcanic quakes recorded
Eight volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Taal volcano in a span of 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said on Sunday, May 3.
— Eagle News

Govt debt share to GDP rises to 37.2%
THE share of consolidated general government (GG) debt to the country’s GDP rose to 37.2 percent as of third quarter of 2019 from 36.3 percent in the same period in 2018.
— Business Mirror

PPE fiasco causing needless virus deaths
WEAK supply chains for personal protective equipment (PPE) needed in the battle against the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic are causing prolonged lockdowns and the death of thousands of health-care workers, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
— Business Mirror

Protections for free press ‘continually threatened’ by existing laws – FLAG
On World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, May 3, the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) expressed its support for a free and responsible press in the Philippines in the midst of threats to the exercise of this freedom.
— Rappler

‘Second tragedy’: Cremation traumatises in virus-hit Philippines
Families of coronavirus victims in the Philippines are being denied traditional death rites in favour of hurried, impersonal cremations, with virus restrictions often meaning they are forbidden a last look at their loved ones.
— CNA

AirAsia sets up special recovery flights in the Philippines
AirAsia released a schedule of special recovery flights in the Philippines for those who are affected by the lockdown or enhanced community quarantine in parts of Luzon and in different areas of the country.
— Rappler

‘Build, Build, Build’ projects to partially resume: Villar
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar on Sunday announced the partial resumption of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ projects.
— Philippine News Agency

BOC, NBI seize P40 million worth of Chinese medicines in Manila
Joint operatives from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confiscated an estimated P40 million worth of Chinese medicines which claim to cure the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as well as sets of personal protective equipment (PPE), and medical supplies.
— Rappler

PH poised to weather COVID-19
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said over the weekend the Philippines is in a better position to weather the impact of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic because of its fiscal and economic strength.
— Manilastandard.net

Economic liberalization laws to aid in recovery
The National Economic and Development Authority will push for Congress’ approval of key economic bills that will help the country attract more foreign investments especially those fleeing from China in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic.
— Philippine Star

PHL-South Korea FTA moves despite virus
THE Philippines is pushing on with negotiations to conclude its free-trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, but the trade deal’s finalization has been moved to November, from April originally, as the two sides deal with the coronavirus pandemic in their respective homelands.
— Business Mirror

25,000 OFWs, mostly from cruise ships, repatriated
More than 25,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated so far, after nearly 700 more cruise ship crew members arrived on Sunday just as the government banned incoming international flights for a week.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippines commits support to ASEAN tourism recovery
The Philippines reaffirms its commitment to the tourism cooperation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in line with the region’s efforts toward the recovery of the tourism sector from the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic.
— Philippine Star

Senate to pass CITIRA for business recovery
The Senate is likely to pass the proposed Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act to help companies get back on their feet, and help jumpstart the economy that has been battered by the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis, senators said yesterday.
— Philippine Star

Gov’t surveys large companies for post-pandemic programs
THE government rolled out an online survey for big companies to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the lockdown on their businesses, which will help the state craft programs for the affected sectors.
— BusinessWorld

COVID-infected cops climb to 105
The number of Philippine National Police personnel infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 reached over 100 as seven more police officers tested positive for COVID-19, the PNP reported yesterday.
— Philstar

MinDA to put up 1st resettlement model for ‘Balik’ program
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has been tasked to build the first rural resettlement model as Malacañang prepares the draft of an executive order which would establish the Balik Probinsya, Balik Pag-asa program.
— Philippine News Agency

Philippines now has 22 COVID-19 testing centers –DOH
The number of testing centers for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines has climbed to 22 after two more laboratories received accreditation, according to the Department of Health.
— GMA Network

Cebu COVID-19 cases breach 1,000 mark
The total number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Cebu has breached the 1,000 mark on Sunday after at least 60 inmates of the Mandaue City Jail have contracted coronavirus disease.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

UST Hospital retrenches workers due to financial losses amid COVID-19 pandemic
The University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH) has reduced its manpower to minimize its expenses and financial losses, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
— GMA Network

Mass testing for COVID-19 to reach 31,000 daily by next week -DPWH
By next week, the Philippines would be able to conduct 31,360 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests per day as four mega swabbing facilities were about to come online, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Sunday.
— GMA Network

DTI-DOLE guidelines on ECQ, GCQ list minimum health protocol
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the guidelines jointly issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) allowing the private sector to operate during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) will manage the risks of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) transmission even as it opens up the country’s economy.
— Philippine News Agency

DOH: 1 out of 5 COVID-19 cases in the Philippines are health workers
One out of five or nearly 20 percent of the confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines are healthcare workers, according to the Department of Health.
— GMA Network

Candon City imposes liquor ban anew
City Government of Candon is imposing the liquor ban anew within the city beginning on Saturday, May 2 until the community quarantine is lifted.
— Philippine Information Agency

Calida warns NTC against granting provisional authority to ABS-CBN
A day before the franchise of ABS-CBN Corporation is set to expire, Solicitor General Jose Calida on Sunday, May 3, warned the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against granting provisional authority to the broadcast giant which will allow it to operate while the renewal of its franchise is pending in Congress.
— Rappler

Filipinos abroad with coronavirus now at 1,751
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that the total number of coronavirus cases involving Filipinos abroad is now at 1,751 as of Sunday, May 3.
— Rappler

COVID response is multi-sectoral, says DOH CHD6 officer
The response to COVID-19 health crisis should have the participation and support of various sectors, according to an officer of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Western Visayas.
— Philippine Information Agency

After recovering, Sonny Angara tests positive again for coronavirus
Senator Sonny Angara, who had recovered from COVID-19 in early April, again tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he announced on his official Facebook and Twitter accounts on Saturday afternoon, May 2.
— Rappler

Work rules to manage transmission risks — Lopez
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez assured the public that the guidelines jointly issued by the Trade and Labor and Departments allowing the private sector to operate during the Enhanced Community Quarantine and General Community Quarantine will manage the risks of COVID-19 transmission.
— Manilastandard.net

Payment of fees by airport-based businesses deferred again by CAAP
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa), has extended the deferred collection of various fees and charges from its airport concessionaires.
— Business Mirror

PSA expects transactions under GCQ reduced 50%
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will significantly reduce the number of transactions it handles on a daily basis under the general community quarantine (GCQ) and “new normal.”
— Business Mirror

Gov’t planning to halve number of cash aid beneficiaries
he country’s economic managers are planning to halve the number of household-beneficiaries of the government’s Social Amelioration Program since there will be fewer households under enhanced community quarantine this month.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

Palay farm-gate price breaches P18/kilo
THE average farm-gate price of dry palay as of mid-April has breached the P18-per-kilogram level, the first time in almost a year since quotations plunged due to higher rice imports, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed.
— Business Mirror

Nearly 86,000 displaced OFWs have received aid from DOLE
Close to 86,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been extended assistance under the Abot Kamay Ang Pagtulong (Akap) program of the labor department.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

House imposes strict physical distancing measures for May 4 session reopening
The House of Representatives is imposing strict physical distancing protocols as it resumes session on Monday, May 4, including implementing a “no face mask, no entry” policy during the coronavirus pandemic.
— Rappler

Palace cites journalists’ crucial role amid Covid-19 pandemic
Malacañang on Sunday praised journalists and other media workers, stressing that the role they play is even more important during the time of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
— Philippine News Agency

DOTr: Passenger capacity in all vessels in GCQ areas should be reduced to 50 percent
The passenger capacity in all vessels in areas under a general community quarantine should be reduced to 50 percent.
— Eagle News

PhilHealth premium hike during pandemic insensitive, OFWs say
The PhilHealth memo treats OFWs like mere milking cows for government funds, Gabriela UAE said.
— Philippine Star

Gov’t task force rejects ECQ requests of several provinces
The government’s coronavirus task force rejected requests of several provinces to extend their enhanced community quarantines (ECQ) until May 15, said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
— Rappler

300,000 sign online petition opposing increase in OFW PhilHealth contributions
An online petition urging the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to scrap its directive to increase the mandatory contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to 3% of their monthly salary for the year 2020 has received some 300,000 signatures since the campaign was started in late April.
— Rappler

LTFRB: Public transport may face losses over passenger capacity limit
The public transport sector may face losses due to limited passenger capacity imposed in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 threat, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said Sunday.
— GMA Network

MIAA, CAAP extend deferment of collection of fees from airport concessionaires amid COVID-19 pandemic
The Manila International Airport Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have extended the deferment of the collection of fees and charges from its airport concessionaires.
— Eagle News

BSP issues guidelines on sustainable finance framework
Philippine banks and financial institutions are now required to incorporate environmental, social and governance and sustainability principles into their corporate strategy, risk management and bank operations framework, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
— Philippine Star

Government offices urged to use DICT service for electronic transactions
The Department of Information and Communications Technology is encouraging various government institutions to utilize the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure as the prevalence of work from home arrangements increase the need to ensure confidentiality and authenticity of electronic transactions and documents.
— Philippine Star

IPOPHL lauds Philippines exclusion from US IP list
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines welcomed the country’s exclusion from the US government’s latest list of countries tagged with IP rights issues, and vowed to address concerns raised on counterfeit medicines.
— Philstar

Persona non grata status remains in effect against BIFF, DITG
The Municipality of Sultan Sa Barongis and Radjah Buayan in the Province of Maguindanao declared the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya-Terror Group (DITG) as Persona Non Grata.
— Philippine Information Agency

2 kids killed in Maguindanao grenade blast
Two children died when a grenade they found in a swamp in Radjah Buayan town in this province accidentally exploded on Friday.
— Philstar

Local officials who divide coronavirus cash aid to face charges – DILG
Local government executives who divide cash aid intended for one family in order to distribute the aid to more families will face charges, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned on Saturday, May 2.
— Rappler

Waiving relief food packs meant to give way to most needy: mayor
Mayor Gabino P. Ganggangan of Sadanga town in Mt. Province said waiving relief food packs in favor of those who need them most was within his judgement call and discretion as local chief executive in the wake of a national emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
— Philippine News Agency

EcoWaste Coalition urges online ban on mercury-laden cosmetics
Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition on Sunday strongly pushed for the ban on advertisements that promote mercury-laden cosmetic products at online shopping sites.
— Manila Bulletin

Baguio City’s P600 weekly aid to PUJ drivers starts May 4
Drivers of the 357 jeepney units which were issued special transport permit at the start of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will receive PHP300 per day subsidy for servicing the public while charging low fares.
— Philippine News Agency

COA suspends salary deductions for gov’t employees facing disallowance
The Commission on Audit (COA) suspended the salary deductions of officials and employees with disallowed transactions, in the face of the coronavirus pandemic .
— Rappler

SolGen: NTC execs risk being charged over ABS-CBN provisional authority
The Office of the Solicitor General warned commissioners of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that they could face Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act charges should they issue ABS-CBN Corp. and its affiliate a provisional authority (PA) to operate after its franchise lapses on May 4, 2020.
— GMA Network

On World Press Freedom Day, PCOO urges public to fight ‘fake news’
Press freedom, PCOO said, also helped voice out the public’s pulse and enabled the government to increase public awareness of its policies and to report its activities with complete transparency.
— Philippine Star

Lacson asks PAGCOR to explain partial reopening of POGOs
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to explain the partial reopening of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations, while Metro Manila and some urban areas are still under enhanced community quarantine.
— GMA Network

UST likely to win 4th straight double UAAP general championship
University of Santo Tomas (UST) will likely be crowned the UAAP general champions in both the seniors and juniors divisions even after Season 82 was abruptly axed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
— Rappler

DILG optimistic Metro Manila will ‘graduate’ to GCQ on May 15
It looks like Metro Manila will graduate on May 15. But of course, that’s still a while away. By all indications by May 15, GCQ tayo, and our people can go back to work. If that happens, we’ll have kickstarted the economy already.
— Philippine Star

Special education fund must be used for safe school opening -Gatchalian
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian proposed on Sunday a more flexible use of the Special Education Fund (SEF) to help schools prepare for a safe reopening for the coming school year.
— GMA Network

Farmers get P308 million cash from Landbank
Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines has paid out over P308 million to farmer-beneficiaries listed under the Department of Agriculture’s financial subsidy to rice farmers.
— Philippine Star

Justice Leonen: Laws ban poor man’s gambling, but POGOs allowed?
Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Saturday, May 2, pointed out the discrepancies in Philippine laws that ban forms of gambling accessible to the poor, but allow Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) patronized by the rich.
— Rappler

Drilon: Targeting Taiwan OFW over social media posts not labor official’s job
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon over the weekend slammed the supposed request by labor attaché Fidel Macauyag to have a Filipina OFW in Taiwan “deported,” saying it violated all norms of decency.
— Philippine Star

PNP asks for understanding over confrontations in ECQ enforcement
Philippine National Police spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac on Sunday asked the public for understanding after recent reports of confrontations between the police and civilians.
— GMA Network

Industry speaks up: POGOs are not BPOs
The biggest organization of business process outsourcing (BPO) companies banded together to tell the government that Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are not part of their industry.
— Rappler

Filipinos’ mall culture under threat due to coronavirus lockdowns
A beloved Filipino past-time, mall-going, will be close to non-existent under quarantine measures and will likely never be the same until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed.
— Rappler

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Philippines morning news for May 4 added by Stella-maris Ewudolu on May 4, 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.