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MANILA – Some 166 stranded or displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Central Luzon have received cash assistance amounting to PHP1.6 million, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported.

Based on the reports of OWWA-Regional Welfare Office Ill (RWO 3), it has released the amount to OFWs who each received a one-time cash assistance worth PHP10,000 (USD200) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program on its initial week.

"The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office Ill (OWWA RWO 3) released PHP1,660,00 to 166 stranded or displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Central Luzon through the 'DOLE-AKAP for OFWs' Financial Assistance on its first week," it said in a statement.

The program was designed to assist displaced land-based and sea-based, returning workers who were stranded in the Philippines.

Also included in the program are undocumented OFWs who have experienced job displacement due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

An online application was created to cater to OFWs who are affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

"They only need to visit the website http://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph, fill out the online form and attach necessary documents needed," the OWWA-RWO 3 added.

All received applications are continuously being evaluated and processed by OWWA and DOLE. (PNA)



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MANILA – A passenger ship terminal converted into a treatment facility for persons infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is ready to accept patients, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Tuesday.

The DOTr said the facility, located at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal in Pier 15, underwent non-stop construction works since Monday last week and was finished ahead of schedule by two days.

The treatment facility has a total of 211 cubicles distributed in different zones, to accommodate patients with mild, advanced, and severe Covid-19 infections, the department said.

The facility is complete with hospital beds, desks, chairs, portable lavatories, cargo containers for showers, and open-air dining facilities.

Other features include airtight doors to prevent airborne pathogens outside the facility, air-conditioning, and a waterfront "where patients will be allowed to enjoy sunlight and fresh ocean breeze."

The facility will be manned by personnel from the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Ports Authority.

While the facility is located beside the two quarantine ships for overseas Filipino workers, it will be operated separately.

Those who are housed inside the quarantine ships do not manifest Covid-19 symptoms but are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

On Monday, the DOTr said the quarantine ships, which provide free accommodation for OFWs who were not provided separate accommodation by their manning agencies, will mark down the prices of goods in its mini-mart by as much as 50 percent for certain items, aside from the provision of free drinking water and charging stations. (PNA)



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MANILA – A passenger ship terminal converted into a treatment facility for persons infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is ready to accept patients, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Tuesday.

The DOTr said the facility, located at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal in Pier 15, underwent non-stop construction works since Monday last week and was finished ahead of schedule by two days.

The treatment facility has a total of 211 cubicles distributed in different zones, to accommodate patients with mild, advanced, and severe Covid-19 infections, the department said.

The facility is complete with hospital beds, desks, chairs, portable lavatories, cargo containers for showers, and open-air dining facilities.

Other features include airtight doors to prevent airborne pathogens outside the facility, air-conditioning, and a waterfront "where patients will be allowed to enjoy sunlight and fresh ocean breeze."

The facility will be manned by personnel from the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Ports Authority.

While the facility is located beside the two quarantine ships for overseas Filipino workers, it will be operated separately.

Those who are housed inside the quarantine ships do not manifest Covid-19 symptoms but are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

On Monday, the DOTr said the quarantine ships, which provide free accommodation for OFWs who were not provided separate accommodation by their manning agencies, will mark down the prices of goods in its mini-mart by as much as 50 percent for certain items, aside from the provision of free drinking water and charging stations. (PNA)



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MANILA – Sampaloc district in Manila will be placed under 48-hour "hard lockdown" after the Manila Health Department observed a growing cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the area, Mayor Francisco 'Isko' Domagoso said on Tuesday.

Domagoso signed an executive order shutting down Sampaloc district from 8 p.m. on Thursday (April 23) until 8 p.m. on Saturday (April 25).

During the hard lockdown period, Domagoso said all Sampaloc residents shall be strictly confined to their residences and are prohibited from going out of their homes.

He added that the city government will put the district under surveillance, rapid risk assessment, and testing operations.

"Health authorities will be conducting disease surveillance, testing and rapid risk assessment as the city's response measures to the imminent danger posed by Covid-19," he said in announcement aired live on Facebook on Tuesday.

Exempted from hard lockdown are healthcare workers; police and military personnel; government employees; service workers of pharmacies, drug stores and death care services; barangay officials; and accredited media practitioners.

"All other commercial, industrial, retail, institutional and other activities not mentioned in above exemptions in the said district shall be suspended within the specified period of the shutdown," the executive order read.

"Station commanders of police stations in the said district are hereby directed to employ and deploy officers and personnel in strategic locations and areas in the district necessary for the effective implementation of the shutdown," it added.

In an interview over radio station DZBB, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said a total of 150 military personnel will be deployed in Sampaloc to augment police force during the implementation of hard lockdown.

He said the soldiers will be deployed upon the request of Domagoso.

As of April 20, Sampaloc has 99 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The entire Luzon is still under extended enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which is set to expire on April 30.

The Philippines has so far reported 6,559 Covid-19 infections, with 437 fatalities and 654 recoveries, the Department of Health announced on Tuesday. (PNA)




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MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has yet to come up with a recommendation to President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the possible extension or lifting of the enhanced community quarantine, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Tuesday.

Año bared that health experts, however, praised the enhanced community quarantine during their meeting with the President on Monday as it gained "a lot of good success".

Without the lockdown, Año said positive cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) could have surged to 80,000 with 5,000 deaths.

He added that the task force wants to increase the testing capacity of the country to up to 50 percent which is equivalent to 28,000 to 30,000 tests a day.

"Then, that is really a very good capacity that we can say we can really stop the spread of the virus," Año said in a TV interview.

Año, however, believes that the quarantine should not be lifted unless the country will be able to increase its testing capacity and appropriate measures will be implemented.

"Meron tayong mga kondisyon na dapat susundin ng mga tao, pag di yan sinunod wag na tayong mag lift ng lockdown... kasama na dyan ang physical social distancing. Protektahan ang mga elderly, 'yung mga may (There are certain conditions that the people must comply with. If we cannot follow that, let's not lift the lockdown. That includes physical social distancing. Let's also protect the elderly and those with) health issues," he added.

Currently, the DOH is capable of conducting 3,000 tests per day but the agency aims to increase capacity between 8,000 to 10,000 tests per day by the end of April.

Año also said that he directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to prepare big jails for all the violators.

"Mag-prepare tayo ng malaking kulungan and let them suffer the inconvenience, [Prepare big jails and let them suffer the inconvenience]," Año said.

If possible, Año said, he wants the detention of all the violators all throughout the implementation of the lockdown.

"Para sigurado nang wag pamarisan ng ibang kababayan natin [To make sure that our countrymen will not follow what they did]," Año said.

Año said that the formal order was already given to PNP chief, Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa.

He explained that several laws could be used against the violators depending on the circumstances.

Also, Año assured that police would not violate the human rights of the violators.

"Yung i-impose nating sanction and penalty dapat (The sanctions and penalties must be) in accordance with the Commission on Human Rights regulations and also in accordance with international humanitarian law," Año added.

Detention of the violators could last to 12 hours if there are no charges filed.

However, if there are charges, the violators could be detained for more than 12 hours until the inquest.

Moreover, Año said that local government units (LGUs) could impose total lockdown "depending on the situation".

Año also encouraged all LGUs to pass ordinances penalizing violators.

Año reminded the public to stop being hard-headed and stay in their homes or face arrest if they commit violation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

"We are in a very unique and desperate situation in trying to flatten the curve of the Covid-19 infection in the country (so) please stay where you are. If you are stopped at a checkpoint and you have no valid reason, you will be fined and even arrested and told to go back where you come from," he added.

Año made the statement after continuously receiving reports that there were still stranded individuals from Metro Manila who were denied entry on control points on their respective provinces.

He said that according to DILG Region 1, there are residents of Metro Manila who are currently stranded outside of the borders of Pangasinan after attempting to enter the province.

He said there were also similar boundaries of Zamboanga City, Quezon Province and Camarines Sur where people from Metro Manila are currently stranded at checkpoints because they are not Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR).

LGUs told to focus on contact tracing

Año also urged the local government units to strengthen contact tracing operations of possible carriers of the disease on their respective communities.

He said it is the responsibility of the local officials to Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate (DITR) the carriers in accordance with the National Strategy to Defeat Covid-19 of the IATF and NTF Covid-19.

"With the absence of the cure and the vaccine against Covid-19 for now, the fight against this virus is in contact tracing. It is urgent that LGUs identify the hosts or carriers of Covid-19 in every locality to prevent further spread of this deadly virus," he said.

He said efficient contact tracing of possible Covid patients will mitigate the possibility of contagion.

In DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2020-073, Año further enjoined LGUs to increase the number of trained personnel to conduct swabbing and specimen collection to assist the Local Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (LESU). The LGU personnel shall be trained by the Regional/Provincial/City/Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported 140 new persons infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the total number of positive cases to 6,599.

During the Beat Covid-19 virtual presser, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also reported 41 new recoveries and nine new deaths.

The total number of recovered cases nationwide is now at 654 while the death toll has reached 437.

Vergeire, meanwhile, said experts have seen a "decreased or slower doubling time" in the number of Covid-19 cases nationwide.

"Dati-rati sa loob ng tatlong araw dumo-doble ang mga kaso ngayon mas matagal na ito. Halos limang araw na ang average, ito ay malaking improvement pero siyempre mas gusto natin na higit sa 30 araw ang ating doubling time (Before, the cases double in three days, now, it is slower. The average is almost five days, this is a big improvement but we want more than 30 days doubling time)," Vergeire said.

Most of the Covid-19 cases the DOH has recorded are from the National Capital Region.

While the disease has spread to other parts of the country, the DOH has recorded zero cases or a slow doubling time of cases in 30 provinces.

Vergeire said the improvement on the cases' doubling time could be attributed to the stringent observance of physical distancing, regular handwashing, proper cough etiquette and disinfection of commonly-touched surfaces during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

"Ang goal ng ECQ is to flatten the curve and to buy us more time para lalo tayong makapaghanda. Ngayon ang mga kailangang (The goal of the ECQ is to flatten the curve and to buy us more time so we can prepare. Now, the needed) personal protective equipment, testing kits, testing centers, mechanical ventilators, protocols and medicines, we're able to prepare them," she added. (PNA)



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MANILA – A former top official of the Catholic Church in the Philippines on Tuesday advised the faithful to be wary of the "virus of selfishness" amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Kahit mawala na ang (Covid-19), ingatan ang virus na palaging nariyan. Hindi lang natin pinapansin dahil natanggap na, ang virus ng pagkamakasarili. (Even if the Covid-19 outbreak is over, we must be wary of the virus that is always there. We just don't notice it because it seems like it has been accepted, the virus of selfishness)," Manila Archbishop-Emeritus Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said in his Facebook post titled "Tagle Kape't Pandasal: Pagkamakasarili, deadly virus".

This virus, Tagle said, is spread by the act of taking advantage of other people, hardness of heart, turning a blind eye, and indifference.

"Hindi ba kayo natatakot sa mga symptoms na yan? (Are you not afraid of these symptoms?)," he said.

Tagle, who is now the Vatican's Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, urged the people to distance themselves from those who are self-centered.

"Lumayo, mag distansya sa nakakamatay na virus ang pangalan, 'pagkamasarili'. Oh Jesus, puksain mo ang pagkamasarili namin at turuan kaming ikalat ang pagmamalasakit, (Stay away and keep your distance from the deadly virus known as 'selfishness'. Oh Jesus, destroy our selfishness and teach us to spread compassion). Amen," he added.

Meanwhile, Tagle noted that the pandemic has restored beautiful things, such as the gathering of families at home, helping the needy, and a clean environment.

"Nagkasama ang pamilya, nagluto na ulit mga magulang, hinahanap ang mesa, nagbabayanihan, luminis din ang hangin, maaliwalas ang kalangitan, pero hangad pa rin natin na masugpo na ang coronavirus (Families have come together. Parents are cooking again. They are searching for the table. Everyone is helping one another. The air is clean. The skies are calm. But still, we want to curb the coronavirus)," he said, adding that the virus has "changed the world's way of life."

Latest data show that more than 2.2 million people worldwide have caught Covid-19.

In the Philippines, as of Tuesday, 6,599 have contracted the disease, 654 have recovered from it, and 437 have died. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) urged beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to use the financial assistance given to them properly by using it to buy basic needs.

DSWD Undersecretary for Special Concerns Camilo Gudmalin said Monday in a live-streamed conference via the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Facebook page that beneficiaries need to allocate their money for basic necessities like food and medicine.

"Nakakalungkot ang ganitong klaseng mga balita na sa gitna ng ating krisis ay merong hindi magandang paggamit sa subsidiya (It is sad that we see news reports that in the midst of this crisis, there are those who do not use the subsidy properly)," Gudmalin said.

As the government operates on the disbursement of the amelioration package, some beneficiaries were caught using the aid in gambling and illegal drugs.

On April 14, police arrested five men in Bacoor, Cavite after allegedly using the government's financial aid in cockfighting and shabu.

According to reports, two of them qualified to receive the assistance, and were immediately disqualified.

"Itong subsidy ay para sa pangunahing pangangailangan pero kami ay naniniwala na kakaunti lang itong mga tao na ito. Karamihan ay ginagamit nang maayos ang natanggap nila (The purpose of this fund is so you can afford basic needs but we in DSWD believe that these kind of people are only few. Most of the people who received the cash assistance used it well)," Gudmalin added.

As of April 20, Landbank has released cash grants totaling PHP16.34 billion to 3,721,833 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) household-beneficiaries nationwide.

Cash aid amounting to PHP3,650 to PHP6,650 per beneficiary was credited to their cash cards.

Together with the DSWD, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Landbank started distributing to 18,602 Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers in the National Capital Region amounting to PHP148.816 million with each driver receiving PHP8,000 to help them through these difficult times.

DSWD added that more than 4.7 million beneficiaries have already received the cash assistance. (PNA)



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MANILA – Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday vowed to fast-track the approval of a stimulus bill seeking to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic to the Philippine economy.

"While waiting for the administration version of the stimulus package, we are already hearing through this TWG (technical working group) the draft bill. We will fast-track all of this, much better if the Palace will certify this [as urgent] like the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act," Cayetano said during the virtual meeting of the House Defeat Covid-19 Committee.

The draft consolidated bill called Philippine Economic Recovery Act proposes a total allocation of PHP613 billion to fund the economic interventions aimed at protecting Filipino families and jobs; assisting workers and business entities facing hardship due to the pandemic; and preserving the country's trajectory to economic prosperity.

The bill is a consolidation of the Economy Moving Forward as One bill by Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo and the Philippine National Stimulus Strategy by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.

Under Quimbo's bill, she proposed PHP370-billion fiscal stimulus package that is geared toward labor retention to ensure business continuity.

Quimbo noted that the pandemic could potentially cost the country a total of PHP1.08 trillion.

Transitional interventions

The merged measure provides transitional interventions which refer to economic relief that shall be implemented immediately after the enhanced community quarantine is lifted to mitigate permanent damage to the economy and maintain employment levels of the corresponding sector or industry.

Wage subsidies amounting to PHP110 billion shall be provided to critical businesses, freelancers, self-employed, and repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

For critical businesses, the wage subsidy shall amount to at least 25 percent but not more than 75 percent of actual payroll costs for two months for the purpose of employment retention.

Around 75 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate shall be provided to freelancers and self-employed, while 75 percent of the average foreign wage of OFWs shall be provided for a period of two months.

The Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) shall grant employee compensation, amounting to PHP120,000 per individual, in the form of paid sick leaves for workers who contracted Covid-19.

The SSS and GSIS shall be allotted with PHP500 million each to finance their respective employee compensation programs.

Other transitional relief interventions include regulatory relief for business entities through the suspension, reduction, or waiving the imposition of fees and charges for licensing, registration, permitting, and inspection; as well as regulatory relief for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the relaxing of revenue regulations and waiving of applicable registration and similar fees.

Sectoral interventions

The bill has also sectoral interventions, providing economic relief intended for specific sector or industries such as MSMEs, tourism, agriculture, and any other critical businesses.

The Department of Trade and Industry shall offer grants for the education, training, and advising of MSMEs on how to cope with the new norms amid the Covid-19 pandemic. PHP10 billion shall be appropriated for the implementation of the sectoral interventions.

A total of PHP25 billion will also be allocated for the loan programs for MSMEs; PHP10 billion for the loan programs for agri-fishery enterprises; PHP43 billion for assistance to the tourism industry; and PHP66 billion for assistance to trade industries.

For trade policy measures, an immediate adoption of zero tariff rates on essential imported raw materials and temporary suspension of the export percentage requirements for export enterprises shall be proposed to allow domestic sales of selected manufacture goods while export markets are in the process of recovery.

Structural interventions

The House also proposes structural interventions designed to accommodate any sector or industry through institutionalized mechanism or entity. A structural intervention aims to reinforce resilience of the economy as well as the business entities in the event of future crisis or recession

The proposed bill includes zero-negative loans or a PHP300-billion loan package that will be administered by the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines to encourage critical businesses to continue investing in their businesses.

The maximum loanable amount shall be 50 percent of the company's direct labor costs and the loan shall be payable for three to five years. A labor-conditional penalty shall be imposed in the event that the business entity terminates employees within 12 months from incurring the loan.

A total of PHP20 billion shall be allocated to the Credit Mediation and Refinancing Service (CMRS) to ensure that critical businesses are able to fulfill obligations under more favorable terms of credit and to strengthen their liquidity and financial position.

The Philippine Guarantee Corp. shall have an amount of PHP28 billion in paid up capital to provide government guarantees to critical businesses.

A National Emergency Investment Corporation (NEIC) shall be established to bail out firms going bankrupt. It can purchase equity and take over firms.

The bill proposes enhancements to the government's infrastructure program, Build Build Build, particularly in universal health care, education and food security.

Other interventions proposed in the bill include building an economic resilience plan to withstand future shocks, as well as the creation of an Economic Stimulus Board to identify the specific contents of the fiscal stimulus package and specific government program to implement the delivery of each intervention. (PNA)



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MANILA – The number of overseas Filipinos infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) climbed to 1,084, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Tuesday.

"Following an increase in reports of confirmed cases over the past days, today the DFA reports that the total number of Filipinos abroad infected by Covid-19 has breached the 1,000-mark with 94 new cases from the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Based on the updated figures, the rate of new recoveries and new deaths as of today are at 2.28 percent and 6.99 percent, respectively," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said in a statement.

Currently, at least 662 are undergoing treatment while 269 recovered and have been discharged.

The total confirmed cases are pegged at 279 in the Asia Pacific, 371 in Europe, 156 in the Middle East/Africa, and 278 in the Americas.

Of the figures, the death toll has increased to 153, with two recorded in the Asia Pacific, 54 in Europe, nine in the Middle East/Africa, and 88 in the Americas.

"The DFA, through its embassies and consulates, remains committed to supporting global and national efforts against Covid-19 by monitoring the status of our people abroad, providing assistance whenever possible, and helping those who wish to be repatriated in this time of the pandemic," Meñez said. (PNA)



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MANILA – An official of the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported 75 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH).

"Ang 62 po dito ay empleyado ng NCMH at 13 naman po ay (The 62 are NCMH employees and the 13 are) psychiatric patients," DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a Covid-19 virtual presser.

Out of the confirmed cases, four employees and one patient have already recovered.

Vergeire said the NCMH employees who are positive of Covid-19 but are asymptomatic are under home quarantine and are monitored by the DOH daily.

"Samantala, ang mga healthcare workers na nakakitaan symptoms ay naka-admit sa iba't ibang ospital. Ang mga psychiatric patients naman na nagpositibo ay nasa pangangalaga ng (Meanwhile, the healthcare workers with symptoms are admitted in different hospitals. The psychiatric patients who are positive are under the care of the) NCMH," she added.

The DOH earlier reported 140 new persons infected with Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 6,599. (PNA)

 



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MANILA – A Mountain Province town mayor expressed disgust over leftist groups' arrogant misrepresentation of Igorots and Cordillerans to push for the communist ideology that has already been a lingering "virus" in the country.

Sadanga Mayor Gabino P. Ganggangan, in his Facebook post on April 21, said leftist organizations nor their officers are never authorized to speak on behalf of the natives of Mt. Province.

"At this time of national health emergency, the CPP-NPA-NDF and their front organizations (leftists) are again exploiting the situation to bolster their agitations against our duly constituted government," Gavino said, referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army – National Democratic Front.

The Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA), he added, along with their allied leftist groups have been criticizing the government, organizing rallies and protest activities geared towards heightening dissent as they have always been doing for the past decades.

"They keep on doing these things using our collective identity as IGOROTS/ KAIGOROTAN and Cordillerans especially wearing our native attire and gongs which are rather reserved for use in rituals and other cultural traditions," he said. "They project the impression to the world that they represent us all as if we ever gave them such mandate to speak for us!!!"

He assured that as mayor of Sadanga, Mt. Province, his constituents will never give communists the consent to represent them.

As the country battles the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), he urged other officials to insulate their people from the "communist virus" lurking for the past five decades.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

"As elected officials in our provinces and region let's make it our duty to guide and lead our constituents especially shielding our youth from their influence," he said.

He also urged them, being the legitimate representatives and leaders of the people, to take a stand publicly just like what he did. (PNA)

 



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MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said the new case rates of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients is aimed at maximizing the agency's available funds in view of the rising cases of the dreaded disease in the country.

"Ginagawa ng PhilHealth ang lahat upang ma-maximize ang resources nila (PhilHealth is doing everything to maximize its resources) in order to continue assisting patients affected by Covid-19 pay for their hospital bills," Go said in a recent radio interview.

In coming up with the case rates, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography explained that PhilHealth has to exercise prudence in anticipation of a spike in Covid-19 cases following the start of mass testing.

As of Tuesday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that Covid-19 has so far infected 6,599 people in the Philippines, with 437 deaths and 654 recoveries.

"So ngayon po, naglabas na ng package naka-depende sa (So now, they released packages depending on the) severity of pneumonia," Go said.

Previously, all Filipinos confined for Covid-19 had full PhilHealth coverage until April 15, when PhilHealth began implementing the new case rates.

For patients with mild pneumonia, PHilHealth will cover PHP43,997; for moderate pneumonia, PHP143,267; for severe pneumonia, PHP333,519; and, for critical pneumonia, PHP786,384 .

These packages cover the rates for accommodations; management and monitoring of illness; laboratory, diagnostics and imaging; medicines included in the guidelines and protocol of the DOH; and supplies and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

If the patient still does not have the capacity to pay for the hospital bill in excess of the amount already shouldered by PhilHealth, Go said the patient could request for more assistance from PhilHealth subject to its evaluation.

He also said patients may also seek additional assistance from the 71 existing Malasakit Centers all over the country.

"Saka-sakali rin po may Malasakit Center dun sa ospital kung saan sila na-admit, pwede sila humingi ng tulong dahil nandyan ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno para tumulong (If ever there is a Malasakit Center in the hospital where they are admitted, they can ask for assistance as there are four government agencies there to help them)," Go said.

A Malasakit Center is a one-stop-shop for indigent and financially incapacitated patients where relevant government agencies with medical and financial assistance programs are gathered under one roof.

The agencies in Malasakit Centers include PhilHealth, Department of Health DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Go assured that despite the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Malasakit Centers remain functional and responsive in assisting those who need medical and financial assistance from the government, especially poor and indigent patients.

He also assured that his office is always open for patients who need assistance.

"Kung may problema pa at kung saka-sakali po makakatulong kami, ang opisina ko po, huwag po kayong mag-atubiling lumapit (If there are still problems and my office, can be of help, please don't hesitate to approach us)," Go said. (PNA)



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MANILA – A lawmaker is proposing to extend the service of around 700,000 contractual employees in the government until the end of 2020 amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.

In a letter sent to President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said these employees under a so-called job-order or contract-of-service arrangement do not enjoy the benefits of regular government personnel and their contracts are good for six months only, subject to renewal.

"With the current Covid-19 situation, the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon and lockdowns happening all over the country, it is becoming clear that there is a very strong possibility that the contracts of these employees might not be renewed or extended," Rodriguez said.

He cited the plea of the Workers of Government Movement in Cagayan de Oro City in having the service of contractual personnel retained after the expiration of their contracts.

"As such, may I endorse their request for the contracts of these workers to be securely extended until Dec. 31, 2020. This will provide security to them in these uncertain times," he said.

Rodriguez noted that government agencies have funds in their budgets for contractual personnel.

He said these government agencies can also seek Malacañang's approval to use savings during the enhanced community quarantine period to extend the service of these employees.

Currently, the total number of positive cases nationwide is now at 6,599, with recoveries reaching 654 while the death toll is at 437. (PNA)



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MANILA – The days when violators of enhanced community quarantine rules are only given warnings are over as the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its enforcement operations amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"There will be no more warning for ECQ violators. Instead, arrest and inquest procedures will be applied to cases of violations of Republic Act 11469. We will implement the strict enhanced community quarantine," PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a virtual presser Tuesday, referring to the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

The measure, which takes effect immediately, seeks to prove that authorities mean business in implementing quarantine rules.

"These violations of law carry with it appropriate penalties and fines, but, what will be more burdensome for violators are the tedious judicial process and the implications of a derogatory record to their personal criminal profile," he added.

Gamboa said the police would implement a strict ECQ in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon (Calabarzon).

Based on PNP data, in Metro Manila, the largest number of violators is in the Southern Police District with 15,475 cases, followed by Northern Police District (NPD) with 7,407 cases.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Police District (EPD) and Quezon City Police District (QCPD) both have over 2,000 cases and Manila Police District (MPD) has over 1,000 cases.

He said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is on top of the situation and all additional troops would be under them, Gamboa said.

The PNP has earlier ordered the deployment of Special Action Force commandos to assist the local police units.

"I have also authorized the deployment of 12 teams of Special Action Force, totaling 116 personnel to strategic locations, initially within Metro Manila to augment local PNP Units in the intensified enforcement of ECQ starting today," he added.

From March 17 to April 21, Gamboa said 98,986 quarantine violators were warned, 6,168 were fined, 31,363 were arrested in which 2,467 are still detained with 24,248 cases filed, totaling to 136,517 violators for the past 35 days of the enhanced community quarantine.

In the same period, 732 persons were also arrested for hoarding, profiteering, and manipulation of prices of basic goods, while 9,419 drivers of public utility vehicles drivers were apprehended as mass transport is suspended during the quarantine period.

He added that the PNP was also assigned to lead the contact tracing of people who are possibly suspect, probable and confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Gamboa urged the local government units (LGUs) to support the police in their task of contact tracing. (PNA)



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MANILA – A leader of the House of Representatives on Tuesday recommended the relaxing of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine in selected areas to allow micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to resume business activities in their respective localities.

House Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development chair Virgilio Lacson made the proposal through a committee report recommending measures to prevent the dramatic spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) while helping keep businesses afloat amid the downturn.

Lacson said the relaxed community quarantine should be strategically implemented up to the barangay level.

He, however, stressed the need to "restart the economy", particularly starting with the small businesses that the barangay can monitor and impose necessary restrictions to combat the virus spread.

Lacson said the quarantine and travel rules in a particular area should depend on its proximity to the disease epicenter, or the National Capital Region (NCR), or any community with a reported outbreak.

"The closer to the epicenter, the stricter the implementation, but relaxed, if farther," he said.

In the committee report's recommendations, the local government units (LGUs), in coordination with the Department of Health, must identify all suspected and probable Covid-19 cases and create a quarantine facility for each city or municipality to isolate said persons while awaiting test results.

Covid-19 positive patients that are discharged by the hospital but still need further isolation must be quarantined in the facility until it is safe to go back to their homes.

For community transport and logistic systems of LGUs, delivery drivers and their companions need to be immediately tested (through a rapid test twice a week) and bi-monthly use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to assess and control the risk of movement of individuals.

Lacson said all transport or delivery systems used must be clean and disinfected.

The government launched its small business wage subsidy program covering 3.4 million employees in small businesses affected by the ECQ.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has urged the government to lay clear plans on the partial resumption of businesses and economic activities.

"There are many enterprises that are planning to lay off their employees. If they cannot hear a clear instruction that they can open by May, there are more that will close their businesses," PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico said during the virtual presser of Tapatan sa Aristocrat Monday.

Yujuico said the government can adopt some of the actions and measures of other nations such as Spain and Germany, which gradually restart economic activities without jeopardizing the health of the population.

"We have to realize that we are not going to last very long. We have to plan how we can get back to business," he added.

Yujuico said the government may also look into allowing businesses to operate at only half of its workforce.

The quarantine period in Luzon was extended until April 30. (PNA)



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MANILA – Medical and hospital associations nationwide expressed on Tuesday their support for Health Secretary Francisco Duque III as he continues to serve the country in the thick of the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a solidarity statement, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Hospital Association (PHA), Private Hospital Association of the Philippines (PHAPi), and the Philippine College of Hospital Administrators (PCHA) lauded how Duque leads the Department of Health in dealing with the pandemic.

The associations issued the statement after several senators filed a resolution calling for his immediate resignation due to "failure of leadership, negligence, lack of foresight, and inefficiency" in handling the response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"We in the PMA-PHA-PHAPi-PCHA put so much faith and ten-out-of-ten score in the manner that the DOH led by Secretary Francisco Duque III is handling the medical side of the Covid-19 crisis given what is available and its limited resources at the moment. We don't change horses in the middle of the stream and instead, we should hold on to one another's hand tight so that, faced with this viral storm, we cross the stream together," the groups' statement said.

It said Duque's decision is the "sum of all the efforts of the private and government experts" as epidemiologists, microbiologists, virologists, infectious disease specialists, and other medical experts are "monitoring the Covid-19 situation daily and are constantly communicating strategies to end the battle against the disease".

"Every minute, all data, both local and international, are gathered and collated. The exchanges of notes and expertise constantly burn the lanes of the internet and probably unknown to the public, the output of these discussions about the virus is then communicated to the DOH through the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Philippine College of Physicians and Philippine Society of Pathologists," it added.

Citing that Covid-19 is caused by a novel virus, the groups' statement said that defeating the disease and management of the cases, deaths, and pandemic it has caused would not be easy.

"The use of the testing kits, RT-PCR tests, and antibody-testing results are just as deceiving as to how the treacherous virus presents itself, but in the long term we will corner this virus and place it to its final resting place and this is when the vaccine will become available in a year at least," it said. (PNA)



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MANILA – Newly-appointed acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua on Tuesday said the government aims to have five million Filipinos enrolled into the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys ID) this year and possibly complete the registration of the entire population by 2022.

Chua said he and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary Dennis Mapa have agreed to use the next two months to finish the remaining procurement and preparations for the PhilSys ID.

"So that June or July when ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) is relaxed or modified, we will be able to begin again the registration of the households," he said in a presser.

Chua, also acting National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director general, said they are looking for ways so that many of the registrations will be front-loaded this year as much as possible.

"One thing that we are thinking about is if we can target so that each household gets to be registered ibig sabihin (that means), the household head will be registered instead of everyone in the household so we still reach five million registration. But we are not merely covering five million people, we are covering five million households and that is one way to ensure that we can address some of the issues in the social amelioration," he said.

Chua was optimistic that the 2022 completion target is "still feasible".

He said accelerating the implementation of the national ID system is among the "marching orders" of Malacañang to him upon his appointment as acting secretary of NEDA.

He added that Congress passed the National ID Law which will allow the country to implement its social welfare programs more effectively and efficiently in the near future.

Apart from the national ID system, Chua said he will also prioritize the crafting of the national recovery plan amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and support the country's "Build, Build, Build" program through NEDA's work in the Investment Coordination Committee.

"We probably will be entering a new normal and we will have to determine which of the Build, Build, Build projects have the maximum impact. And the Build, Build, Build projects, when we are allowed to continue when it is safe to go out and work, we will have to use that as one of the main drivers of our economy because that is where jobs are created, that is where the multiplier effects are higher so that will be an important part of our recovery," he added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The conversion of the Philippine Sports Complex into a patient care center (PCC) has been completed and it will soon accept coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) positive, mild, and asymptomatic cases.

Works to convert the facility, which can accommodate at least 132 patients, were finished within five days. The government has so far established four of these PCCs in Metro Manila.

National Task Force (NTF) spokesperson Restituto Padilla underscored the importance of establishing such quarantine areas during the task force's inspection of the facility on Tuesday.

"Importante ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino kaya gumagawa tayo ng ganitong klaseng hakbang (The life of each Filipino is important. That is why we are doing these measures)," Padilla said, according to a news release.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto thanked the national government for repurposing the sports complex.

"We're very thankful, on behalf of the local government of Pasig City. I want to thank everyone who made this possible," Sotto said. "This is a good initiative of the national government. We can see that every agency and office (is) working together. The local government of Pasig will continue to cooperate and provide support so that operations in this quarantine will be smooth."

Meanwhile, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive officer Vince Dizon said the facilities are "part of the strategy of the government to 'locate, isolate, and cure' (Covid-19 patients)."

Joining Padilla and Dizon during the inspection were Department of Health Director Leonita Gorgolon and Department of Public Works and Highways officer John Pulido. (PR)



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MANILA – Warm and humid weather will continue to prevail over the entire archipelago on Wednesday.

Weather specialist Ezra Bulquerin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said northern Luzon will have low chances of rain showers.

The rest of the country may experience isolated rain showers, either in the afternoon or at night, he added.

Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail over the entire country.

No low pressure area is expected to develop or affect the country in the next three to five days, Bulquerin said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) is always ready to support local government units (LGUs) and the police in enforcing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocols to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak, its spokesperson said Tuesday night.

"The PA, as directed by higher headquarters, continues to extend its support to local government units and the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the extended ECQ in Luzon to combat the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the country," Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

An example of this is the deployment of PA units in select areas of Taguig, Makati, and Pateros with high Covid-19 cases.

The move seeks to augment the PNP's role in strictly implementing the social distancing and ECQ, Zagala said.

"The PA mission is to support law enforcement by reminding citizens to observe social distancing and advising them to stay home to prevent the spread of the virus," he added.

Aside from this, Zagala said the PA would conduct information dissemination through loudspeaker operations and community visitations together with the PNP.

"The Army's support to law enforcement operations will last for 10 days until the end of the enhanced community quarantine on April 30, 2020," he added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Naval Task Force (NTF) - 82, which consists of the offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), left Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat in Oman on Tuesday and will make a stop at Port Cochin in India to pick up personnel protective equipment (PPE) before heading home to the Philippines.

"The vessels will make (a) brief stop at Port Cochin, India to pick-up personal protective equipment donated by a Filipino private company in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, the government's agency that is mandated to consolidate all donations to the national government and the Department of Health in this Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic," Philippine Navy public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said in a press statement late Tuesday.

The donor is a Filipino businessman named Paul Dantes based in the US and a member of the Alpha Sigma Fraternity, who has a company in India.

The ships and their 400-man contingent left Oman after ensuring that no member exhibits Covid-19 symptoms as precautionary measures were earlier beefed up to keep the vessels virus-free.

Roxas said NTF-82 is expected to reach Manila by the third week of May.

The NTF-82 was deployed to the Middle East in February for the possible evacuation of overseas Filipino workers after tensions between the US and Iran erupted early this year.

During the mission, NTF-82 and the contingent led by Marine Col. Noel Beleran made history by becoming the first Filipino naval ships to sail on the Indian Ocean, validating its status as a Navy that is now capable of sustaining operations across oceans; and by making port visits to Sri Lanka and Oman, which reinforced diplomatic ties with these countries.

"Further, the deployment of the contingent fostered national pride for our overseas workers through engagements with Filipino communities there," Roxas said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said detention areas are being reserved for violators of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as part of intensified law enforcement operations amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"We will file a case against them and then we will reserve appropriate confinement areas to arrest all those (who) violate the guidelines," PNP Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, said in a radio interview on Wednesday.

Gamboa said arrested violators could be detained for a longer time because of the number of cases being handled by courts.

"You will surely be detained and could be (in detention) for a longer time and you will be mixed with other offenders," he added.

So far, the PNP has recorded a total of 136,000 ECQ violators.

Gamboa said the police would implement a strict ECQ in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon (Calabarzon).

The PNP has earlier ordered the deployment of Special Action Force commandos to assist the local police units.

In particular, 116 SAF commandos were deployed to at least 10 areas in Metro Manila with a high number of ECQ violations.

He also called on local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances imposing sanctions and penalties on quarantine violators.

Gamboa proposed community service as among these penalties.

"Baka madala na, hindi ka na kailangan pang arestuhin ulit (Maybe they would learn their lesson so they don't need to be arrested again)," he added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday night reiterated that the issuance of food passes is meant to ease the mobility of food and agri-fishery cargoes in quarantine checkpoints and not for other purposes, such as relief missions.

The bureau made the statement following the recent arrest of six members of the Anakpawis Party-list for allegedly violating strict quarantine protocols as it conducted "unauthorized" travel to Norzagaray, Bulacan to bring relief goods over the weekend.

"We would like, however, to emphasize that food passes are only issued to allow vehicles to enter and exit quarantine areas for seamless movement of food and agri-fishery products from the source to the market. Relief goods and other similar interventions are not covered by the DA-issued food pass," it said, referring to the Department of Agriculture.

The agency also enjoined holders of such passes to "maintain and practice health and quarantine protocols whenever they are in transit and otherwise".

The BFAR, an attached agency of the DA, confirmed that it issued a food pass to the national fishers group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on April 17 after it was able to comply and submit all required documents.

Pamalakaya national chairperson Fernando Hicap has argued that the group underwent the proper process in applying for the food pass so that the delivery of relief goods to the distressed fishing and farming communities would not be hampered.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, said the arrested volunteers violated quarantine rules because they were "Unauthorized Persons Outside of Residence" and they misrepresented a food pass to gain passage through checkpoints.

Malaya noted that a food pass, even if issued by the DA, is not valid for the conduct of relief operations.

"They illegally used a food pass for another purpose when a food pass is for the transport of farm produce from farm to market. In fact, the use of the DILG logo for this purpose is again illegal and will not be tolerated by this department," he added.

Revocation

The BFAR said it can revoke the food passes issued if an authorized entity breaches quarantine and other health protocols.

"The bureau is one with the government's efforts to control the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and reserves its right to revoke food passes issued to entities who use them for other purposes, which may violate or compromise health and safety measures," it said.

Charges of violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), including refusal to observe guidelines on home quarantine and insisting to pass through checkpoints, Executive Order 922 Section 4, and attempted "inciting to sedition" under Article 142 of the RPC were filed before the provincial prosecutor's office of Malolos City, Bulacan on Monday against Karl Mae San Juan, 29; Marlon Lester Gueta, 26; Roberto Medel, 52; Eribeto Peña Jr., 60; Raymar Guaves, 21; and Tobi Estrada, 22.

The complainants were Lt. Schnieder Garcia, Pat. Marlon Castillo, and Pat. Fernando Estrada of the Norzagaray Municipal Police Station.

Meanwhile, former Anakpawis representative Ariel Casilao is also facing the same charges and a separate complaint about usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the RPC.

Based on the report of the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon), the Anakpawis members were on board a passenger jeepney (ZNH-869) that was stopped at a quarantine control point in Barangay Bigte at about 11 a.m. on Sunday.

The group reportedly failed to show any proof of exemption or authority for their presence in Bulacan, except that they were going to deliver a cargo of relief packs to their members and sympathizers in Kalye 11 in Barangay Bigte.

However, upon visual inspection, the jeepney contained anti-government flyers, printed materials, and tarpaulins with slogans that promote the political ideology of Anakpawis, the electoral wing of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno and the Kilusang Mangbubukid ng Pilipinas.

The relief packs were promptly released and turned over to officials of Barangay Bigte while the propaganda materials were confiscated as evidence for court proceedings. (PNA)



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MANILA – The condition of one of the two police generals who were among the passengers of the helicopter that crashed in Laguna last March has improved, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, said on Wednesday.

Gamboa said Maj. Gen. Mariel Magaway has shown good vital signs while undergoing rehabilitation.

"Actually gising na at nag-undergo na siya ng mga physical therapy at occupational therapy and then 'yung mga reactions niya, pati yung kanyang perception sa brain, all are normal. He can recall. Nakakausap na siya paminsan-minsan (Actually, he is conscious and is undergoing physical and occupational therapy. His reactions and brain perception are all normal. He is able to recall and is responsive at times)," he said in a radio interview.

However, Maj. Gen. Jovic Ramos remains in critical condition.

"(As for Maj.) Gen. Ramos, 'yun pa rin, (comatose) pa rin siya. Nakakalungkot talaga (He is still comatose. It is really sad). We are still praying he will be able to recover," Gamboa said.

He said aside from the two generals, the two pilots, Lt. Col. Roel Zalatar and Lt. Col. Rico Macawili, and crew member Senior MSgt. Luis Estona, are still undergoing rehabilitation.

"'Yung dalawang piloto saka yung isang (The two pilots and one) crew are still undergoing rehab. Kasi kagaya nung co-pilot at saka yung isang crew, may tama sa spine, (like the co-pilot and the crew, they have a spine injury)," Gamboa said.

At about 8 a.m. on March 5, the ill-fated helicopter crashed upon takeoff after hitting a high-tension wire due to poor visibility caused by thick dust.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, PNP deputy chief for operations and head of the Special Investigation Task Group, said they were looking into all angles that could have caused the crash, including the zero visibility due to thick dust and debris, the airworthiness of the chopper, and human error. (PNA)



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MANILA – In compliance with Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 25, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is directing the local government units (LGUs) nationwide to focus on contact tracing of possible carriers of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said the main focus for LGUs shall be the DITR steps -- "Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate" the carriers in accordance with the National Strategy to Defeat Covid-19 of the IATF and NTF Covid-19.

"With the absence of the cure and the vaccine against Covid-19 for now, the fight against this virus is in contact tracing. It is urgent that LGUs identify the hosts or carriers of Covid-19 in every locality to prevent further spread of this deadly virus," he said in a news release Wednesday.

He said all LGUs are advised to increase the number of Contact Tracing Teams (CTTs) to conduct contact tracing for all persons with known exposure to Covid-19 patients.

These teams will also monitor the status of suspects and probable Covid-19 cases, family members with known contact to a confirmed case to mitigate the possibility of contagion. These teams will report daily updates to the Covid-19 Provincial and Regional Task Forces.

The CTT per LGU is to be led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief of police and assisted by the City or Municipal Health Officer together with the Bureau of Fire Protection, local disaster risk reduction and management offices and the barangay health emergency response teams.

In DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2020-073, Año enjoined LGUs to increase the number of their trained personnel to conduct swabbing and specimen collection to assist the Local Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (LESU). The LGU personnel shall be trained by the Regional/Provincial/City/Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.

After the conduct of the test, Covid-19 positive patients and probable cases will be confined to an isolation facility established by respective LGUs and shall be medically managed consistent to the guidelines set in Department of Health (DOH) Memorandum No. 2020-0108 entitled "Guidelines for Management of Patients with Possible and Confirmed Covid-19" among others.

Severe and critical cases, as well as mild but high-risk cases, are required to be in Level 2 and 3 Hospitals. Confirmed cases with mild symptoms and asymptomatic are to be isolated in Level 1 hospitals or Ligtas Covid-19/Isolation Center or the LGU- managed Temporary Treatment Facility.

These Ligtas Covid-19 Centers must be conducive for patients to fully recover from the disease and must have adequate medical and psychological support teams to address all the needs of the patients in isolation.

"After proper identification and isolation, LGUs must have proper specimen collection system and means to transport the specimen to laboratories," Año said.

Honesty urged while privacy protected

Meanwhile, DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan E. Malaya said the agency is coordinating with the DOH in having a data-sharing agreement in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 to protect the privacy of people included in the contact tracing of the government.

"Sinusunod po natin ang direktiba ng IATF-EID na ang contract tracing ay maging national-government-enabled, LGU-led at people-centered response. Kaya sisiguraduhin natin ang kapakanan ng mga tao kabilang nariyan ang (We are complying with the directive of the IATF-EID that contact tracing should be a national government-enabled, LGU led and a people-centered response. This is why we will make sure that the welfare of the people is upheld (including the fundamental right to privacy)," he said.

Malaya, however, said the government is appealing to the people, to be honest in disclosing their health condition.

"The government calls on the people to be honest in stating their symptoms and their recent contact with Covid-19 patients. This is not a joke. Lives are at stake. Don't be scared. The government is here to help you get treated," he said.

Malaya reminded that Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act makes it obligatory to report medical conditions that are of public health concern. (PR)



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MANILA – A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft loaded with laboratory equipment from the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) that will be used for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) testing has safely landed at the Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga early Wednesday.

In a statement, PAF spokesperson Maj. Aristides Galang said the aircraft departed from China around 12:10 a.m. and arrived in Clark Air Base around 2:45 a.m.

The PAF C-130 aircraft arrived in Shenzhen earlier on Tuesday.

"The Department of Health (DOH) representative received a total of 10,000 lbs (pounds) composed of 66 boxes of BGI laboratory equipment," he added.

Upon the arrival of the C-130, personnel from Air Logistics Command, together with those from the 710th Special Operations Wing, immediately helped in providing security, safety and disinfecting measures to BGI staff, aircrew, aircraft and laboratory equipment.

"Indeed, these initiatives with the Philippine government through the grant assistance from the Asian Development Bank and with the help of the PAF will continue as we battle against this pandemic," Galang said.

In an earlier Facebook post, the DOH said the BGI laboratory equipment is worth USD2.5 million and can be set up within seven to 10 days. (PNA)



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MANILA – More than PHP41.7 million worth of medical supplies seized in crackdowns against hoarders and profiteers by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be turned over to hospitals soon, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday.

In a press statement, Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said concerned agencies have agreed in principle to the emergency measure in light of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, noting that the final routing for the approval of an inter-agency circular is nearing completion.

Perete explained that in regular times, the forfeiture and disposition of goods must first be presented as evidence in the cases filed against the alleged hoarders or profiteers.

"In times of emergency, we can dispose of (the seized items even pending litigation) provided we follow the procedure," he said.

Aside from the DOJ, the Department fo Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have already approved the inter-agency circular.

An approval is also needed from the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture for the seizure and forfeiture or disposition of confiscated goods, Perete said.

"The DTI and BOC conduct seizure proceedings on overpriced or smuggled goods respectively, the goods are either forfeited in favor of the government or disposed of according to the Price Act or Customs Modernization and Tariff Act," he said.

He added that for some seized items, likewise needed is the approval of the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that it is safe for public consumption. (PNA)



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MANILA – The member agencies of the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases are formulating sector-specific plans, strategies, and targets to intensify the country's response to the coronavirus disease (Civid-19) crisis, a ranking official said.

National Task Force (NTF) Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., also the presidential peace adviser, said local government units (LGUs) were given a directive to facilitate regional and provincial cooperation to better contain the spread of Covid-19.

Under IATF Resolution No. 25, he said, new guidelines for the implementation of quarantine measures will "adopt a national-government-enabled, LGU-led, and people-centered response to the Covid-19 health event."

"With this new directive, LGUs can exchange ideas, plans, and strategies on effective ways to prevent the spread of the Covid-19, or it could be by sharing LGUs' best practices," he said in a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.

Galvez said the resolution stated that the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are tasked to enter a data-sharing agreement (DSA) under Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act.

"The DILG along with the LGUs will lead the conduct of the contact-tracing in the communities," he said, noting that the LGUs have the capacity "to identify possible Covid-19 clusters" in their areas.

He said LGU's health resiliency is crucial to strengthening the fight against the dreaded virus.

"As we've said before, the localization of the implementation of the National Action Plan against Covid-19 at the regional, provincial, municipal, city and barangay levels is the key to beat Covid-19," he added.

Effective quarantine measures

Meanwhile, Galvez cited the research conducted by the University of the Philippines Research Institute (UPRI), citing the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in helping curb the spread of the contagion.

"According to UP Professor Mahar Lagmay in an interview, there is a possibility that NCR (National Capital Region) may reach the so-called 'peak' if we will base it on the rate or the number of new infections," he said, saying the same thing might happen to those provinces, cities, and municipalities under community quarantine.

He added that Lagmay and Dr. Ted Herbosa, UP Executive Vice President and National Task Force on Covid-19 Medical Adviser, have also warned that the "rate of new infection" may climb by shortly lifting the ECQ.

"It also suggested that any decision made by the government should be in accordance with a "science-based model," he cited.

Testing kits, facilities, PPE

Galvez said suspected Covid-19 cases, health workers and those most vulnerable members of society including the elderly, pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals were prioritized in the "localized and targeted testing" nationwide, which already started on April 14.

The "targeted massive testing", he said, has provided the task force a holistic assessment of the public health situation in the country.

On the other hand, Galvez said the Covid-19 testing laboratory of the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC) is now operational and could accommodate more or less 12,000 tests per day.

The government, he said, targets more or less 2 million individuals to be tested.

"This plan will provide the government the critical data and analysis to help address the crisis brought about by Covid-19," he added.

Galvez said 52,837 individuals have already been tested as of this posting.

He said the first batch out of the 900,000 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing kits and 2 million rapid testing kits being procured are expected to arrive this week.

There are 3,052 quarantine facilities that have already been established nationwide, he said, which can cater to about 211,474 suspected and mild Covid-19 patients.

He said the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will provide health packages for Covid-19 patients who had been confirmed positive and admitted not later than April 15.

Galvez added that several medical supports, including personal protective equipment (PPE) sets for health workers, are regularly transported and distributed to all private and public hospitals nationwide, to ensure their safety from the risks of the dreaded virus.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel, he said, are tasked to transport the protective gear embarking a C-130 plane, which will depart twice a day.

He said this would double the hauling capacity of PPE suits (so) that the medical workers will be ensured of the "stockpiling and strategic reserve" of protective gear.

Health crisis response

Galvez assured that the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are continuously monitoring the stable prices of commodities, including enough supplies of agricultural products and other essential food items.

Policies on suggested retail price (SRP) and price freeze are imposed nationwide, Galvez said.

He said the government continues to strengthen the quarantine measures along with the national action plan.

The implementation of the "locate, test, isolate, cure strategy" will curb down the numbers of new Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country. (PNA)



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MANILA – Taguig City on Wednesday formally activated its barangay-based and drive-through testing as part of efforts to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak in its locality. 

These initiatives are under the city's Systematic Mass Approach to Responsible Testing (SMART), Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano said in a news release.

"Many experts have seen increased Covid-19 testing as an effective tool to decrease transmissions and more effectively treat those infected. We are heeding their suggestions," Cayetano said.

Since March, SMART has tested nearly 1,000 individuals through a Covid-19 on-call service, through which mobile teams of health workers would collect swabs from possible patients in the confines of their homes.

Taguig will also train personnel in its 31 health centers and three "Super Health Centers" to conduct Covid-19 testing in the barangays where they operate.

Meanwhile, those who find the health centers inaccessible but have personal vehicles may undertake the drive-through testing.

The service will be available in temporary testing facilities set up in Bonifacio Global City in Barangay Fort Bonifacio and Taguig Lakeshore in Barangay Lower Bicutan.

"With these approaches, we are making Covid-19 testing more accessible to Taguigeños," Cayetano said.

"In doing this, we are capturing the real breadth of Covid-19 infections in the city, normalizing testing, and taking away the stigma around the infection," he added.

This will also capacitate the city's health workers on the safe handling of possible Covid-19 cases.

"The new skill would immensely help us in the foreseeable future where Covid-19 is a notifiable disease or a disease that should be immediately reported and managed," he added.

With the new components, SMART will expand testing to cover recovering Covid-19 patients; persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms; front-line workers; people who may have interacted with confirmed cases; and vulnerable demographics, such as pregnant women, elderly individuals, and persons with co-morbidities.

In handling the volume of samples for Covid-19 testing, Taguig added new partner laboratories to its existing agreement with the Department of Health and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

It recently forged new partnerships with St. Luke's Medical Center - Bonifacio Global City and the Philippine Red Cross.

Cayetano said the city has maintained low transmission because of a holistic approach to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Apart from testing, the city government has reorganized itself, continues the enforcement of a community quarantine, containment, contact tracing, and disinfection as part of the holistic approach.

"We have strictly implemented the guidelines of the ECQ, complemented that effort with the provision of relief, other forms of assistance and continued social services. On top of this, we have increased our capacity for treatment and quarantine. This new step is part of that holistic approach. We see mass testing as a crucial and proactive step, one that we think will benefit the city even beyond the ECQ," he said. (PR)



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MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to study the effectiveness of the Fabunan anti-viral injection in curing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the FDA should check if Fabunan is safe and effective for use in the treatment of Covid-19.

"Bakit ba hindi napag-aralan 'yung sinasabing anti-viral injection ni Fabunan at once and for all, magdeklara ang FDA -- ito ba ay safe to use or hindi (Why is there no study about the Fabunan anti-viral injection so that, once and for all, the FDA could declare if it is safe to use or not)," Roque said in an interview with state-run Radyo Pilipinas.

A now-deleted video that circulated on social media this month claimed that Fabunan, a patented anti-viral drug against dengue developed by Washington-based Filipino doctor Ruben Fabunan, has been "proven to be used to treat Covid-19" and is already an "approved" drug.

In an April 8 advisory, the FDA warned the public that no drug and vaccine has been licensed "specifically for use in Covid-19 treatment."

Roque cited the need to conduct a study about the effectiveness of Fabunan to stop confusion among individuals who think that the drug can treat Covid-19.

"Habang hindi ginagawa at hindi nagdedeklara ng ganiyan ang FDA, palaging madaming maniniwala na baka ito (Fabunan) na nga ang lunas (So long as there is no official declaration from FDA, many will still believe that it is the cure)," he said. "So sabi ko pag-aralan na nga kung ano iyan at magkaroon na ng pronouncement ang FDA (So the FDA should study it and make a pronouncement)."

Roque said there should be a scientific basis that Fabunan can be used for Covid-19 treatment or prevention.

"Kinakailangan ay siyensiya pa rin ang umiral nang malaman natin kung iyan ba ay banta o mabuti sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan (There should be a scientific basis so we would know if it is good or bad for public health)," he said.

In a Facebook post on March 31, the Fabunan Medical Clinic clarified that the anti-viral injection is not commercially sold.

Following the circulation of viral social media posts about the anti-viral injection, the clinic said Fabunan is used "exclusively by the Fabunan Medical Clinic and its doctors in the practice of their profession."

On Tuesday, Roque announced that Duterte is offering a PHP10-million reward to any Filipino who could develop a vaccine against Covid-19.

The President, he said, would also give the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital a "substantial grant" to develop a vaccine.

During his intervention at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Plus Three Summit on April 15, Duterte said the Philippines is ready to join other countries in conducting clinical trials of Avigan, a Japanese anti-viral drug, for the potential treatment of Covid-19.

Research studies at Wuhan University and other institutions in China have disclosed that Avigan is seen as effective in treating Covid-19.

As of Tuesday, the Philippines has reported 6,599 Covid-19 infections, with 437 deaths and 654 recoveries.

Since appearing in Wuhan, China last December, the new coronavirus has spread to at least 185 countries and regions.

According to data compiled by the US-based Johns Hopkins University, worldwide Covid-19 infections have passed 2.5 million, with the death toll nearing 172,000, while almost 660,000 people have recovered. (PNA)




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MANILA – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Wednesday started accepting online applications for medical assistance due to the suspension of operations in its main and extension offices due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

In an advisory, PCSO General Manager Royina Garma said those seeking for medical assistance can go to the website of PCSO www.pcso.gov.ph and click E-Services and the NCR Online Application.

Garma said those can be availed of include requests for medical assistance for confinement, and outpatient requests for chemotherapy, dialysis, hemophilia and post-transplant medicines.

Requests will be accepted and processed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. only in view of the curfew hours of the local government units.

For Metro Manila, requests shall be submitted and processed at the PCSO main office.

Garma said the PCSO will continue to find ways and means to reach out to people and assist the national government in its fight against Covid-19.

"The agency, adhering and complying to the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, emphasizes and strengthens this auxiliary role especially in providing healthcare to Filipinos, bearing a part of the weight and augmenting government efforts in these strained and challenging times," she added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday received two emergency quarantine facilities (EQFs) from a group of architects and stakeholders. 

The turnover ceremony took place at the V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City, AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, said in a statement.

These facilities, located at the hospital, were a construction project designed and led by Architect William Ti Jr. of WTA Architecture + Design Studio with other architects and industry experts.

They were designed for hospitals and institutions that are at maximum capacity to provide additional space for patients who need to undergo quarantine.

Currently, the EQF Team is collectively pushing to build a total of 62 EQFs within and outside Metro Manila.

The facilities were funded by SM Foundation and Tayô, Táyo! Fundraiser.

The V. Luna General Hospital is also known as the AFP Medical Center and is home to the AFP Health Service Command. (PNA)



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MANILA – Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John R. Castriciones on Wednesday announced that the filing of pleadings and the conduct of hearings in all adjudicating bodies of the department in Luzon and other areas placed under the government-imposed enhanced community quarantine remain suspended throughout the duration of the lockdown period.

"The rescheduling of all legal proceedings and processes in all adjudicating bodies of the DAR in areas placed under the enhanced community quarantine is done in compliance with the government decision to extend the lockdown period up to the end of this month," Castriciones said in a press release.

Castriciones said the running period for the filing of pleadings, based on its actual balance as of March 15, is rescheduled on May 4, 2020.

Castriciones said the conduct of hearings is reset one month from the date of the original schedules that have fallen under the lockdown period.

He, however, emphasized that all DAR adjudicating bodies outside the quarantined areas shall continue to operate normally.

"Every day is a working day for all concerned adjudicators in areas under total lockdown. They shall continue to draft decisions and orders in their respective homes throughout the lockdown period," he said.

Castriciones said the reglamentary period for rendition of judgment (30 days) and resolution of motion for reconsideration (five days) and orders shall be reset and to start running again on May 4, 2020.

"The same applies to the transmittal of records on appeal," he added.

Moreover, the sectorial deadline for all pending cases received in 2019, which was originally set on March 31, 2020, is reset on June 1, 2020, Castriciones said.

He pointed out though that "the extension of operations of all legal proceedings and processes shall be deemed without prejudice to the exercise of discretion of the President (Rodrigo Roa Duterte) to relax the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in some local jurisdictions. The resumption of the running periods shall be fixed by the DAR as soon as the ECQ is lifted." (PR)



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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is studying the proposal to allow the resumption of operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) to boost funding for the country's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

 

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has suggested the reopening of POGOs amid Covid-19 pandemic in the country, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview with government-owned Radyo Pilipinas.

"Nag-rekomenda na po si Secretary Dominguez, kung hindi po ako nagkakamali. Pero iyan po ay pinag-aaralan pa rin ng Presidente. Hindi po kasi pupuwede na special ang desisyon sa mga POGO (Secretary Dominguez already made a recommendation, if I'm not mistaken. But the President is still studying the proposal because he can't make a special decision for POGOs)," Roque said.

All businesses, including POGOs, have been temporarily closed amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the entire Luzon and other parts of Visayas and Mindanao to contain the spread of Covid-19.

However, establishments offering essential services are exempted from the temporary closure during the ECQ.

Dominguez earlier said the government is carefully weighing the possible resumption of POGO operations, considering that revenues from the online gaming industry could augment the national government's funds to fight Covid-19 pandemic.

Around PHP275-billion funds have been granted to the national government to help it in its fight against Covid-19.

Duterte, some of his Cabinet members, and other high-ranking government officials have donated their salaries to boost efforts to halt the spread of the contagion.

Roque said Duterte would consider all factors in deciding on the proposed reopening of POGOs in the country.

"Ang tanong pa rin, nasaan iyong mga POGO kung sila ay nasa lugar kung saan may outbreak. And limitado po talaga ang opsiyon ng Presidente diyan (The question is: Where are the POGOs operating? Are they operating in areas where there is an outbreak? The President really has a limited option)," he said.

At least 60 POGOs are authorized by state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to operate in the country.

Around 218 POGO service providers in the country that employed around 108,914 foreign workers are being monitored by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Following the intensified crackdown on errant POGOs, the national government was able to collect a total of PHP6.42 billion in taxes from POGOs and their service providers in 2019.

The tax collection last year increased to PHP4.04 billion, or 169 percent, compared to the PHP2.38 billion posted in 2018.

The national government is targeting to collect PHP2 billion in taxes per month from POGOs. (PNA)



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MANILA – About 27 of the 59 Filipinos who contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Singapore have recovered and have been discharged, Philippine Ambassador Joseph del Mar Yap reported on Wednesday.

The remaining 32 are undergoing treatment in hospitals, he said.

Amid the extended "circuit breaker" period to stem the spread of Covid-19 in the city-state, Yap advised all Filipinos to heed the instructions of the Singaporean government.

Under the measure, the government has imposed controlled access to areas susceptible to crowding and halted non-essential work operations.

Singapore has seen a sharp increase in its total cases over the past 10 days. Its Ministry of Health confirmed another 1,111 cases of the coronavirus disease on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 9,125. 

The Philippines has so far extended a USD200 one-time assistance to about 300 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Singapore affected by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, several OFWs from the aviation sector returned to the Philippines as several flights have been grounded due to the pandemic.

On Monday, 14 OFWs from Singapore were repatriated and underwent a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

"There will be another flight that will take the aviation workers," Yap said, adding that the employers will shoulder the repatriation. (PNA)



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MANILA – A leader of the House of Representatives on Wednesday cautioned the government against the plan to resume Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators' (POGOs) operations amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon.

House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. said issues hounding POGOs should be resolved first, such as non-remittance of revenues and non-payment of taxes, before their operations are allowed to resume.

"In hearings in the House and the Senate, we have been told that one, we cannot even properly keep track of and document POGO workers; and two, that we have not been able to collect taxes from them," Abante said.

"If that is the case, then allowing them to resume operations ostensibly so the government can earn revenues to help battle the Covid-19 outbreak makes little sense," he added.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman Andrea Domingo on April 21 told the media that she has written the President and recommended the resumption of POGO operations.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez confirmed that the matter was referred to the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Abante noted that the government would be sending "conflicting signals" to the public regarding the ECQ should it allow POGO employees to return to work, considering that non-essential businesses were ordered to suspend operations due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

"The government has suspended work in the whole of Luzon to keep people from going outside to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but has allowed essential industries like food production, manufacture, and sales to continue," he said.

"The operative word here is 'essential;' it is my view that POGOs are not an essential industry needed by the country as we work to overcome the outbreak. Gambling, in all shapes and forms, is not essential. It is a vice––one that any country can do without, whether it be the Philippines or China," he added.

Earlier, ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Go Yap, vice-chair of the House committee on games and amusements, called for the lifting of the suspension to boost tax collection.

"In view of exhausting government coffers, the suspension of POGO operations should be lifted immediately to give our tax collection a much-needed boost," Yap said.

"The foreign workers are here anyway. Like us, some of them are also going out to get what they need. They go to groceries, drug stores, restaurants. Kung nandito lang naman din sila (If they are already here), why not allow them to operate. Work from home arrangements should be explored," Yap added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has urged colleges and universities to consider the interests of students and to exercise prudence on deciding for a mass promotion for the current academic year.

CHED chair J.Prospero de Vera III said institutions have the "academic freedom" to mass promote students -- the policy of promoting students to the next grade level -- at this time when the nation is facing the challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019.

"Iyan ay kapangyarihan ng mga propesor at mga pamantasan na magpasa ng kanilang mga estudyante, 'yan po ay hindi kapangyarihan ng komisyon...dapat ang mga pamantasan kapag pinagde-desisyon nila ito ay babalansehin ang interes ng lahat ng estudyante (That is the authority of professors and HEIs, that is not for the Commission to decide on...the HEIs must balance the interest of all students if they decide on this)," de Vera said in an interview over CNN Tuesday.

De Vera made the statement in response to some college and university students requesting the commission to implement mass promotion across all HEIs.

Some are pushing for mass promotion to protect students while others wanted the opposite.

De Vera said it would respect the decision of schools.

On the other hand, de Vera noted that mass promotion could result in academic problems, especially when there is lack of requirements or basis for the students' grades.

"Anong ibibigay mong grade kung nagbigay ka ng automatic pass sa lahat? Ang tanong ko pano naman ang mga estudyanteng naghahabol ng honors at kelangan nila ng kanilang grado, yung mga under scholarship na kailangan nila ng grade-point average, mga gustong mag graduate school at kailangan nila ang mga grado nila, mga gustong makapasok ng medical school at ang labanan diyan ay 'yung pataasan ng (What grade will you give if it's automatic pass for all? My question is how about the students running for honors who need grades, those under scholarship needing grade-point average, those who want to proceed to graduate school with good grades, those who want to go to medical school where there is competition of) grades," he said.

Mass promotion could result in more problems than benefits for students taking up degrees with the specific number of hours of internship or on the job training as mandated by law, de Vera said.

"Kailangan mo ito hindi lang para makatapos ng kurso kung hindi para din makakuha ng licensure test kasi ang ibang degree programs ang kanilang requirements are required by law, iyong mga pharmacy, midwifery, medicine, nursing, ang degree requirements niyan ay required ng batas, hindi po pwede palitan ng komisyon 'yung nakalagay sa batas (You need this not just to finish your course but also to take for a licensure test because there degree programs with requirements required by law, pharmacy, midwifery, medicine, nursing, their degree requirements are according to law, the Commission cannot change the law)," he said. (PNA)



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MANILA – Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has urged the government and private banks to provide easier loan access to micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers, whose livelihoods were affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

During the virtual hearing of the House Defeat Covid-19 Committee on Tuesday, Cayetano said the problem of the country's financial system is how to get potential small borrowers to avail themselves of loans from the banking sector.

He noted that small borrowers are "intimidated" by the formal banking system.

"How do we get people not to borrow from 5/6 lenders who charge very high-interest rates and go to you? Even farmers with land titles who apply for small loans are told the application/approval process is very tedious. They are being dissuaded," he said.

Cayetano recommended to simplify and shorten the loan application procedures, as well as reduce the documentary requirements.

"The purpose is to help people but at the same time keep the financial institutions healthy," he said.

Land Bank president Cecilia Borromeo, who was present during the hearing, stressed the need to strike a good balance of maintaining prudence and the other due diligence processes before lending out "precious government funds."

"We did it in the case of the PHP15,000-loan to farmers, We trimmed down the requirements and shortened the process. One key success factor was that we had a list of beneficiaries identified by the Department of Agriculture. So we can do it in the case of small and medium-scale enterprises. We will continue to look for solutions," she said.

Bangkok Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno, meanwhile, said the central bank has eased the requirement for banks to set aside a portion of their funds as reserves.

"We have freed up from PHP180 billion to PHP200 billion and we asked banks to lend the money to MSMEs," he said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the government, through the Philippine Export and Foreign Loan Guarantee Corp., would guarantee a large portion of the loans banks extend to MSMEs to boost lending to small borrowers.

Cayetano vowed to fast-track the approval of a stimulus bill seeking to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the Philippine economy.

"While waiting for the administration version of the stimulus package, we are already hearing through this TWG (technical working group) the draft bill. We will fast-track all of this, much better if the Palace will certify this [as urgent] like the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act," Cayetano said.

The draft consolidated bill called Philippine Economic Recovery Act proposes a total allocation of PHP613 billion to fund the economic interventions aimed at protecting Filipino families and jobs; assisting workers and business entities facing hardship due to the pandemic, and preserving the country's trajectory to economic prosperity. (PNA)



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MANILA – The United States government is providing an additional USD5.3 million (approximately PHP269 million) in health and humanitarian assistance to support the Philippines' fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the US Embassy in Manila announced Wednesday.

The newest tranche of US assistance brings Washington's total aid to USD9.3 million or more than PHP470 million.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID), with the funding, will collaborate with the Philippine government to implement internationally-recognized prevention, control, and response strategies against infectious diseases.

This will include boosting Manila's laboratory and specimen-transport systems as well as its case-finding and disease surveillance.

Among others, it will assist Filipino and international technical experts in risk communication, infection prevention and control efforts, handwashing and hygiene promotion, and community-level preparedness and response.

Washington initially announced USD4 million in health funding to support Manila's efforts to prepare laboratory systems.

The embassy said the US-supported efforts to augment the Department of Health's testing capacity have so far contributed to an increase in the daily conducted tests from 200 to approximately 3,000 per day.

The USAID's online learning modules, on the other hand, are boosting capacities in more than 100 hospitals across the country with up-to-date Covid-19 infection prevention and control information and skills.

The agency has also assisted the DOH develop and launch a nationwide commodity and logistics tracking tool that offers real-time data on stores of life-saving Covid-19 commodities, the embassy said.

In addition, the US funding helped Filipino and international technical experts in data collection, including support for two surveillance experts assisting the DOH Epidemiology Bureau with analysis and reporting of Covid-19 cases. (PNA) 



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MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is mounting a repatriation flight for stranded and distressed Filipinos in Italy and nearby states amid the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Wednesday.

"To stranded or distressed overseas Filipinos in Italy and nearby countries, DFA is mounting a repatriation flight to bring you home, the USD450,000 (or PHP23 million) charter costs courtesy of our assistance-to-nationals fund," Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Brigido Dulay posted over his Twitter account.

The DFA has not released the details of the flight but Filipinos who want to avail the program are advised to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate-General.

There are at least 161,885 Filipinos in Italy alone but "few" have so far signified interest to return home, said Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez.

"Marami nang napauwi na crew members ng cruise ships na mula sa Italy pero ang land-based repatriation inaayos pa ng Embassy sa Rome at consulate sa Milan. Ayon sa interview ni Ambassador (Domingo) Nolasco noong isang araw, mukhang iilan pa lamang ang interesadong umuwi na land-based (Several crew members from cruise ships in Italy have returned but the repatriation of the land-based are still being polished by the Embassy in Rome and Consulate in Milan. Based on the interview of Ambassador Nolasco, it seemed few land-based Filipinos are interested to return home)," he told reporters.

According to the latest data from the World Health Organization, a total of 181,228 people in Italy have been diagnosed with respiratory disease while 24,114 have died. (PNA) 



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MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 111 new persons infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 6,710.

During a Covid-19 virtual presser, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also reported 39 new recoveries and 9 new deaths.

The total number of recovered cases nationwide is now at 693 while the death toll has climbed to 446.

"Meron tayong 1,062 healthcare workers na nag positibo sa Covid-19 -- 422 ay doctors, 386 ay nurses, 30 ay medical technologists, 21 ay radiologic technologists, 51 ay nursing assistants at may 152 na napabilang sa ibang serbisyo bilang health front-liners tulad ng (We have 1,062 health care workers who are positive for Covid-19 -- 422 are doctors, 386 are nurses, 30 are medical technologists, 21 are radiologic technologists, 51 are nursing assistants and there are 152 who serve as front-liners like) administrative workforce and barangay health workers," Vergeire said.

She added that about 26 of the health care workers have died from Covid-19 and 19 of them are doctors or physicians. (PNA)



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MANILA – A party-list lawmaker on Wednesday said the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) can continue to do business by launching secure and fraud-free interactive mobile lottery games to help the government shore up revenues needed to respond to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.

In a statement, Ang Probinsyano Rep. Ronnie Ong said that while the PCSO really has no choice but to shut down its land-based lottery activities such as the Sweepstakes, Scratch-it, and Small Town Lottery, it can launch interactive and mobile lottery games amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

"Interactive and mobile lottery games can actually be very timely at this time because of the ECQ. Many people are in their homes doing nothing. Instead of wasting money on some online games to fight boredom, they can actually support PCSO lotteries as their way of contributing in the war effort against this unseen enemy," Ong said.

Ong, the vice-chair of the House games and amusement committee, noted that the government is losing at least PHP3.75 billion monthly, or PHP125 million daily since PCSO decided to stop operations with the ECQ last March.

He cited that the PCSO is making at least an estimated PHP15 billion to PHP16 billion every quarter from its various lottery operations.

"Even if we can only generate half of the PHP3.75 billion monthly revenue of the PCSO, we will be able to provide adequate relief of a lot of communities especially in areas that are on full lockdown. Let us be realistic about the ECQ. Most of the people take their chances outside their homes because they have no food to eat," Ong said.

He suggested that the PCSO can deploy interactive and mobile applications where people can play Sweepstakes, Scratch-it, and other forms of lotteries.

The transactions can be done using various payment schemes such as credit cards, Paypal, and virtual wallets like G-Cash, SmartCash, PayMaya, and WeChat.

Ong said the PCSO must make sure adequate top-rated network security safeguards are in place to ensure that their mobile platform is safe and secure from all possibilities of hacking and other online fraud.

"This should be urgently considered by PCSO as the market may not recover back even if the ECQ is lifted due to market loss to the illegal and grey market operators. At the very least, funds are being generated rather than none at all," he added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The safety of students should be the primary consideration regarding plans on the opening of classes for the next school year, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Wednesday.

"The adjustment is obviously due to the pandemic which is a threat to lives. For me the principle 'safety first' is paramount. This consideration is critical to deciding when schools should open. I trust our officials will be guided by this principle and by scientific data, as we continue to implore help of the Almighty," Bishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, chairperson of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) said in a statement.

He added that the "decision, as well as the decision making", is also a communal thing as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic calls for collective solutions and decisions.

"It is a situation where the non-cooperation of one, poses a danger to all. As (the) World Health Organization (WHO) says, 'nobody is safe unless everybody is safe'," Alarcon added.

On Tuesday, the Department of Education (DepEd) said it is considering to open school year 2020-2021 in August.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones, however, said the school opening would still depend on the decisions of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Section 3 of Republic Act 7797 states that the "school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August".

The administration of final examinations and school year-end activities have been put on hold due to the enhanced community quarantine. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has assisted nearly 13,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were stranded after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented in Luzon due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak. 

Based on the report of OWWA's Task Force Covid-19 that was released on Wednesday, a total of 12,969 Filipinos have been provided with assistance as of April 20.

It added that 4,258 OFWs have been given free transportation, including 107 Filipinos who were transported to their residences or provinces after completing their 14-day quarantine.

Some 3,965 OFWs were provided with temporary shelter.

Meanwhile, 3,743 seafarers were given food packs and 1,003 stranded OFWs in the regions have received food, accommodation, and transportation assistance.

Last March 17, President Rodrigo Duterte implemented the ECQ to help check the spread of Covid-19.

The ECQ is in effect until April 30. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday appealed to the public not to harass the government personnel who identify and verify beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

DSWD Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje made this call after receiving reports that the government front-liners, particularly DSWD personnel, have been receiving threats while distributing the government cash assistance to the poor families affected by the enhanced community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

"Nakikiusap po ang DSWD na huwag magalit kundi ay bigyan ng tiwala at pag-unawa ang ating front-liners na ang nais lamang ay maipahatid ang mga benepisyo ng SAP sa mga nangangailangan (DSWD is appealing you not to be angry but instead give our front-liners understanding and trust. They only want to distribute the SAP benefits to the needy)," Paje said.

Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco earlier said barangay officials and government staff are at risk of getting the ire of those who will not be included in the list of SAP beneficiaries.

Paje said the DSWD has already coordinated with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide security to the field workers.

He said low-income families who will not be chosen by the field workers can apply as SAP beneficiaries by submitting their applications to the Local Social Welfare Development Offices for verification.

He added that barangay tanods and health workers are now eligible to receive the emergency subsidy.

"Hindi naman po ibig sabihin ay sila nang lahat. Syempre subject pa rin po sila to (It does not mean all barangay tanods and health workers will be given. They still have to undergo the same process of verification as others)," Paje clarified.

Based on the DSWD online data, a total of PHP76.8 billion has already been downloaded to the local government units (LGUs) for distribution as of April 22. Of this amount, PHP25.2 billion has already been given to the qualified beneficiaries.

The government has allotted PHP200 billion for the two-time cash subsidy ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 per recipient for around 18 million low-income households. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Duterte administration is exerting all efforts for the welfare of government medical front-liners, as well as their families, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said Wednesday after the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) hiked the life insurance benefits of its medical front-liner members.

Under the enhanced GSIS life insurance program, the families of public medical front-liners who succumb to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) will get an additional PHP500,000 on top of their regular life insurance benefits.

"Malaking tulong para sa ating mga medical frontliners ang additional life insurance na ibibigay ng GSIS. Patunay ito na maraming ginagawang hakbang ang ating gobyerno para mas pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng ating mga medical front-liners," Go said in a statement.

(The additional life insurance from GSIS would be of great help to our medical front-liners. This proves that the government is taking all necessary steps to better care for the welfare of our front-liners.)

"Ang ating hangarin ay kahit sa pinaka-worse situation, nariyan ang gobyerno upang mag-abot ng solusyon at tulong para sa mga medical front-liners at mga pamilya nito (Our aim is that even in the worst situation, the government is always there to provide solutions and assistance to our medical front-liners and their families)," he said.

He said the need for additional insurance benefits could not be stressed enough as medical front-liners face a high health risk of acquiring Covid-19, or even death since they are directly exposed to the dreaded disease.

"This would lessen the financial burden of surviving families in case of unfortunate death of government medical front-liners," Go said.

Based on the latest records of the Department of Health, over 766 health care workers have contracted Covid-19.

Of these, 339 were doctors, 242 were nurses and the rest are healthcare workers in different professions.

A total of 22 of their number have already succumbed to the disease.

GSIS president and general manager Rolando Macasaet said a government medical front-liner has regular life insurance of about PHP300,000 to PHP500,000, which is computed from 150 percent of his/her yearly compensation.

So if a medical front-liner has a monthly salary of PHP 30,000 dies from Covid-19, the heirs will receive PHP540,000 life insurance benefit (PHP30,000 monthly salary x 12 months x 150 percent), he said.

Under the enhanced GSIS insurance, Macasaet said the heirs will receive an additional PHP500,000, bringing the total GSIS insurance benefits to PHP1,040,000.

The heir will also be receiving PHP1 million under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

The Bayanihan Fund for Frontliners covers GSIS members who are working under DOH, health offices, and medical centers as well as treatment and rehabilitation centers.

It also includes members who are in hospitals, especially in DOH-supervised hospitals.

"So theoretically, the family of a medical front-liner who succumbs from Covid-19 will now receive at least PHP2 million," Macasaet said in an online radio interview.

Meanwhile, Go reiterated his assurance that all 71 Malasakit Centers across the country remain operational to serve Filipinos, particularly poor and indigent patients despite the ongoing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

He said that aside from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), each Malasakit Center hosts three more government agencies that can further help patients cover their hospital bills -- the Department of Health DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Other than patients who have been hospitalized due to Covid-19, he also assured that Malasakit Centers continue to assist patients suffering from other diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, among others.

"Kung sakaling 'di kayaning bayaran ng PhilHealth ay bukas po ang Malasakit Center. (If PhilHealth cannot cover all the cost, the Malasakit Center is open)," Go said.

And If this is still not enough, he assured that his office, as well as that of President Rodrigo Duterte, is always ready to assist patients who need assistance.

"Kung kailangan, pwede kayo lumapit kay Pangulong Duterte at pwede kayo lumapit sa akin (If needed, you can approach President Duterte and you can approach me)," Go said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday said it has issued show cause orders against 29 barangay chairpersons in Metro Manila for failure to properly enforce the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in their communities amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

 

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the move comes after reports received by the department from concerned citizens on the non-observance of physical distancing and continuing instances of mass gatherings in their barangays.

"We have reached this point because some village chiefs are not keeping a tight watch on their areas. We cannot be complacent with Covid-19 especially that we still do not have a cure for this. Many have died including doctors and health workers. Everybody wants to return to the normal way of living. To be able to do this, everybody must exercise discipline -- every family, every local government unit, every barangay -- must comply with the ECQ," he said in a news release.

The barangays issued with a show cause order are Barangays 11, 12, 20, 154, 220, 350, and 212 in Manila; Barangay Bagong Silangan, 178, 12, 176, 37, and 129 in Caloocan; Barangay Pasong Putik, Pasong Tamo, San Bartolome, Batasan Hills, Payatas, Fairview, Novaliches Proper, and San Antonio in Quezon City; Barangay Don Bosco, Moonwalk, and Marcela Green in Parañaque; Barangay Pio Del Pilar and Bangkal in Makati; Barangay Almanza 2 in Las Piñas; Barangay Tonsuya in Malabon; and Barangay Alabang in Muntinlupa.

Año said Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs, Martin Diño, is currently leading the issuance of the show cause order to the recipient punong barangays, who should be able to explain under oath within 48 hours from receipt why no administrative charges should be filed against them.

This includes the possible imposition of suspension pendente lite or during the litigation for failure to perform their mandated duties and functions in enforcing strict physical distancing directives (or ECQ) to slow the spread of and to defeat the dreadful Covid-19 in their local government unit (LGU). Failure to submit their explanation shall be deemed a waiver thereof.

Año said punong barangays are legally liable in properly implementing the ECQ as mandated by the Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which orders LGUs to fully cooperate in the cohesive implementation of the national policy to address Covid-19.

In line with this is the DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2020-62 dated March 21, 2020 which enjoins LGUs to strictly deter mass gatherings.

 

Critical role of barangays

Meanwhile, DILG Spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya emphasized the critical role of barangays in the battle against Covid-19.

"People in the barangay are the ones who are fully aware of the situation in the community. You are the hands and feet of the government. Your role in making sure that the ECQ is strictly enforced and that the needs of your constituents are provided is critical," he said in Filipino, as he urged village chiefs to ensure the organization and functionality of their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) tasked, among others, to monitor and report suspect and probable Covid-19 cases.

Malaya says that BHERTs should also assist the Contact Tracing Teams (CTTs) of LGUs in the conduct of contact tracing for all persons with known exposure to Covid-19 patients.

The CTT in each LGU is to be led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief of Police and also assisted by the City or Municipal Health Officer together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRMMO).

"It is high time that everyone's cooperation against Covid-19 is needed especially now that many lives were lost and the people's livelihood is sacrificed. Don't for you to be summoned, called out or given a show cause order," he said. (PR)



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MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday announced new rules expediting the processing of applications for parole and executive clemency.

Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete, in a media statement, said Secretary Menardo Guevarra approved the resolution by the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP), which simplifies the requirements and procedure for the processing of applications by dispensing most of the documentary requirements for applications for parole and executive clemency.

"The general requirements for eligibility for parole remains. But those who are not eligible may apply for clemency if they meet the criteria set under the resolution. Note also that the part of the resolution allowing applications by those 65 (years old) and above with the conditions stated is new. So this is not just easing of the process but to some extent, relaxation of the rules," Perete said.

The new rules still require court certifications of No Pending Case and No Pending Appeal and a check on the records of the person deprived of liberty (PDL) at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The BPP has been required to double the number of its caseload for review and deliberation during its meetings to expedite the processing of applications.

It also removed the requirement for parolees and pardonees to report to parole and probation officers while the state of public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic remains in effect.

The simplified requirements and procedures will apply to applications of PDLs qualified for parole or clemency.

They will also cover applications for executive clemency of those who are over 65 years old who have served at least five years of their sentence, or of those whose continued imprisonment is inimical to their health as certified by a physician certified the Department of Health or designated by the Malacañang Clinic Director.

The resolution, however, excludes from its coverage PDLs convicted of heinous crimes or in cases involving illegal drugs, or those classified as high risk by the Bureau of Corrections. (PNA)



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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is seriously taking into consideration the World Health Organization's (WHO) warning that the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will wreak havoc further unless stronger action is taken to address the health crisis, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

In a press statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte is looking for "best" ways to address the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

"We take seriously the remarks of World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that the 'worst of the coronavirus 2019 has yet to come,'" he said.

In a media briefing on Monday, Tedros warned that the worst is "yet ahead of us" sans national unity and global solidarity amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The novel coronavirus has infected over 2.3 million people globally and killed over 169,000 individuals, based on the April 21 situation report released by WHO.

Tedros appealed to countries with Covid-19 infections to work together to prevent the worst of the pandemic.

He made the call as he acknowledged that Covid-19 is a virus that "many people still don't understand."

"Ending this epidemic will require a sustained effort on the part of individuals, communities, and governments to continue suppressing and controlling this deadly outbreak," Tedros said.

Roque said Duterte had already consulted medical experts before making a decision on how to improve the country's fight against Covid-19.

"We further agree with the WHO chief's assertion that 'it's a virus that many people still don't understand.' It is for this reason that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been in consultation with different experts across different sectors on how to best address the Covid-19 situation in the country," he said.

Duterte met with health experts from the medical field on Monday and had a five-hour discussion with them about the Covid-19 crisis in the country.

He also had a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to discuss the post-April 30 scenarios in the entire Luzon where an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed.

Roque said Duterte had even sought the advice of former Health secretaries of previous administrations to ensure that the President would make the right decision.

"He even set aside politics and met Health Secretaries of previous administrations as he weighs the different options for our people. The decision will be carefully studied as lives of the people and the nation are at stake," he said.

Duterte has placed the whole island of Luzon under ECQ until April 30 to stop the further transmission of Covid-19 in the country.

Roque on Tuesday said Duterte has until April 30 to decide on the fate of Luzon-wide ECQ.

Apart from Luzon, other areas in Visayas and Mindanao that have confirmed Covid-19 cases have also been placed under ECQ.

To date, the Philippines has 6,710 confirmed Covid-19 infections.

Around 446 of the Covid-19 patients have died while 693 have already recovered from the highly-contagious disease. (PNA)

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MANILA – Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Wednesday said lifting the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the city is "a little bit premature" as the number of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases continues to rise.

"We see here in Pasig, it might be a little bit premature to lift the ECQ. Parang sayang (It's a waste) if we lifted now and there is still a high number of cases and an increasing number of cases every day," Sotto said in a virtual press briefing hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP).

However, he said the local government's decision to extend or lift the community quarantine would still depend on the national government's Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, since "they are the ones who can see the crisis situation from a larger perspective."

Sotto said an extended quarantine should be balanced with economic measures, either at the national or local level.

"The economy is taking (the) hit, both nationally and locally, so we need to do a balancing act (even) while we continue this quarantine. We should already start planning for an economic stimulus package," he added.

Sotto said the Pasig government is already planning its local economic stimulus package until after the quarantine ends "to make sure that the crisis' impact is as minimal as possible."

Flatten the curve

Meanwhile, he said even local leaders need to address how to flatten the curve amid the health crisis.

"I think at this point, we have to be honest that leaders, like myself, should need to be honest, and say that we really don't know when to totally flatten this curve," Sotto said.

He said if the initial results or stages of the mass testing have already been completed, then the government could make an informed decision on "whether to lift, partially, completely, or not at all" the community quarantine.

Covid-19 testing

Sotto said the city targets to complete its Covid-19 testing backlogs either by April 22 or April 23.

He said the city is currently conducting a combination of both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid tests among residents and can accommodate about 350 Covid-19 tests per day.

"The 350 tests per day is a good number, a satisfactory number, where we could be getting a clear picture of the suspected, probable, and confirmed cases," Sotto said.

"In a hypothetical situation where we could test every single person, that will be great."

The Pasig local government, he said, has partnered with The Medical City in conducting Covid-19 testing.

He said after testing suspected Covid-19 cases, they would also test health workers and their close contacts, which have already been identified.

Sotto noted that they expect to test people at high risk, those who are immuno-compromised and other front-liners in the city "by early this week or next week."

"What exact number, what exact percentage of the population should we test, I don't know — but the prioritization of our testing is very clear. If contact tracing was a web, we will start in the middle and then branch out as far as possible," he said.

So far, the city has 266 confirmed Covid-19 cases. (PNA)



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MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said it performed a total of 61,049 individual tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"As of April 21, 6 p.m., some 7,797 are positive cases and 53,147 are negative. Lilinawin natin na ang total positive cases ay maaring mas mataas kaysa sa total confirmed cases dahil dumadaan pa rin ito sa case validation and processing and 'yun pong positive cases na admitted sa hospitals ay maaaring nagkakaroon ng (We're clarifying that the total positive cases could be higher than total confirmed cases because they go through case validation and processing and positive cases admitted in hospitals may have) repeat tests," said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during a Covid-19 virtual presser.

Based on the latest data from the DOH nCov tracker, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) has performed the most number of individual tests with 35,489 followed by Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) with 3,434; Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) with 2,945; Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) with 2,681; and Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) with 2,644.

The tracker showed there are 71,827 remaining Covid-19 test kits distributed among the 17 accredited testing centers nationwide which include the RITM, BGHMC, VSMMC, SPMC, LCP, San Lazaro Hospital in Manila City, University of Philippines National Institutes of Health in Manila City, St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City, St. Luke's Medical Center in BGC, Taguig City, Makati Medical Center in Makati City, Chinese General Hospital in Manila City, The Medical City in Ortigas, Pasig City, Victoriano Luna Hospital in Quezon City (in coordination with AFRIMS), Detoxicare Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory in Mandaluyong City, Philippine Red Cross in Mandaluyong City, and Bicol Regional Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory in Legazpi City.

To date, about nine of the 3,206 confirmed case hospital admissions nationwide are new admissions.

As of April 12, there are a total of 3,191 beds for Covid-19 patients in hospitals, 1,474 mechanical ventilators, and 12, 413 beds in identified community isolation facilities nationwide.

Meanwhile, there are 118,042 face shields, 54,913 goggles, 123,977 coveralls, 118,946 gowns, 229,568 N95 masks, 251,537 shoe covers, 3,871,669 surgical masks and 1,309,478 headcovers available in hospitals nationwide. (PNA)



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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte will carefully study the proposed class resumption in December to effectively contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte would study whether the proposal of the University of the Philippines' (UP) experts to cancel classes until December would indeed be an effective way to limit further Covid-19 infections in the country.

"Iyan po'y talagang binibigyan ng atensiyon ng ating Presidente (The President would really give attention to that proposal)," Roque said in an interview with DZRH. "Talagang galing sa UP na isang eskuwelahan mismo, eh talaga pong pag-aaralang mabuti ng Presidente iyong ganiyang rekomendasyon (Since the recommendation came from UP which is a reputable university, the President will carefully study it)."

In an interview with CNN Philippines on Tuesday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the opening of classes for the next school year may be moved to August due to the restrictions imposed by the national government to halt the spread of Covid-19.

Briones also said the Department of Education is considering holding Saturday classes to achieve its target to end the 2020-2021 academic year in March, just like in previous years.

The class suspension until December this year is among the recommendations pitched to Duterte on Monday, Dr. Mahar Lagmay of UP said on Tuesday.

Lagmay, who represented a group of scientists and academic researchers from the UP system, said the proposal was made after it was noticed that individuals aged 19 and below are most likely to have contact with the elderly and infect them.

Roque said the warning of UP experts would be thoroughly assessed.

"Ang naging konklusyon ng UP, napakaepektibo na paraan para mapabagal ang pagkalat ng Covid kung isususpinde ang mga klase at ang mga kabataan ay manatili sa kanilang mga tahanan (UP experts are saying suspending classes and letting the youth stay at home are effective ways to slow the spread of Covid)," he said.

Classes have been suspended in March following the rise in Covid-19 infections in the country.

Duterte also placed the entire Luzon under enhanced community quarantine until April 30, prompting Filipinos to observe strict home quarantine to stop the further transmission of Covid-19.

Confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Philippines have climbed to 6,710, as of Wednesday. (PNA)

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MANILA – After more than a month under an enhanced community quarantine in Luzon due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said a partial lifting of the public transport ban is being eyed for personnel of essential services.

In a Laging Handa network briefing on Wednesday, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) is considering the limited operation of public utility buses (PUB) and trains in certain areas, based on studies presented by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Chua on Monday.

"Kung papayagan ho ng IATF, magpa-partial operability tayo pero yung (If the IATF-EID will allow it, we will have partial operability but the) operational capacity will be abbreviated at mababawasan (and lessened)," Tugade said.

He said aside from certain PUBs, the IATF-EID is eyeing the resumption of limited operation of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), LRT-2, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

On the resumption of public transportation in areas with no documented cases of Covid-19 — including maritime and land transportation — he said the possibility is being studied and if justified, the DOTr will submit a recommendation to the IATF-EID.

"Kapag inapprove ng IATF--maintaining yung mga requirements gaya ng social distancing, 'no mask, no ride,' handwashing, at thermal scanning (If approved by the IATF-EID, we will have to maintain social distancing, 'no mask, no ride,' handwashing, and thermal scanning)," Tugade said.

He added that basic social distancing principles will have to be enforced not only inside public utility vehicles but also while passengers are waiting in line.

Rail projects

Meanwhile, he said the construction of 13 rail projects in the country has resumed this week after the approval of the IATF-EID.

"Napaka-ideal ho na maumpisahan ngayon ito pagka't hindi ginagamit at hindi operational (Resumption of works is ideal at this time as the rail services are not under operation)," Tugade said.

The resumption of works includes the fast-tracking of projects and comprise of two phases — rail installation and relocation of utilities.

To ensure the safety of workers during the pandemic, he said strict protocols set by the IATF-EID are followed at all ongoing projects such as the rationalization of workers, on-site accommodation for workers, strict social distancing, dedicated shuttle services, and controlled work hours. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday recorded 30 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) among Filipinos abroad, bringing the total number to 1,114.

"Of the 42 countries and regions with confirmed Covid-19 cases among overseas Filipinos, the DFA reports a total of 30 new cases, 26 new recoveries, and 6 new deaths in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and Middle East/Africa as of today," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said in a statement.

Around 660 Filipinos are undergoing treatment while 295 already recovered and have been discharged from hospitals.

The death toll among Filipino overseas, on the other hand, has increased to 159 -- two from the Asia Pacific, 57 from Europe, 12 in the Middle East/Africa, and 88 in the American region.

Currently, the number of confirmed cases in Asia Pacific region stands at 299, at least 374 in Europe, 162 in Middle East/Africa, and 279 in the American region.

"With the shared global goal of 'flattening the curve' of Covid-19 pandemic, the DFA personnel in our foreign service posts continue to partner with local health authorities and agencies in ensuring proper implementation of preventive measures and restrictions, and commit to attending to the needs of our people affected by this pandemic," Meñez said. (PNA) 



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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered all government offices to new rules on their different policies to ease the social and economic burden of the public amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country.

On April 21, Duterte signed Administrative Order (AO) 30 which mandates the adjustments of statutory deadlines and timelines for the filing of any public documents; payment of taxes and other fees; grant of benefits; and scheduled proceedings.

The fresh order covers all state departments, agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, including government-owned and -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges, and local government units.

Under AO 30, all government offices are directed to issue guidelines on the interruption of reglementary periods for the commencement of actions and claims; the filing of pleadings, appearances, motions, notices, and all other papers; and the rendition of judgments, resolutions, and orders amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

They are also ordered to set rules on the rescheduling of proceedings after the lifting of ECQ, as well as on the acceptable justifications for the failure of litigants or their counsel to appear at legal proceedings.

AO 30 also requires state departments and offices to issue guidelines on the suspension of deadlines for the payment of monetary obligations and on the movement of timelines for the grant of any benefit during the ECQ period.

"Reglementary period and proceedings for urgent cases with are necessary to enable the government to act expeditiously on matters affecting the current public health emergency shall not be interrupted or cancelled," the order read.

Duterte's latest directive is applicable to areas where ECQ was declared.

Heads of agencies are told to ensure that their rules or guidelines are consistent with the directives of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Office of the President.

The rules and guidelines must also be in compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

"Such rules or guidelines shall be without prejudice to future directives or orders to be issued by the IATF or the Office of the President, pursuant to RA (Republic Act) No. 11469," AO 30 said.

AO 30 also orders the adoption of all recent issuances released by government agencies with regard to the extension, interruption or movement of the periods and timelines set for the filing of documents, conduct of proceedings, payment of taxes and other charges, and the grant of benefits.

All heads of departments, agencies, offices, and instruments of the national government are encouraged to provide "relevant and timely" recommendations to the IATF-EID with regards to the implementation of AO 30.

AO 30 also enjoins other government branches and independent constitutional bodies to formulate and issue their own rules or guidelines.

"All issuances, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly," AO 30 read.

AO 30, which was released by the Palace on Wednesday, takes effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

The entire Luzon and other parts of Visayas and Mindanao have been placed under ECQ to stop the further spread of Covid-19 in the country.

On March 24, Duterte signed RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which authorizes him to wield special powers to impose measures aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19. (PNA)



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MANILA – Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cecilia Borromeo on Wednesday said the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys ID) will greatly ease the distribution of cash aid to the beneficiaries.

 

During the Laging Handa public briefing aired over state-owned PTV, Borromeo said she supports the push by newly-appointed acting National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Karl Kendrick Chua on the national ID.

 

Citing the experience of Landbank, she explained they were able to disburse PHP16.3 billion worth of cash grants to the 3.7 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in just three days after they got the funds from the national government.

 

"We were able to disburse it fast because the CCT (conditional cash transfer) beneficiaries already have cash cards even before the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) crisis," she said.

 

Borromeo said the same situation was observed in the distribution of the financial support to the beneficiaries under the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP), which is targeted for more than 250,000 workers from the private sector.

 

She said they were able to disburse the cash grants because the workers have bank accounts.

 

"This is different from our experience when we distributed the cash grants to the drivers who want to be helped by the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), where we have to distribute the cash grants over the counter of Landbank because they do not have bank accounts or cash card," she said.

 

Borromeo said they will coordinate with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and NEDA to optimize and hasten the distribution of the national ID, which she hopes can be used also as bank and transactional accounts.

 

The government is scheduled to pilot-test the national ID system in May or June this year to about 14 to 15 million Filipinos and to roll it out by July 2021 to cover about 50 million persons.

 

Republic Act 11055, otherwise known as the Philippine Identification System Act, mandates that all Filipinos as well as resident aliens in the country be issued a national ID that will have basic information to be sourced from PSA data. The cards will be given for free.

 

In October 2019, the PSA and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that tasked the latter to produce within three years 116 million blank cards for the PhilSys that will have security features, which officials said are better than those used in making passports.

 

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the government-to-government pact is better than involving the private sector to address any issue that usually arises when losing bidders question the final decision on a contract. 

 

The national ID program costs about PHP30 billion.

 

Diokno said costs of production for what he called foundational ID will be about PHP3.4 billion, or around PHP30 per card. (PNA)



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MANILA – Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Wednesday said the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), commonly known as national ID system, is beneficial in emergency response and crisis management such as the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Contact tracing will be much easier with the national ID system," Sotto said in a virtual press conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP).

In Pasig, Sotto said the local government uses the list of the city's registered voters as it provides complete data of the residents who are given emergency assistance amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Sotto, however, said the problem is the unregistered voters but living in the city.

"I don't think that's right, because if you are a voter you get benefits but if you are not a voter you don't get benefits," he said.

He said national ID system will address the problem of identifying the recipients of the government assistance as it provides complete information of the beneficiaries.

Sotto said he personally supports the national ID implementation despite fear of "privacy issue".

"I think a lot of fear is misplaced, and I would really support the national ID system. We would be able to implement the crisis management and address the issues much easier," he said.

"As long as it [national ID] is secured, and it's encrypted properly and all the necessary security measures are in there, there will be no problem in the privacy," he added.

In August 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11055 or the PhilSys Act which mandates the issuance of national identification cards (IDs) to all Filipino citizens.

The law also aims to create a single official identification card for all citizens that would interconnect government-issued IDs.

On Tuesday, newly-appointed acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the government aims to have five million Filipinos enrolled into the PhilSys ID this year and possibly complete the registration of the entire population by 2022.

He said accelerating the implementation of the national ID system is among the "marching orders" of Malacañang to him upon his appointment as acting secretary of NEDA.

He added that Congress passed the National ID Law which will allow the country to implement its social welfare programs more effectively and efficiently in the near future. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday filed two diplomatic protests against China over its latest moves in the South China Sea that violated both Philippine sovereignty and international law.

"At 5:17 pm today the Chinese embassy received 2 diplomatic protests: 1. on the pointing of a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship in Philippine waters and 2. declaring parts of Philippine territory as part of Hainan province," Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. wrote on Twitter.

China recently announced that a Chinese district will be established to govern the islands and reefs of Spratlys and that a "district government" will be stationed on Fiery Cross Reef.

The Spratlys, where Fiery Cross Reef or Kagitingan Reef is located, is claimed by the Philippines, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The top diplomat did not provide details on the two issues but said both are "violations of international law and Philippine sovereignty."

"China created Nansha district under the jurisdiction of Sansha City, akin to something we already protested in 2012. Old hat but bears repeating the protest," he said in a succeeding tweet.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a landmark decision invalidating the nine-dash line, China's delineation that claims nearly 80 percent of the resource-rich South China Sea. Beijing, up until now, refused to acknowledge the ruling. (PNA



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MANILA – Most parts of the country will experience warm and humid weather, with the easterlies as the dominant weather system affecting the country, a weather specialist said Thursday.

Samuel Duran, of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said partly cloudy to cloudy skies will prevail while isolated rain showers may be expected, especially in the afternoon.

The frontal system affecting Northern Luzon, on the other hand, will cause cloudy skies with isolated light rains over Cagayan Valley Region and Aurora province.

Duran said there is no low-pressure area inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Meanwhile, moderate to strong winds will blow over the northern and eastern sections of Northern Luzon, where coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

The rest of Luzon will have moderate winds and seas.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moder



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MANILA – The majority of Filipinos have expressed satisfaction with the Duterte administration's response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, according to the survey results released by global polling firm Gallup International Association.

Based on the April 6 to 8 poll, around 80 percent of Filipinos believed the government is handling the Covid-19 crisis "well".

Only 18 percent expressed dissatisfaction with the government's Covid-19 response, while two percent were ambivalent on the matter.

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the whole island of Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), requiring people to observe strict home quarantine and limiting their movement to accessing basic necessities.

Duterte, however, has yet to decide on the possible total lifting, modified lifting, or another extension of the Luzon-wide ECQ, which is set to lapse on April 30.

Other local chief executives in Visayas and Mindanao have also imposed an ECQ to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The survey conducted by Gallup International also found that 86 percent expressed willingness to "sacrifice" some of their human rights, "if it helps prevent the spread of the virus".

READ: Second Wave of Global Polling, Gallup International

Only 12 percent said otherwise while the remaining two percent could not make a decision.

This developed as 88 percent admitted that they are "afraid" that either he or someone in his family may actually catch the novel coronavirus.

[https://files]Gallup International, through its partner Philippine Survey and Research Center Inc., interviewed 867 Filipinos aged 18 and above.

An online method was used in conducting the survey in the Philippines.

On March 24, Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which grants him special powers to address Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

There are also PHP275-billion available funds for the national government to stop the contagion.

Around PHP200 billion of the PHP275 billion earmarked for the government's Covid-19 response would be spent for the granting of emergency subsidies ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 to around 18 million families.

The national government has also implemented stricter quarantine measures, which include the arrest of ECQ violators.

One of the provisions included in RA 11469 imposes a two-month jail sentence or a fine of up to PHP1 million, or both, on people who violate quarantine protocols. (PNA)

Also read:

Global fear of coronavirus on the rise, new poll shows



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MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he has requested the Philippine Navy (PN) to give him a full briefing on the circumstances surrounding the Chinese "radar gun pointing" on anti-submarine corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39).

"I have instructed the Philippine Navy to give me a detailed briefing on the incident. As announced by Secretary (Teodoro) Locsin, the Department of Foreign Affairs filed a diplomatic protest which was received by the Chinese Embassy today, 22 April," Lorenzana said in a press statement released late Wednesday.

His remarks came after Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed two diplomatic protests against Beijing over its latest moves in the South China Sea which include the pointing of a "radar gun" at a PN ship and declaring parts of Philippine territory as part of Hainan province.

Lorenzana said he is also asking experts from the PN and Air Force to explain to him what a "radar gun" is and how dangerous is it for the BRP Conrado Yap to come within its range.

Asked if there is a possibility that the Chinese probably used a fire-control radar against the Filipino naval ship, Lorenzana said he will wait for the experts' report.

"I will wait for the reports from the experts," he added.

A fire-control radar is designed to provide targeting information to a fire-control system to direct weapons that will hit a target. (PNA)



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MANILA – Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Giovanni Carlo Bacordo formally donned the rank of vice-admiral on Wednesday.

In a statement, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said the donning ceremony was held at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Bacordo's third star was donned by his wife Rachel.
He assumed command of the PN last February, replacing Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad who compulsorily retired upon turning 56.

After the ceremony, Bacordo then presided the donning of ranks ceremonies for Naval Reserve Command head, Major Gen. Ariel Caculitan; Naval Combat Engineering Brigade chief, Commodore Alfonspin Tumanda; and Offshore Combat Force commander, Commodore Karl Decapia.

The new ranks of these officers were pinned by their respective wives in front of a distant audience from different PN units through live video conferencing, Roxas said.

Bacordo, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, reminded the newly-promoted officers that "promotion in rank means greater responsibility" and that they "have the capability to influence the culture of your respective units (as) the examples you show become the unit's standard".

He then challenged them to "do away with the culture of temporary solutions" and help "develop a modern mindset for our sailors and marines that will match the modern equipment and develop into a modern culture".

Bacordo's appointment and the three other PN officers were approved by President Rodrigo R. Duterte last April 17. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a probe on the shooting incident which led to the death of a former Philippine Army (PA) troop near a quarantine checkpoint in Quezon City.

In a statement late Wednesday, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, said PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa has directed the QCPD's Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit to determine the circumstances on the shooting that resulted in the death of 34-year-old Winston Ragos, who allegedly tried to draw a gun on M/Sgt. Daniel Florendo on Tuesday afternoon.

Banac, meanwhile said that if the viral video clips of the incident were the sole basis for investigation, it showed that the victim had also repeatedly defied verbal commands given by authorities to yield and made "provocative and threatening moves, as well as the use of firearms and application of deadly force".

"Much as we do not want to hastily pass judgment and allow investigators the freehand to look into all angles of this case, we can only presume regularity in the actions of the PNP personnel involved while performing their duty on that fateful day," Banac said.

He said Florendo was the only person in the best position to make such judgment call, "better than any observer, viewer and opinionated analyst with 20/20 hindsight".

"Had he erred in his judgment, he could possibly be the cadaver in the body bag instead. If that happened then he would have failed in performing his duty to enforce the law," he said.

Banac, however, said the investigation will not be limited to scenes that were captured in the video clips only, and all angles will be looked into and corroborated by conclusive forensic evidence.

"Because firearms were involved in this case, all guns, ammunition, accessories, fired cartridge cases and recovered bullets will be subject to ballistics examination as a standard procedure, including the handgun and ammunition recovered from the slain suspect for possible comparison with ballistics information of gun-related crime in our database," he added.

Banac also urged the public to refrain from mishandling video evidence, saying that these video materials are crucial in getting leads on the investigation.

"These same video clips may also generate varied speculations and adverse opinion that may unduly affect or even muddle the ongoing formal investigation. We would rather (decide) that police investigators shall have access to all these pieces of evidence for a more comprehensive probe," Banac said

Meanwhile, QCPD director, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo said Florendo, who is assigned at the Fairview Police Station will face criminal and administrative investigation as he voluntarily surrendered himself and his service firearm used in the shooting incident.

Montejo said an ongoing investigation is now being conducted by the CIDU and the District Internal Affairs Service on the shooting incident.

At around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Florendo and four police trainees from the PNP Highway Patrol Group were manning a quarantine control point along Maligaya Drive, Barangay Pasong Putik when Ragos approached the police trainees and started shouting and uttering intimidating words.

He was asked by the police to go home and stay inside as he was violating the ECQ but he ignored the authorities and identified himself as a former soldier.

Upon learning that Ragos was carrying a .38 caliber revolver loaded with ammunition inside his sling bag, Florendo drew his firearm and cautiously approached him.

The police officers ordered Ragos to yield peacefully, but instead of heeding to a lawful order, he allegedly attempted to pull out his handgun, prompting Florendo to disable Ragos who was rushed to Commonwealth Hospital but was declared dead at 5:57 p.m. of the same date by Dr. Noli Rifareal.

Investigators recovered the sling bag and .38 caliber revolver loaded with four live ammunition without serial number.

"Masasabi kasi nating 'judgment call' yung naging aksyon ng ating pulis laban sa suspek na armado din ng baril kaya nagawa niyang paputukan. Gayon pa man, pinaiimbestigahan na natin ang naturang incident (We can say that the police officer involved also made his judgment call because the suspect was armed with a gun so he fired at him. Still, we are now investigating the incident)," Montejo said.

Army to probe incident

Meanwhile, the PA will also probe the incident in coordination with the police.

In a statement Thursday, Army spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala said the investigation order came from PA commander Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay.

He added that the probe will be conducted by the Army Judge Advocate in coordination with PNP so that justice will be given to the victim.

In January 2017, Ragos was given a complete disability discharge from his military service, complete with pension and other assistance, after being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He was discharged with the rank of Corporal.

"To a soldier, the wounds of war are not just physical but also mental and their scars are not always (visible)," Zagala said.

He added that the PA also is saddened with Ragos' death and sincerely condoles with his family.

"The PA seeks awareness on the plight of former soldiers struggling with mental problems. Even though they are no longer soldiers, they continue fighting a silent and lifelong battle," Zagala said. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)



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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday urged Filipino Muslims to shun "misguided ideologies" ahead of the start of the holy month of Ramadan, which will take place amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In his Ramadan message, Duterte reminded the Muslim faithful that to achieve progress, they must forgo misplaced beliefs as they embark on a spiritual journey of reflection and contemplation.

"As you embody the religious insights and epiphanies you have gleaned from this undertaking, may you be moved to advance our collective resolve to eschew misguided ideologies so that we may achieve a truly progressive and inclusive society," he said.

Duterte hoped that Filipino Muslims would be inspired by the text written in the Quran to lead a "life of purity and clarity."

"As you read the revelations of Allah with renewed dedication and vigor, may the sacred text inspire you to further lead a life of purity and clarity," he said.

He was also hopeful that their devotion and sacrifices will reaffirm their commitment to foster unity and solidarity regardless of faith or creed.

Since marking Islam's holy month will be done amid the Covid-19 threat, Duterte wished that they would achieve peace amid the health crisis.

"Let this occasion give us peace amidst the adversity and challenges we face each day," he said.

He also wished all Filipino Muslims a "solemn and blessed" occasion.

As the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon and parts of Visayas and Mindanao continue, mosques remain closed, but Muslims continue to get together in their own homes.

They are also live-streaming daily prayers, weekly sermons, and recitations of the Quran.

The ECQ is expected to lapse on April 30, but Duterte has yet to decide on whether to lift, extend, or modify quarantine measures in place.

During Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated as Eid al-Fit'r or the feast of breaking the fast, one of Islam's two major holidays aside from Eid'l Adha or the feast of sacrifice. (PNA)



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MANILA – The 2GO Group, Inc. (2GO) has waived the operational fee for two of the company's ships used as quarantine facilities for repatriated overseas Filipino workers.

In a statement on Thursday, 2GO chairman, Dennis Uy, said the firm "had no plans of accepting" the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) offer to pay a PHP35 million fee for the operation of the quarantine ships as it was meant as a donation to help in the nation's response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"To set the record straight, actual cost to operate the two vessels as quarantine facilities is at PHP260 million. But this was intended to be a donation," he said.

While he is not the sole owner or the majority shareholder of 2GO, Uy said he instructed the company to waive the payment from the DOTr and if necessary, charge the ships' operational cost to his personal funds.

The statement came after Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, in a Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday, said the use of 2GO's ships would cost the government PHP35 million, compared to the original rental fee for the two ships of PHP120 million each for two months.

Following Tugade's remark, the cost of the ships drew the ire of netizens.

In response to online critics, Uy agreed that "we as Filipinos, whether in private or in government, have to work together, jointly make the necessary sacrifice, stand together to safeguard the lives and safety of our countrymen" and apologized for those offended by the former operational cost of the ships.

In a statement, the DOTr welcomed the waiving of fees and thanked Uy.

It clarified that while the PHP35 million fee was earlier decided through a negotiating panel with executives of 2GO, Uy was not involved in the decision.

"It is therefore unfortunate and deplorable that Mr. Dennis Uy was unfairly dragged by media and was at the receiving end of negative commentaries when he was never part of the discussion and was not even mentioned by Secretary Tugade in his interview," the department said.

Since the start of operations of the quarantine ships, the government has made no actual payment of rent, DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said.

The negotiated price of PHP35 million was to cover the costs to operate the vessels, such as fuel, electricity, water, maintenance, supplies, and salaries of its crew and hotel staff, she said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday a total of 7,192 confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the Philippines. 

"As of 4 p.m. today (Friday), April 24, 2020, the Department of Health reports 211 new cases (PH6982 to PH7192) of Covid-19. The total number of cases in the country is now at 7,192," the DOH said in a bulletin.

The department also announced 40 new recoveries and 15 new deaths, bringing the total number of recoveries and fatalities to 762 and 477, respectively.

"Kami po ay taos-pusong nakikiramay sa mga pamilya at kaibigan na naulila sa ating mga kababayang pumanaw dahil sa virus na ito (We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those who died due to this virus)," DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual press briefing.

As of Thursday, Vergeire said, the Philippines, which has 18 licensed Covid-19 laboratories nationwide, was able to conduct tests on at least 68,765 individuals, 60,004 of whom were negative while 8,645 were found infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus strain that causes Covid-19.

She explained that there may be discrepancies between the total confirmed cases and the number of positive individuals as the latter still undergo "case validation and processing."

Meanwhile, Vergeire also shared that the DOH Covid-19 tracker website has been updated and will now feature new sets of information, such as the health status of confirmed Covid-19 cases and the health system capacity by region and provinces.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday extended the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15 in the National Capital Region and several other provinces tagged as high-risk areas.

The ECQ, originally scheduled to end on April 30, was imposed in Luzon to arrest the spread of Covid-19. (PNA)



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MANILA – A party-list lawmaker on Friday proposed the creation of an Epidemic Management Commission (EMC) to primarily deal with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and epidemic-preparedness in the future.

In a statement, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin said the country needs a permanent body that will not only serve as the "institutional memory of our collective experience on the coronavirus", but shall also have the mission to provide better defenses and countermeasures against lingering Covid-19 effects and future epidemics.

"As early as now, we need an exit strategy. The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) is an ad hoc body, busy with day-to-day matters. For the years ahead, we need this commission as a permanent structure," Garbin said.

Garbin said the EMC can be initially created through an executive order, and Congress can institutionalize it with a bill containing its formal charter.

He noted that the EMC should have its own epidemiology and quarantine unit, a governing body like the IATF, and coordination authority over the network of molecular and microbiology laboratories nationwide.

"What I also have in mind for future epidemics are molecular laboratories that are mobile quick deploy units, perhaps in the form of a small fleet of hospital ships manned by a corps of highly-trained health professionals," he said.

"These ships can be built at the shipyard in Bataan. With these hospital ships, we can respond to outbreaks and epidemics in the most remote areas of our country," he added.

He said the EMC could be temporarily attached to the Office of the President for administrative and budget purposes, noting that it can be transferred to the Department of Disaster Resilience once the latter is operational.

As of Friday, the confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country breached the 7,000th-mark with a total of 7,192. (PNA)



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MANILA – Local carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced Friday that all their domestic and international flights would remain canceled until May 15.

 

Malacañang announced that the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be extended in Metro Manila and other select areas considered high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

 

"Regular, commercial flights of the PAL Group remain suspended until May 15.

 

Should the lockdown be lifted by end-day May 15, there will be a gradual and calibrated resumption of operations starting May 16," PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in a text message.

 

The complete list of flights to be operated once the ECQ is lifted will be released as soon as possible.

 

In the meantime, domestic sweeper flights and special flights -- arranged by several foreign embassies to ferry stranded nationals out of the country -- will continue, she added.

 

The gradual resumption of commercial flights would depend on travel restrictions in each country, as well as the travel demand, Villaluna said.

 

Meanwhile in an advisory, CEB said it will continue to mount all-cargo flights to support the movement of vital goods, including medicines and personal protective equipment across the country.

 

Affected passengers of canceled flights may rebook their tickets within three months, with fare difference and rebooking fees waived.

 

They may also put the ticket value to a travel fund, or get a full refund. (PNA) 



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MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the case of a former soldier who was shot and killed by a police officer at a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik in Quezon City.

In a letter addressed to NBI OIC-director Eric Distor, PA chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay requested an impartial investigation in view of the apparent conflicting claims of police operatives involved, witness accounts, and materials available from open sources, to include video footages of the incident.

Gapay said apparent pre-judgment by police investigators prompted the PA to seek help from the NBI so that justice may be served for retired Cpl. Winston Ragos and his family.

The incident, he said, has also raised awareness and concern on the plight of soldiers suffering from mental health disorders incurred during their military service.

Gapay ordered the PA staff to review existing policies and programs dealing with combat stress, trauma risk management, and other health concerns related to mental health.

He added that assistance to Ragos' family is now being facilitated.

Gapay also reiterated that the Army puts a premium on the well-being of its personnel, active or retired, especially those who have left the service with "scars of war" and those who suffered mental challenges in the line of duty like of Ragos, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

"What happened to Cpl. Ragos was unfortunate but an avoidable event. Let his death serve as an awakening on the plight of other soldiers who are being plagued by the traumas of war," he said.

"The Army assures the family of Ragos that it will extend to them the assistance they need," Gapay said.

He also ordered to look for the other retired soldiers out there suffering from the same conditions as Ragos, for the provision of appropriate assistance.

"The Philippine Army prioritizes taking care of our troops and sustaining the wellbeing of our soldiers and their families," Gapay added. (PNA)



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MANILA – The joint circular between government agencies for the seizure of goods from smugglers, profiteers, and hoarders has been finalized, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday.

In a press statement, Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete said the Departments of Justice, Trade and Industry, Health, Interior and Local Government, and Agriculture, as well as the Bureau of Customs, have finalized the joint circular for the seizure, forfeiture, and disposition of basic or prime commodities, and health products and other goods necessary to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (CoVid-19), and articles of prime necessity pending preliminary investigation or trial.

The circular deputizes the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other law enforcement agencies to conduct operations against persons and establishments violating the Price Act or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and to confiscate goods from said persons or establishments.

The goods will be turned over to either the DTI, DOH, DA, or DOH, as the case may be, which shall then initiate summary proceedings for the seizure of the goods.

Under the circular upon presentation of substantial evidence that the goods were imported, held or otherwise possessed by the person or establishment in violation of the Price Act or the CMTA, the goods will be formally seized and thereafter either forfeited in favor of the government or disposed of in accordance with the law.

In cases where the law requires the holding of a public auction or sale as a mode of disposition, the government is given the preference to purchase the goods at the existing suggested retail price (SRP).

In the absence of an SRP, the purchase will be at the market price. When permitted by law, an outright donation to the government shall be resorted to.

The joint circular likewise required law enforcers and the agency conducting seizure proceedings to strictly follow rules on the inventory of confiscated goods so as to avoid compromising the criminal prosecution where such goods are originally supposed to be used as evidence.

It likewise directs prosecutors to cause the transfer of custody of these goods to the appropriate agency for seizure.

To guarantee the safety of goods and medical supplies, consultation with the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies is required prior to the seizure of confiscated goods.

The joint circular has been issued to ensure that prime commodities, especially medical supplies and personal protective equipment, seized from persons and establishments engaged in illegal importation, hoarding, price manipulation, and fraudulent practices are made immediately available for use by hospitals and medical facilities. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condoled with the bereaved families of those who were killed in a mass shooting in Nova Scotia, Canada that happened between April 18 and April 19 (local time).

"The Department of Foreign Affairs is deeply saddened to hear of the shooting that took place this weekend in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada," the agency said in a statement.

"The Filipino people extend their heartfelt condolences to the families and communities suffering from this incident, and join all Canadians in mourning the loss of innocent lives," it added.

The incident, dubbed as the "worst shooting in Canadian history", took place in a number of sites as the killer reportedly drove several kilometers setting fires and shooting his "neighbors and strangers". The gunman, identified as Gabriel Wortman, disguised as a police officer in uniform and killed 22 people.

According to local news, he evaded local authorities for more than 12 hours before he was shot dead outside a gas station in Enfield, Nova Scotia. (PNA)



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MANILA – The number of overseas Filipinos diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has reached 1,185 as 63 new cases were recorded on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported.

"Of the 43 countries and regions with confirmed Covid-19 cases among overseas Filipinos, the DFA reports today 63 new cases, giving a total of almost 1,200 confirmed cases (410 DOH IHR [Department of Health International Health Regulations] verified) across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said.

Compared to the previous figures, Meñez said the rates of new confirmed cases at 5.61 percent and new deaths at 9.62 percent are higher than the rate of confirmed recoveries at 4.25 percent.

As of Friday, the recoveries have increased to 319 and the death toll to 177, two of whom were recorded in Asia and the Pacific, 59 in Europe, 13 in the Middle East/Africa, and 103 in the Americas.

The department assured it would continue providing assistance to overseas Filipinos as needed.

"With today's pronouncement extending the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) in NCR (National Capital Region) and several 'high-risk' areas in the country, the DFA, through its Foreign Service Posts, continues to partner with local health authorities and agencies as they continue to implement measures to 'flatten the curve' of the Covid-19 pandemic, in cooperation with our nationals abroad," Meñez said. (PNA)  



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MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Friday appealed to businesses and investors to support his proposed "Balik Probinsya" program which primarily aims to mitigate and resolve long-standing issues in urban areas, especially Metro Manila, spurring rural development after the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis is over.

"Sa mga negosyante po, sana ay magbukas kayo ng mga factory, planta, o ano pa mang job opportunities sa mga kababayan nating Pilipino na gusto na pong manatili sa kanilang mga probinsya (To businessmen, please open factories, plants or any job opportunities to our fellow Filipinos who already wish to stay in their provinces)," Go said, noting that investments in the countryside will attract more people to eventually go back to the provinces.

"This would also lead to rural development," he added.

He said the proposal also has the added benefit of reuniting families that have been separated for a long time due to jobs that require employees to relocate to business districts.

With the proposed "Balik Probinsya" program, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography noted that the government can also facilitate the decongestion of the metropolis, which will eventually help solve perennial issues of overpopulation, heavy traffic, and pollution, as well as in preparing for future possible disease outbreaks, other crises, and natural disasters.

"Decongesting urban areas will mitigate and resolve long-standing issues that accelerate the spread of diseases like Covid-19 due to highly dense communities resulting in a faster rate of transmission, poor sanitation, overburdened health care facilities, and inefficiencies in the delivery of services," he said.

The Balik Probinsya program is one of the long-term solutions proposed by Go to current problems that have adversely affected the country's ability to respond to the Covid-19 health crisis.

The program aims to assist Filipino families who wish to relocate to the provinces after the state of public health emergency and the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures are lifted.

The program includes providing incentives and livelihood opportunities to those who wish to go back to their respective provinces when the Covid-19 outbreak has been finally controlled.

Go said once this proposal becomes a national priority, its implementation will result to the more efficient delivery of public goods and services that can benefit all regions and would also lead to equitable development all throughout the country.

The Balik Probinsya program has already garnered the full support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez assuring Friday that the government would provide incentives for businesses that will open in the provinces.

He said the government will also provide financial assistance to those who seek to open micro, small or medium enterprises in the provinces.

Meanwhile, Go said the government must be ready to provide the public with the means and incentives to go back to the provinces for good once the Covid-19 crisis is resolved.

While admitting that this will not be an easy feat given the massive preparations needed to be undertaken to implement the move in such limited time, he stressed that decongesting Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas have to be done immediately to put an end to recurring problems.

"Magtulungan at magbayanihan po tayo para malampasan ang krisis na ito. Sa bawat problema nating hinaharap, oportunidad rin ito na magkaroon ng mas maayos at mas matatag na bansa (Let us help and cooperate with each other to overcome this crisis. For every problem we face, there is also the opportunity to have a more progressive and stronger nation)," Go said. (PNA)



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MANILA – The country will have fair weather on Saturday with some clouds and isolated rains in certain parts, brought by the northeasterly surface wind flow, the easterlies, or localized thunderstorms.

In a weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said cloudy skies with isolated light rains will prevail in the Batanes and Babuyan Islands brought by the northeasterly surface wind flow.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers brought by the easterlies or localized thunderstorms.

Both weather phenomena will have no significant impact, PAGASA said in its report.

Winds in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon will be moderate to strong, headed northeast, resulting in moderate to rough coastal waters with waves of 2.8 meters to 3.7 meters.

The rest of Luzon will have slight to moderate wind speeds headed east to northeast, resulting in slight to moderate coastal waters at 1.2 meters to 2.5 meters.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will have slight to moderate winds headed east to northeast, causing slight to moderate coastal waters of up to 2.1 meters.

The temperature in Metro Manila will range from 25°C to 36°C; Baguio City, 16°C to 26°C; Lipa City, 24°C to 35°C; Iloilo City/Bacolod City, 27°C to 34°C; Tacloban City, 26°C to 33°C; and Metro Davao, 26°C to 36°C. (PNA)



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MANILA – The country will have fair weather on Saturday with some clouds and isolated rains in certain parts, brought by the northeasterly surface wind flow, the easterlies, or localized thunderstorms.

In a weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said cloudy skies with isolated light rains will prevail in the Batanes and Babuyan Islands brought by the northeasterly surface wind flow.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers brought by the easterlies or localized thunderstorms.

Both weather phenomena will have no significant impact, PAGASA said in its report.

Winds in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon will be moderate to strong, headed northeast, resulting in moderate to rough coastal waters with waves of 2.8 meters to 3.7 meters.

The rest of Luzon will have slight to moderate wind speeds headed east to northeast, resulting in slight to moderate coastal waters at 1.2 meters to 2.5 meters.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will have slight to moderate winds headed east to northeast, causing slight to moderate coastal waters of up to 2.1 meters.

The temperature in Metro Manila will range from 25°C to 36°C; Baguio City, 16°C to 26°C; Lipa City, 24°C to 35°C; Iloilo City/Bacolod City, 27°C to 34°C; Tacloban City, 26°C to 33°C; and Metro Davao, 26°C to 36°C. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has again suspended voter registration nationwide until June 30, 2020.

In a statement, Comelec executive director Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. said the extension was approved in line with the government's decision, extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15.

"The conduct of voter registration is not yet advisable since there will be restrictions on the movement of people and on certain activities," he said.

Sinocruz said the suspension covers voter registration in all Comelec offices and satellite registration sites.

"The period from May 1 to June 30 will give the Commission time to put in place anti-Covid-19 measures in relation to the conduct of the registration of voters once it resumes," Sinocruz said.

He said the issuance of Voter's Certification remains suspended until April 30, or until such time that the ECQ shall have been lifted by proper authorities.

This is the third suspension of the system of continuing registration of voters due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As early as March 9, all Comelec offices in all cities and municipalities nationwide were directed to suspend voter registration until March 31.

On March 27, the Comelec resolved to reschedule the lifting of the suspension from March 31 to April 30. (PNA)



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MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday reported that a total of 19,466 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been repatriated since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Of the number, some 15,130 are seafarers from 75 cruise ships while the remaining 4,336 are land-based OFWs.

"Marami pa pong parating in the next few days. Uuwi pa ang libo-libo nating kababayan galing sa ibang bansa (Many more are arriving in the coming days. Thousands of our compatriots will come home from other countries)," DFA Undersecretary Brigido Dulay said during the Laging Handa briefing.

All OFWs had been required to undergo a 14-day facility quarantine.

Dulay said seafarers who had undergone the required quarantine period on cruise ships where no passenger or crew member has contracted Covid-19 would be allowed to go home directly.

"Iyon pong ating mga seafarers na nandoon sa cruise ship at nakapag-quarantine na at malinis ang cruise ships,  ang tawag nila 'malinis', ibig sabihin niyan ay 'di nabahiran ng kahit na anong impeksiyon ng Covid - - pasahero man o crew member - - ito po ay puwede nang maging 14-day quarantine nila sa laot para pagdating dito ay puwede na silang tumuloy sa kanilang probinsiya at bahay (Our seafarers who were quarantined on a cruise ship and the ship is deemed 'clean' – clean, meaning no passenger or crew member was infected by Covid-19 – their 14-day quarantine at sea can be considered so that they would be able to go home to their province and houses)," he said. 

Meanwhile, Dulay noted that land-based OFWs would be referred to a quarantine facility upon arrival.

Although some cruise ships carrying repatriates have docked in the Philippines, no Filipino crew onboard has disembarked yet, the DFA said in a separate statement.

"None of the Filipino crew ha(s) disembarked because all of them are undergoing (a) two-week quarantine. After the quarantine, all will be given Covid tests," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said. (PNA



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MANILA – To boost the Philippines' drive to significantly raise its daily Covid-19 testing capacity, the Philippines formally received on Saturday 700 units of Q-Sens 2019-nCoV Detection Kits from the government of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

The Covid-19 test kits, which can yield a total of 35,000 tests, are valued at USD500,000 (approximately PHP25.38 million) and arrived late in the evening of April 24.

The kits were symbolically turned over to the Philippines in simple rites at the Department of Foreign Affairs, with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, and National Task Force on Covid-19 spokesperson Restituto Padilla receiving the donation from Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man.

Also present at the turnover were Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Brigido Dulay, Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Meynardo Montealegre, Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Adviser for Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Robert Eric Borje, and First Secretary Seah Park of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

The pandemic has seen the two countries engage in active mutual assistance.

Prior to this donation of test kits, ROK has shared its know-how and its model in flattening of its domestic Covid-19 curve by hosting various web seminars for Philippine officials and experts.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has also actively helped a number of local government units with their respective requirements.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government has provided ready assistance to facilitate ROK's own repatriation efforts for its stranded nationals.

Figures from 2019 show that there were 1.98 million tourists from the ROK who visited the Philippines.

The Q-Sens test kits are compatible with local Covid-19 testing systems. The actual kits were immediately delivered to the DOH after clearing entry formalities. (PR)



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MANILA – The Philippines is in the initial stages of coordination with the Japanese government for the planned clinical trials of Avigan for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in the country.

"Nagkaroon po tayo ng kasunduan sa government of Japan kung saan mayroon po tayong pagkakasunduan, kung magiging clear po ang ating arrangement, ito pong isang gamot ay Avigan pero nasa initial stages of coordination pa lang tayo (We had an agreement with the government of Japan, once the arrangement has been clear, the medicine would be Avigan. At present we are in the initial stages of coordination)," DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Saturday during the Laging Handa briefing.

Avigan, a Japanese anti-influenza drug otherwise known as Faviravir, has been touted as a promising treatment for Covid-19.

Aside from this medicine, Vergeire said the Philippines is exploring other ways to manage Covid-19 cases.

"Sa UP (PGH), nag-umpisa na po sila ng kanilang convalescent plasma therapy na clinical trial, naumpisan na sa ibang pasyente at mayroon na silang nire-report na maganda pero hindi pa po 'yan enough evidence na kumpleto para masabi na ito talaga ay epektibo (At UP, they already started their convalescent plasma therapy on clinical trial, they've been reporting good results but that is not enough evidence to say this is really effective)," she said.

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) is the only hospital in the country with approved protocol to conduct such procedure, said Vergeire.

Meanwhile, some 21 Philippine hospitals enrolled for the World Health Organization's Solidarity trial involving four off-label drugs reportedly effective in managing Covid-19 cases.

READ: PH hospitals to join WHO solidarity trial

The hospitals include the PGH in Manila, The Medical City in Pasig, San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa, Baguio General Hospital in Benguet, East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City, Makati Medical Center in Makati, St. Lukes Medical Center Global, St. Lukes Medical Center Quezon City, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center in Quezon City, Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Manila Doctors Hospital in Manila, Manila Medical Center in Manila, Chinese General Hospital in Manila, San Juan de Dios Medical Center in Pasay, Diliman Doctors Hospital in Quezon City, University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila, Vicente Sotto Medical Center in Cebu, Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao, and World Citi Medical Center in Quezon City.

As of April 24, the Philippines has a total of 7,192 confirmed Covid-19 cases, of whom 762 recovered while 477 died. (PNA)



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MANILA – The pandemic has inspired alumni of two-time Choir of the World champion, the University of Santo Tomas Singers, to perform individually from their respective homes around the globe, this time, for a cause.

While it can be difficult to continue creating wonderful music at a time when hundreds of thousands are dying of a contagion in more than 180 countries, the award-winning choir brings hope and positivity through their rendition of the song "Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika" (One Blood, One Race, One Music).

"The alumni of the UST Singers from all over the globe gather together to voice out our valiant song of hope and unity and spread inspiration," UST Singers Conductor, Prof. Fidel Gener Calalang Jr., said at the beginning of the viral video, which now has nearly 4,000 shares and 5,000 likes on Facebook in a span of a little more than 24 hours.

Former UST Singers member Vincent Evangelista, now based in Houston, Texas, said the song is a special tribute to Filipinos, especially front-liners and essential workers.

"It started as katuwaan lang sana ng (something for fun by a) small group of alumni, then it became really big. We started doing this right after Holy Week. We thought that the song was fitting because, during these times, we Filipinos have to unite," he said.

It is interesting to note that among the singers in the video, 25 are actual front-liners and essential workers themselves, including Evangelista.

For the song collaboration, about 96 choir alumni virtually reunited and gathered together in expressing solidarity through the song, with the aim of spreading love and kindness in these challenging times.

"Though the song is in Filipino, about Filipinos, and for Filipinos, it speaks universally because we are one human race. We included an English translation for it to be universally encompassing," Evangelista said.

He said the choir was given the blessing to make its rendition by song composer, Mr. Dodjie Simon, and choral arranger, Dr. Joel Navarro.

Filipinos remain essentially under enhanced community quarantine and movements are restricted to prevent a further rise in infections.

While the virus has tried people's souls, it has also drawn out the strength and resilience of the nation, he said.

Evangelista noted that the song seeks to lift a heavy mood.

"The song was from our hearts. Through this song, we hope we imparted our deepest gratitude and show everyone that we can get past this challenge," he said. (PNA)



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MANILA – An international organization has recognized the government's effort in providing emergency employment assistance to workers to help cushion the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Saturday.

In a statement, the DOLE said the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has acknowledged the agency's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).

"The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has cited the labor department's social protection program for informal sector workers in addressing the global Covid 19 pandemic," it said.

The DOLE said the FAO, in a recent report, said the Philippines is among only 11 countries out of the 84 introduced social protection measures to address the impact of Covid-19, which adopted such programs that specifically targeted the most vulnerable informal sector workers of the economy.

Aside from the Philippines, the other countries cited for such programs are Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Egypt, Australia, Thailand, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia.

"The most common measures taken so far include the introduction of cash grants and food distribution for vulnerable groups and temporary employment schemes for informal workers," FAO said.

"In the Philippines, informal workers who have temporarily lost their livelihood can apply for a temporary employment programme, limited to 10 days of work involving disinfection/sanitation of their houses and immediate vicinities. Beneficiaries will have orientation on safety and health, payment of 100 percent of the highest prevailing minimum wage, and will be enrolled into group micro-insurance," the report added.

FAO referred to the DOLE's modified TUPAD Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko Disinfection/Sanitation Project, or TUPAD #BKBK, an employment creation program that provides emergency employment for displaced, underemployed and seasonal workers in the informal economy.

Qualified workers were paid the prevailing minimum wage set in their respective regions equivalent to 10 days.

The DOLE also reported that as of April 24, a total of 259,449 workers have availed the TUPAD #BKBK across all regions which exceed the initial target of 235,949 beneficiaries. Of this, 65 percent have completed their work and were paid a total of PHP723 million in wages.

More than 500,000 people have pending requests to be covered under the project. However, these pending requests will not all be covered due to dwindling funds.

The Bicol Region has served the highest number of workers under the TUPAD #BKBK with a total of 53,169 workers amounting to PHP68.8 million in wages paid.

This was followed by Calabarzon with a total of 23,808 affected informal workers at PHP60.4-million disbursement.

In Davao, TUPAD #BKBK workers have expressed how the project had provided a sense of security to be able to spend their wages on family necessities while in quarantine.

"DOLE quickly responded and taken measures in response to CoVID 19 pandemic affecting the formal sector, workers in the informal economy and the Overseas Filipino Workers. We hope that the TUPAD #BKBK can help alleviate the thousands of informal sector workers displaced by this crisis," Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said. (PNA)

 



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MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed support for Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go's proposed "Balik Probinsya" program that seeks to decongest overcrowded Metro Manila once the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is put under control.

 

In a speech aired Friday on state-run PTV-4, Go explained to Duterte that the proposed Balik Probinsya program aims to provide incentives and livelihood opportunities to Filipinos who wish to return to their respective provinces after the lifting of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

 

He noted that the lack of urban planning and rural development is one of the reasons why Covid-19 is spreading fast in the country's metropolis.

 

"As soon as the enhanced community quarantine is lifted and travel is gradually normalized, the government must encourage Filipino families to move out of Manila and other metropolitan areas. Government must provide them the means and incentives to go back to the provinces for good," Go said.

 

Under the Balik Probinsya program, the government would provide free transportation and livelihood assistance to Metro Manila residents who want to be relocated to their respective provinces.

 

The planned relocation would start after Duterte lifts the implementation of the ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas with confirmed Covid-19 cases.

 

Duterte, responding to Go's remarks, agreed that the proposal would give Filipinos "hope".

 

"Maganda iyan, Bong (Your recommendation is good, Bong). Go home to the province. They have the means of going back and there is a promise," he said. "What's important is we give them hope."

 

Metro Manila is home to 12.87 million Filipinos, according to a 2015 census.

 

About 4,877 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been recorded in Metro Manila, according to the April 24 data uploaded on the official website of the Department of Health.

 

Proper planning

 

Go, chairperson of the Senate health and demography panel noted that 70 percent of Covid-19 cases in the country are in Metro Manila.

 

He said overpopulation, congested traffic, and pollution in Metro Manila would be addressed, once his proposed relocation program is implemented.

 

He added that the government would also be able to prepare for future possible disease outbreaks, other crises and natural disasters.

 

Go saw the need for proper planning to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed Balik Probinsya program.

 

He said the government, in coordination with the private sector, must take the necessary steps for the country to be able to adapt to the "new normal" after the Covid-19 crisis.

 

"(Balik Probinsya) is a long-term plan to encourage them na bumalik sa ating probinsya. Kailangang pag-aralan at planuhin ito nang mabuti kung paano sila bigyan ng kabuhayan. Hindi ito immediate na ngayon (i-implement) kasi may mga quarantine protocols pa tayo na sinusunod (Balik Probinsya is a long-term plan to encourage them to return to their respective provinces. We need to thoroughly study and plan how we can grant the livelihood assistance. It will not be immediately implemented because we still have to follow the quarantine protocols)," Go said.

 

Robust economy

 

Go said the proposed Balik Probinsya would not only contain the Covid-19 outbreak but would also boost the country's economy.

 

He made the remarks as he cited that the Philippines, despite its booming economy, remains a "largely agricultural country with plenty of idle lands in the countryside that can be developed."

 

"This proposal is also about equitable distribution of the gains of our fast-developing economy, balanced development of the urban and rural areas and poverty alleviation," he said.

 

He suggested that the government may facilitate the use of some idle lands for the productive use of people who will be relocated from Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas.

 

"Coupled with tax reforms and more aggressive support for MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) development, the government may be able to create a business environment conducive for more investments in the countryside," he explained.

 

Go also said rural areas can provide the needed human resource for new businesses in provinces by linking up with higher educational institutions and technical and skills development centers.

 

The Department of Trade and Industry has vowed to provide incentives for businesses that would open in the provinces to attract countryside investments.

 

Financial assistance and affordable loans would also be provided to those who seek to open MSMEs in the provinces.

 

Go said his proposal is being studied by the government.

 

"Maraming sumasang-ayon na ilagay na rin ang national offices sa probinsya. Papakinggan natin 'yan para ma-decongest ang Metro Manila. Maraming probinsya ang may potensyal (Many agree that national offices should be in provinces. We are also listening to the proposal to decongest Metro Manila. Many provinces have the potential to be developed)," he said. (PNA)  

 



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MANILA – As Muslims observed the Holy Month of Ramadhan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Saturday said the season is very much in-line with the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

 

"The spirit of sacrifice, faith, obedience, discipline, and charity being observed by our Filipino Muslim brothers and sisters this month is very much in line with what is needed in the current imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in high-risk areas as well as the general community quarantine (GCQ) in low-risk areas starting May 1, 2020, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic," Año said in a statement.

 

"The quarantine safety measure is beneficial in easing your fasting as you stay home and do your solemn prayers and reflections," he added.

 

Año said the DILG, together with its attached agencies, especially the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are one with the Muslims in ensuring peaceful observance of Ramadhan.

 

"As we continue to fight Covid-19, the DILG reiterates its call to local government units (LGUs) to ensure the provision of halal food packs to your Muslim constituents, as directed in DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-061, and ensure that Muslim communities are not bypassed in the relief operations," he said.

 

"And for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the facilities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Pedology (BJMP), the Bureau is ensuring the provision of halal food and the observance of physical distancing during prayer activities in jails," Año said.

 

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is also on guard in ensuring a fire-safe nation.

 

"May we continue to tread the path of unity amid diversity through tolerance and coexistence; solidarity amid challenges; and faith in our only one God who will not fail us from our common enemies such as Covid-19," he said. (PNA) 



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MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reported 102 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, bringing the total to 7,294.

The agency also reported 30 new recoveries and 17 new deaths. As of April 25, there are 792 recoveries and 494 Covid-related deaths.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at least 1,101 healthcare workers have been diagnosed with the disease-- 434 doctors, 400 nurses, 55 nursing assistants, 32 medical technologists, and 21 radiologic technologists.

Of this number, 26 have died including 20 physicians and six nurses.

In a virtual briefing, Vergeire sent the country's condolences to the bereaved families of those who passed away due to the respiratory disease.

Currently, the Philippines continues to strengthen its testing capacity. There are a total of 18 laboratories in the country licensed to test people for Covid-19.

As of this writing, Vergeire said 72,794 persons have been tested.

On Saturday, the government also received 700 units of Q-Sens 2019-nCoV Detection Kits from the South Korean government.

The kits, which can yield a total of 35,000 tests, are valued at USD500,000 or approximately PHP25.38 million.

"Patuloy po itong makakadagdag sa ating kasalukuyang testing capacity. Ito po'y nakatakdang i-deliver sa RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) at mga sub-national laboratories sa susunod na araw (This would augment our current testing capacity. These will be delivered to RITM and the sub-national laboratories in the coming days)," she said as she thanked South Korea for the donation. (PNA)



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MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday reported 152 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) among overseas Filipinos (OFs), bringing the total to 1,337.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said most of the new cases came from the Middle East.

"The DFA has been monitoring and compiling reports of Covid-19 cases among our OFs since March. For the past month, an increasing trend of confirmed cases has been noted with an average of 37 cases per day, while there is a steady rate of recoveries and deaths at 7 and 5 cases per day, respectively," he told reporters.

In terms of regional data, most of the confirmed cases are among Filipinos in the European region at 413, the highest number of recoveries was in Asia and the Pacific at 198, and most cases of fatalities are in the Americas at 105.

To date, a total of 328 Filipinos abroad recovered while 184 died due to the disease, two of whom were recorded in Asia and the Pacific, 63 in Europe, 14 in the Middle East/Africa, and 105 in the Americas. (PNA) 

 



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MANILA – Solicitor General Jose Calida has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to dismiss a petition seeking the release of detained communist rebels.

Calida, on April 24, asked the court to dismiss a petition for lack of merit, saying "to grant the petition would result in grave injustice not only to the People of the Philippines but also to the surviving relatives of petitioners' victims who are still waiting for justice to be finally served."

The petition, he said, "is one that involves perception and deception", noting that while the petitioners in the suit claim to be political prisoners, they are actually under detention for non-bailable offenses.

Some five of the 22 petitioners are charged before Branch 32 of RTC Manila with 15 counts of murder for their involvement in the Inopacan massacre, which came to light after 68 skeletal remains were discovered in Inopacan, Leyte in 1992.

They were the victims of the inhumane Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) internal cleansing dubbed project "Venereal Disease," Calida said.

"One must call a spade a spade. The petitioners are all valuable members of the terrorist organization," he said.

He added that "without a doubt, this petition is a ruse" to remove them from the confines of jail.

"Contrary to their claim, there are no humanitarian considerations involved but merely opportunistic legalism to distort established judicial processes," Calida said.

He said the petitioners' continued detention affords them "ready access to government resources if and when the dreaded virus reaches the doors of their cells, no less different outside their cells."

The petition filed on April 8 by the Public Interest Law Center and the National Union of People's Lawyers was on behalf of 22 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

They said the petition also covers prisoners who are similarly situated "but cannot be included in this petition due to the difficult circumstances".

It also asked the High Court to compel the government to create a Prisoner Release Committee, "similar to those set up in other countries, to urgently study and implement the release of all other prisoners in various congested prisons" throughout the country.

Among those listed as petitioners at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and at the Manila City jail were Dionisio S. Almonte, 62; Ireneo O. Atadero Jr., 57; Alexander Ramonita K. Birondo, 68; Winona Marie O. Birondo, 61;Rey Claro C. Casambre, 68; Ferdinand T. Castillo, 60; Francisco O. Fernandez Jr, 71; Renante Gamara, 62; Vicente P. Ladlad, 70;Cleofe S. Lagtapon, 66; Ediesel R. Legaspi, 62; Adelberto Silva, 72; Alberto L. Villamor, 63;Virginia B. Villamor, 65; Emmanuel Bacarra, 55; Oliver Rosales, 48; Oscar Belleza, 63; Norberto A. Murillo, 66; and Dario Tomada, 60.

Detained at the Bureau of Corrections is Lilia Bucatcat, 73.

Ge-ann Perez, 21, is detained at the Taguig City Jail Female Dormitory while Reina Mae Nasino, 22, is detained at the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY – The city government has PHP258.5 million in its coffers allocated for efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Dexter See of the city information office said the funds come from the PHP30.4 million quick response fund of the local disaster risk reduction and management; the PHP78.1 million released by the Department of Budget and Management -- the national government's assistance equivalent to one-month Internal Revenue Allotment; and the PHP150 million the city council had earlier realigned from unimplemented city projects.

The bulk of the fund will be used to provide relief items for over 93,000 households in the city.

City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente said the fund from DBM can be used for a specific purpose only such as the procurement of medicines and supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), food supply for volunteers, relief goods for the beneficiaries and other Covid-related operations.

She said the fund could not be used for hazard pay and special risk allowance of barangay health workers and volunteers, as well as elected officials.

Meanwhile, the PHP10.24 million approved by the city council as financial assistance to the 128 barangays will be charged to the PHP150 million fund.

The city government earlier earmarked PHP5.7 million as an augmentation to the barangay's anti-Covid efforts.

Last week, the city council had also approved on first reading the proposed ordinance allocating a portion of the PHP150 million for the insurance of barangay front-liners and volunteers.

"The payment of the insurance premiums of front-liners in the city's barangays is part of the effort to provide them with non-cash benefits that are allowed to be given to motivate them to continue working," the city council resolution read.

Officials, health workers, and volunteers in barangays are tasked to help the national government in the campaign to prevent the spread of the virus in communities.

"The ordinance stipulates that paying the insurance premiums of front-liners in the city's barangays will greatly help in easing the burden of paying their insurance so they can concentrate their efforts in providing quality services to the residents whom they are mandated to serve," the proposal read. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government troops neutralized an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) explosive expert involved in the deadly church and military camp bombings in the province of Sulu, officials said Monday.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the slain ASG bandit as alias Abu Vikram, whose remains were abandoned by his comrade and recovered by the troops in Barangay Lambanah, Talipao, Sulu.

Vikram is the grandson of Radullan Sahiron, the most senior leader ASG in the province of Sulu, Vinluan said

Acting on reliable information, Vinluan said the troops launched a pursuit operation to intercept two ASG bandits aboard a motorcycle around 9:45 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao.

He said two ASG bandits opened fire prompting the troops to return fire and pursue them as they flee. The troops recovered the remains of Vikram in Barangay Lambanah, Talipao.

Vikram, a bombmaker, was involved in the January 27, 2019 twin bombings of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that killed 20 people and injured 102 others, the Army official said.

Vikram was also involved in the June 28, 2019 bomb attack of the tactical command post of the First Brigade Combat Team in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu. Three soldiers and three civilians were killed during the incident.

Vinluan said Vikram was also involved in the clash Friday that resulted in the death of 11 soldiers and injured 13 others in Sitio Bud Lubong, Barangay Danag, Patikul.

Vikram's remains were brought to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper disposition.

"Then again, this successful operation proves that the direct involvement of the communities would put up pressure on the Abu Sayyaf and constrict their movements as well," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

"May you continue to feed us with reliable information as we beef up our operations to run down terror groups and end discord and instability in our area of operation," Sobejana added. (PNA)

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TACLOBAN CITY – A free ride intended for health workers and hospital support staff is now operational in this city and to nearby town during the enhanced community quarantine period.

 

Since mass transportation is suspended, some health workers need to walk from home to pick-up points and in crossing borders, An Waray Partylist Rep. Florencio Noel said during the launching on Sunday.

 

"We also instituted safety and precautionary measures to be observed inside the vehicle," Noel told reporters.

 

Medical front-liners should present their identification cards to avail the free ride, submit to body temperature check, use hand sanitizers, step on disinfecting foot bathe, and observe social distancing inside the vehicle.

 

The two vehicles, with three routes dubbed as "Biyahero," will be sanitized after each trip.

 

It will transport front-liners from Robinsons Marasbaras to Leyte Provincial Hospital in Palo town, Schistosomiasis Hospital also in Palo, and to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in the northern part of the city.

 

Another route will also drive health workers to various government and private hospitals within the city's commercial district.

 

Noel said the program is "just a little nudge of support" compared to their sacrifice of risking their lives just to keep citizens safe and free from coronavirus disease 2019. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY -- A 74-year-old Covid-19 patient here died on Sunday night at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), bringing to two the coronavirus disease 2019-caused deaths in Bicol, the Department of Health (DOH) office in the region said on Monday.

Dr. Ernie Vera, DOH regional director and Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) chairperson, said the elderly, who was diabetic, hypertensive and suffering from ischemic heart disease, was admitted at the BRTTH isolation facility last April 14 and tested positive for Covid-19.

"The victim from Albay was the second death case following the first mortality case in Camarines Sur where a 66-year-old male died of the disease, he said in an interview.

The report said that as of Sunday, there are 25 Covid-19 cases in Bicol.

Vera reiterated his call to the public to continue the fight against Covid-19. "We are at war with an invisible enemy which to this day stays unpredictable as cases are still increasing which means that we should always keep our shields up," he said. (PNA)

 



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The city government will expand this week the operations of its innovative community kitchens to deliver food to more children and other residents here who were affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

Philip Pabelic, an executive assistant at the City Mayor's Office, said Monday they are set to open at least 30 more community kitchens that will feed children at least twice a day for free until the end of the quarantine period.

Pabelic said these will supplement the ongoing operations of the 70 daycare centers in the city's major barangays tapped for the feeding program.

The existing community kitchens have been providing cooked meals twice a day to 35,000 children in the city, he said.

"We're targeting to double our coverage to 70,000 children," Pabelic told reporters, adding the kitchens are being manned by community volunteers who cook different meals like arrozcaldo, champorado, bihon, boiled eggs, and sweet potatoes.

Supported by the local government and various private donors, the community kitchens operate from Monday to Saturday.

Pabelic assured that community kitchens follow health and safety protocols to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19), especially on the physical distancing rule.

"We strictly implement the no mask, no food policy," he added.

A brainchild of Jane Gollon-Rivera, the wife of Mayor Ronnel Rivera, the outdoor kitchens are being supplied by the local government with ingredients in coordination with Department of Health-trained dieticians.

In a statement, Gollon-Rivera said she pushed for the opening of the community kitchens to ensure that children are provided with nutritious food during the quarantine period.

"Relief packs are usually designed to fight hunger and starvation, but most of the time we forget the nutritional aspect," she said.

She said each of the city's 70 community kitchens currently feeds at least 500 kids twice a day. (PNA)

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BALANGA CITY, Bataan —The provincial government here has been preparing and distributing from breakfast to supper not less than 3,250 food packs daily for health workers and other front-liners while the province is under the enhanced community quarantine.

Governor Albert Garcia said on Sunday that they are in full support of front-liners at Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), Bataan People's Center, hotels, and checkpoints.

The BGHMC was turned Friday into an exclusive hospital facility for confirmed Covid-19 positive patients while the Bataan People's Center was designated as a patient care center for hospital workers.

Aside from food, the provincial government also provided free hotel and transportation accommodations and security for front-liners, especially the medical workers.

The governor also said additional mattresses, pillows, bedsheets and blankets were being readied.

Some 250 foam beds, 400 flat sheets, bed sheets and pillows were reserved for medical workers who were exposed to those tested positive of the virus and not allowed to go out of BGHMC while waiting for laboratory results.

"Kailangan nilang talagang manatili sa loob ng ospital hangga't hindi lumalabas ang resulta ng kanilang test kaya pansamantalang gamit nila ay make-shift beds (They indeed need to stay inside the hospital until the result of the test is released. Thus, they are temporarily using the make-shift beds," Garcia said.

He said that 282 health workers from BGHMC have been billeted in six hotels where they are provided free food and transportation. These workers were those found negative of Covid-19, had no exposure with those tested positive, and continuously serve at the hospital.

As of Friday, there were 42 doctors, nurses, nursing attendants and other health workers of BGHMC who tested positive of the Covid-19.

"Lahat ng mga hakbang ay ginagawa ng ating pamahalaang panlalawigan upang pangalagaan ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng lahat, maging mga ordinaryong mamamayan, front-liners or health workers man (The provincial government has been doing all the measures to protect the health and welfare of all, even the ordinary citizens, front-liners and health workers)," Garcia said. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY – A field isolation facility here for individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is now operational.

Mayor Edgardo Labella and Dr. Jaime Bernadas, director of the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7, inspected the Bayanihan Cebu Field Center-Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu along Gen. Maxilom Avenue.

This facility is among the three field isolation centers constructed to prepare the city for the worst-case scenario amid the health threat of the Covid-19. The other two are still under construction.

"SHS Bayanihan Cebu field center which is among the three facilities in Cebu City that will accommodate Covid-19 patients (is now open). This is part of Cebu City's preparation against the Covid-19 virus in cooperation with the CCHD (Cebu City Health Department), DOH-7, OPAV (Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas), Sacred Heart School Batch 85 Foundation and other volunteers," Labella said.

A statement from OPAV said the SHS Bayanihan Cebu field center is among the two facilities built in Cebu to accommodate mild and moderate positive Covid-19 patients.

The facilities "are designated health centers that will house patients who may be exhibiting symptoms or may have been exposed to coronavirus. The said field centers will also house a quarantine area for patients who may not have the resources or facilities to self-isolate," the statement read.

Edmun Liu, convenor of Bayanihan Cebu PH said that Bayanihan field centers will be supervised by the DOH-7 and supported by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino.

"After one day cleanup and finishing touches tomorrow (Monday), the dry run will be done this Tuesday. Assuming no hitches, the center will be activated on Wednesday, April 22," Liu said.

He said the SHS field center situated inside the old Sacred Heart School for Boys campus on General Maxilom Avenue will have a 50-bed capacity.

Prior to the simple blessing on Sunday, the Negative Air Pressure Facility was constructed to allow air flow to the isolation room of the Bayanihan field center. This system will protect neighboring communities.

"And as for air outflow, all inside air is sucked out through medical-grade Hepa filters that clean all the air coming out. This is actually the reason for the slight delay in construction because the design team worked with the medical team to ensure a totally enclosed air-conditioned facility," Liu said.

This isolation technique is being used in hospitals and medical facilities.

Liu also said the facility is air-conditioned.

Kenneth Cobonpue, chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas, commended the SHS administration for allowing the use of their campus for the field center.

Dino and members of the SHS Batch 85 Foundation also support the construction of another Bayanihan field center at the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) Convention Center. This facility will be built in partnership with the Roman Catholic Church of the archdiocese of Cebu.

"This week, the Cebu City Quarantine Facility at Block 27, North Reclamation Area will also be operational. The Cebu City Government expects for the best, but prepares for the worst," Labella said. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY – Some 62 foreign tourists stranded by movement restrictions left this city on Saturday through a Cebu-bound sweeper flight arranged by the Department of Tourism (DOT). 

 

These tourists include 26 Australian, seven Canadian, six American, four Korean, four Swedish, four New Zealander, three German, two Dutch, two Finish, one Danish, one Norwegian, one Indian, and one British. 

 

A Philippine Airlines aircraft carried these tourists to Cebu for a connecting flight to Manila. They are the third batch of stranded foreign tourists assisted by the tourism department and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. 

 

"To make sure they are safe on their way home, we will be sending them emails regularly," DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said in an interview on Sunday.

 

The DOT also asked tourism officers to check on stranded tourists while waiting for their schedule to leave the region.  

 

"This was the least that we could do to somehow ease their anxieties of being far from home," Tiopes added.

 

On their departure day, the DOT gave each of them a simple token and a note to convey their thanks for their visit and hope they still enjoyed their stay despite the pandemic.

 

Tiopes added the tourists are eager to come and visit back the region once the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is over. 

 

This is the third batch of stranded tourists assisted by the regional office of the tourism department in the region.  

 

The first batch is made up of 57 foreign stranded tourists who left the region on March 27, while the second batch is composed of 13 European tourists who were flown to Manila on April 11. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY – A fierce clash between government troopers and communist terrorists claimed the lives of three soldiers of the Philippine Army's 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday.

The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) identified the fatalities as 2nd Lt. Ralf Amante Abibico of Bauko, Mt. Province; Cpl. Joel Nobleza of Jamindan, Capiz; and Pfc. Carl Venice Bustamante of Surallah, South Cotabato.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3ID, condemned the "cowardice and the dastardly act of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists".

"To the families, relatives, and friends of our fallen soldiers, we extend our deepest sympathies. They died protecting the people of Negros, they died as heroes," Vinoya said in a statement on Monday.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, which has jurisdiction over the operations of 94IB based in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, also paid tribute to his three men.

"We express our deepest sympathies to the families of our hero-soldiers who died fighting for peace in Negros Island," Pasaporte said.

Four soldiers were also wounded during the 30-minute firefight in Barangay Carabalan which started at around 10 a.m.

They were identified as Cpl. John Cris Laus, Cpl. Lismer Jade Tumayao, Pfc. John Paul Geonzon and Pfc. Alexis Mepranum. They are all in stable condition in a hospital in this city.

Pasaporte said government troops were deployed to the area to secure residents claiming social amelioration grant from personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis. The soldiers pursued the rebels extorting food and money from residents.

He added that when the troops were closing in on them, the communist-terrorists set off an improvised explosive device and threw hand grenades. The explosion immediately killed Abibico and one of his men. The other soldier died while being evacuated.

Pasaporte said the soldiers also saw the rebels dragging their dead and wounded comrades.

"We will heighten operations to capture these NPA terrorists and stop them from sowing fear in the communities," he added.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging 51 years of war against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)




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BUTUAN CITY – The government militiaman killed by communist guerillas last week in the Surigao del Sur town of San Miguel was laid to rest Sunday morning (April 19).

Wilson Esta Behing, a member of the Manobo tribe in Barangay Carromata, San Miguel, was killed by the New People's Army (NPA) on Tuesday (April 14) while tending his farm and was unarmed. Reports said Behing's killing was witnessed by his children.

His brother, Nilo, turned emotional during the burial, as he lambasted the NPA in the area for the alleged killings of several civilians in the area, most of whom are indigenous peoples (IPs).

"We were once considered by them (NPA) as their masses. But time went on that we could no longer comprehend what they are fighting for, so we decided to support the government for our own good," Nilo said in a recorded statement sent to the Philippine News Agency Sunday.

"In the mountains where the IPs reside, the NPA rebel now hunt us like wild animals. They completely disregarded the value of our lives," he added.

Nilo said the communist rebel movement should stop saying that the masses in the countryside are the "strength and hope of this country, for now, they are killing innocent civilians".

The killing of Behing was condemned by the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples in Caraga Region (NCIP-13), the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

On March 19, the NPA also killed Datu Bernandino Astudillo, 73, the Manobo tribal leader of Magroyong, San Miguel and a civilian identified as Zaldy Ibanez, 52.

With the NPA killing of tribesmen who do not support the armed rebellion, Nilo said it was time for the government to consider providing round-the-clock security to IP communities as they now fear going back to their ancestral lands because the NPA rebels are "roaming around and hunting us".

"This is my appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte. Help the IPs to have peaceful lives so that we could move on with our lives, produce food for our families," Nilo said.

Meanwhile, Behing's widow, Amie, expressed sadness and fear with the loss of her husband, saying she is worried about the future of her five children. Her eldest is 10 and the youngest is three.

"I don't know how to survive with my children. They are still young. The NPA has stolen their future. They have no heart to our children," Amie said in the local dialect.

"Why did the NPA kill my husband? How grave was his sin that they decided to take his life?" she said.

Amie recalled that the NPA killed her husband in front of their children "who were helpless to defend their father".

"My children are really affected. Oftentimes, they cry when they recall that day when the NPA killed their father. I really pity them. This will not be lost in their memory until they grow up," she said.

Datu Rico Maca, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel town, has appealed to the NPA to " stop the killing of civilians, especially the IPs".

Maca is the older brother of Amie and the brother-in-law of Behing.

"Life is very difficult for us now with the danger posed by Covid-19 (2019 coronavirus disease) and the continuing threats of the NPA," Maca said in an interview with the PNA on Sunday.

"With the Covid-19, most of the IPs want to go back and concentrate in remote villages to be safe and to have a chance to farm for a living. But the NPA rebels are also there waiting and ready to kill us. Where will the IPs go?" he said.

He appealed to the government to give justice to his brother-in-law, as well as for government agencies to help the widow of Behing and her children.

"In the middle of this pandemic, my sister and the other widows whose husbands were killed by the NPA need immediate intervention by the government," Maca said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has transferred as of weekend over PHP2.8 billion to local government units (LGUs) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) in line with the implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

DSWD-Region 12 Director Cezario Joel Espejo said Monday the disbursed money represents some 80 percent of the PHP3.5 billion allotted for the region under the first wave of the emergency financial assistance program.

Espejo said the funds were wired directly to 45 of the 50 municipalities and cities in the region that already completed the requirements for its rollout.

"The payouts for the release of emergency assistance to qualified beneficiaries are ongoing," he said in a statement.

DSWD-12 has targeted a total of 668,287 households in the region as beneficiaries of the PHP5,000 cash aid. The intended recipients are poor and marginalized families who were affected by the ongoing enhanced community quarantine in the wake of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

The agency earlier released some PHP3,650 each to around 246,000 beneficiaries in the region of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, under the SAP.

Espejo said they expect to complete "in the next few days" the transfer of the funds and the release of the LGUs of the financial assistance to qualified recipients.

Once the payouts are complete, he said the agency will immediately start the preparations for the second wave, which will cover the month of May.

He assured that they have implemented measures to ensure that "only the rightful beneficiaries affected by the enhanced community quarantine" will receive the financial assistance.

The official said teams comprising of representatives from various national government agencies and LGUs have been deployed to monitor the distribution of the emergency subsidy.

Espejo bared the monitoring teams have already discovered a number of non-eligible recipients in the course of their validation.

"The names of the non-qualified residents were immediately removed from the payroll," he said.

"This is a good indication that everybody is working to make sure that the assistance will go to rightful recipients," he added.

The region's quarantine is set to end on April 30. (PNA

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Days after being cleared of the dreaded 2019 coronavirus disease, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has donated more than 6,000 antibody diagnostic kits to various hospitals in Mindanao.

In Region 10, the senator's office donated at least 2,000 rapid test kits to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) -- the region's primary Covid-19 referral facility -- on Monday.

The city government-run JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) also received on the same day some 200 pieces of the test kits through its chief of hospital, Dr. Ramon Nery.

The kits are manufactured by the company Xiamen Boson Biotech Co. Ltd. based in Fujian, China.

On its website, the company claims to be a specialist in the in-vitro diagnostic kits field, developing and manufacturing high-quality point-of-care and other immunoassay kits for the worldwide market.

Zubiri, the Senate majority leader, was not able to attend the turnover due to the government-imposed travel restrictions.

Yoyong Aquino, Zubiri's Special Assistant for Mindanao reported that the said 2,200 pieces of testing kits is worth PHP3 million, which comes from the personal contribution of the senator with some help of his closedfriends who don't want to be identified. 

 

Meanwhile,another 2,000 kits will be distributed to Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center in his hometown Malaybalay City, while Zubiri's staff also donated 1,000 kits in Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City.

 

Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will also receive another 1,000 kits on April 21.

The kits given to selected Mindanao hospitals is the second wave of donation made by Zubiri after he spearheaded a donation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits to the Philippine General Hospital through the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health early this month.

"If we only focus on Metro Manila, we cannot defeat the Covid," Zubiri said in a statement.

"The longer we hold other regions back from massive testing, the higher the chances that the virus will continue to spread there, even with community quarantine. We can't afford for that to happen. We must address this as soon as possible," he added.

The donated kits are the same rapid antibody test kits promoted by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte which can be used in the absence of testing laboratories.

"I know the gold standard of testing for Covid-19 are the PCR test kits, like those we donated to PGH. But in the absence of accredited laboratories across the country, these rapid test kits will have to do for now," Zubiri said.

The lawmaker was referring to the RT-PCR or the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, a nuclear-derived method for detecting the presence of specific genetic material from any pathogen, including a virus.

He also acknowledged the need for nationwide testing, believing that it's the only way health officials can properly identify the scope of the virus, "and the only way the whole nation can begin to eliminate it."

Dr. Adriano Suba-an, DOH-10 director, said the health department is using RT-PCR as the preferred method of detection of the coronavirus.

However, Suba-an said the rapid test kits would still be used "for some other purposes that is going to help us make a decision for our doctors."

Suba-an has assured that the Boson Biotech test kits are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but these will not be used for mass testing of persons suspected of being infected with the coronavirus.

During the daily press briefing on Monday, Mayor Oscar Moreno expressed gratitude to Zubiri for donating the rapid test kits.

"This is his gesture, after having gone through this trauma of being (Covid-19) positive. I'm sure he did not want others to experience the same," Moreno said.

On March 16, Zubiri tested positive for Covid-19 after sitting on a Senate hearing where an infected person attended.

The senator tested negative for the coronavirus during a second testing on April 12. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY – Police arrested on Sunday four senior citizens caught in the act of gambling amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) being observed in Upi, Maguindanao.

Major Esmael Madin, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Maguindanao, said the suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act) and Proclamation No. 922 (Declaring the State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines).

Madin identified those arrested as Nelia Arpolar, Vicente Palarisan, Nestor Jeleron, and Marivic Meria, all senior citizens, and residents of Barangay Poblacion Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao.

"They were all caught in the act of playing mahjong," Madin said.

Seized from the suspects were mahjong playing tiles and bet money amounting to PHP700.

"This just proves that no one is exempted from the law regardless of age during these trying times," Madin said.

He said a tipster called them regarding the mahjong activity of the senior citizens in the area, despite repeated appeals from relatives for them to stop their pastime game because of the crisis brought by the 2019 coronavirus disease. (PNA)

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