‘Animated’ Duterte not sick — Palace
MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte seems to be “animated” and remains to be in very good condition, Malacañang assured the public on Tuesday. In a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte having a “lively” public address on late Monday night proves that the 75-year-old President is […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 cases breach 169,000 with 4,836 new infections
MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines leapt to 169,213 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,836 new infections, marking the seventh straight day in which more than 3,000 new cases were reported. Metro Manila still logged the highest number of new cases […]
PhilHealth execom is ‘real, bad’ mafia, says regional VP
MANILA, Aug 18 (Mabuhay) — PhilHealth regional vice president Dennis Adre on Tuesday supported the claim that the incumbent executive committee of the state health insurer is the “mafia” behind several alleged irregularities. “In the previous Senate hearings, Board member Alejandro Cabading and Atty. [Thorrsson Montes] Keith categorically stated that the execom is operating as […]
Magnitude 6.6 quake rocks Masbate
MANILA, Aug 18 (Mabuhay) — A magnitude 6.6 earthquake jolted Masbate on Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported. The tectonic quake was located 7 kilometers southeast of Cataingan, Masbate at 8:03 a.m. It had a depth of 21 kilometers. Intensity VII, which Phivolcs describes as “destructive”, was felt in Cataingan. Intensity […]
Duterte places NCR, 4 nearby provinces back to less strict GCQ
MANLA, Aug 18 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday night approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to put Metro Manila and four nearby provinces back to less restrictive general community quarantine (GCQ). In his public address in Davao City, Duterte said aside from […]
Covid-19 cases rise by 3,314; recoveries climb to 112,759
MANILA, Aug 18 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 3,314 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 164,474. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 91 out of 105 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases were […]
Duterte in ‘perpetual isolation’ as precaution vs. COVID-19 — Palace
MANILA, Aug 17 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has been in “perpetual isolation” to keep him safe from COVID-19, Malacañang said Monday. In a televised briefing, Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque praised the Presidential Security Group (PSG) for ensuring that the 75-year-old Duterte is protected against COVID-19. “He is in perpetual isolation in the sense that […]
Adult joblessness surged to record-high 45.5% in July — SWS poll
MANILA, Aug 17 (Mabuhay) — Adult joblessness in the Philippines rose to a record-high of 45.5% in July with half of the unemployed saying they lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic, a recent poll of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed. According to the results of the SWS National Mobile Phone Survey, adult joblessness […]
DOH logs 40K new Covid-19 recoveries; new cases rise by 3,420
MANILA, Aug 17 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 3,420 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 161,253. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 99 out of 105 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases were […]
PH imposes temporary ban on chicken imports from Brazil
MANILA, Aug 15 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the import of poultry meat from Brazil as a precautionary measure after the detection of SARS-COV-2, the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in chicken wings imported from the country. The ban was contained in a memorandum […]
6.2K new Covid-19 cases; PH total now 153K — DOH
MANILA, Aug 15 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) reported 6,216 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Friday, with the country’s total now reaching 153,660. In its daily Covid-19 bulletin, the DOH said the new infections bring the number of active cases nationwide to 79,813, with the majority of new cases […]
OFWs affected by Beirut blast get DOLE assistance
MANILA, Aug 14 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday said it has extended assistance to over 20 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were affected by the explosions in Beirut, Lebanon. “(Around) 28 (OFWs were) provided with welfare and relief assistance,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a statement. Bello […]
PH in talks with at least 16 COVID-19 vaccine developers – DOH
MANILA, Aug 14 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Friday said the government is in talks with more than a dozen COVID-19 vaccine developers as the country continues to grapple with the fast-spreading disease. “We have about 16 vaccine manufacturers na may different stages ng pag-uusap (that are in different stages of talks),” Health […]
4,002 new cases bring Philippines’ COVID-19 tally over 147,000
MANILA, Aug 14 (Mabuhay) — There are now 147,526 Filipinos nationwide infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,002 new cases on Thursday, the second day in a row in which over 4,000 new infections were reported. The bulk of the newly reported cases still hailed from the epicenter […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally tops 143,000 with 4,444 new cases
MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases jumped to 143,749 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,444 new infections. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 2,618, Laguna with 233, Cavite with 227, Rizal with 174, and Bulacan […]
Sputnik V availability in Philippines seen by April 2021
MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) — Russia’s anti-COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V could be available for commercial use in the Philippines by April 2021, a Philippine official who recently met with Russian authorities said Thursday. Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of Philippine Council for Health Research, was part of a team of Philippine health and vaccine experts […]
PH, SoKor navies discuss Covid-19 defense in virtual talks
MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) discussed defense efforts against the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic while keeping operational capabilities on track, in their first virtual “Navy to Navy Talks” (NTNT) on Wednesday. “This year’s talks focused on the sharing of best practices between […]
Jake Cuenca responds to netizen’s claim celebrities don’t feel effect of pandemic
MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) — Jake Cuenca did not let a comment of a netizen pass after the latter claimed that celebrities like him are more privileged during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. The comment came after Cuenca disagreed with a statement made by Senator Cynthia Villar about how the local medical community should […]
PH Covid-19 cases rise by 2,987 to 139,538; recoveries now 68,432
MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported 2,987 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 139,538. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 74 out of 99 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases are […]
US launches P1-B biodiversity project in PH
MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) — The United States government announced Tuesday a five-year biodiversity project worth PHP1.1 billion or around USD22 million to combat environmental crimes and help the country sustainably manage its natural resources. The Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) project, to be implemented by RTI International, is funded by the […]
‘Land of Covid-19’ tag on PH motivated by tourism competition
MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Wednesday called for understanding over Thailand’s struggling tourism industry after a Thai newspaper branded the Philippines as “Land of Covid-19” (coronavirus disease 2019) in relation to the return of more than a hundred Filipino teachers there. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged that there is no way to control […]
DOST to lead clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccine from Russia
MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will lead the clinical trials for a coronavirus virus (Covid-19) vaccine developed and offered to the Philippines by the Russian Federation, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday. In a message to reporters, the DOH said the DOST is the lead agency […]
PRRD accepts Russia’s CoVid-19 vaccine offer
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday accepted the offer of Russia to supply the Philippines with its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines once mass production starts. In a public address in Davao City, Duterte said he is “very happy” by the news that Russia would provide vaccines free of charge. “Maligayang-maligaya […]
PH logs record 6,958 new Covid-19 cases
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported record-high 6,958 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the overall tally to 136,638. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 74 out of 99 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases […]
PH still asserting sovereign rights vs China — Panelo
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea against China amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said on Monday. In his commentary show “Counterpoint” aired on state-run PTV-4, Panelo hit critics anew for saying that the Duterte […]
Duterte’s dilemma: After Russian vaccine, can I get COVID-19 shots from other countries?
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte is facing a “dilemma” on coronavirus vaccine clinical trials, Malacañang said Tuesday after the chief executive volunteered to be immunized with Russia’s newly developed drug. Duterte on Monday night welcomed Moscow’s offer to supply Manila with COVID-19 vaccines, saying he would volunteer to be inoculated in public […]
One year not enough to solve ‘systematic’ PhilHealth fraud, Morales says
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — Embattled PhilHealth President and CEO Ricardo Morales on Tuesday said his one year of service in the state health insurer is not enough to stem the deep-seated problem of fraud. “Fraud has always been with the system as it has always been in all similar health systems in the world. […]
Supreme Court to hold oral arguments on anti-terror law
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — The Supreme Court (SC) will conduct oral arguments on the petitions challenging the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Court spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said Tuesday that the SC will be hearing oral arguments on the case on the third week of September at the earliest. It was not immediately known whether […]
DFA: Number of injured Filipinos in Beirut blasts now at 47
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The number of Filipinos injured in last week’s deadly blasts in Beirut, Lebanon has increased to 47, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. An embassy report said there were five more Filipino casualties in the explosion that killed at least 154 people, including 4 Filipinos, and injured 5,000. The […]
DOH earmarks initial P2.4 billion for purchase of vaccine vs. COVID-19
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health has initially allocated P2.4 billion for the purchase of vaccine against COVID-19 under its proposed budget for 2021, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. “We allocated P2.4 billion for purchase of COVID-19 vaccine. We don’t know how much we can be able to procure, pero […]
US Embassy urges nationals to reconsider travel to the Philippines
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The United States Embassy in the Philippines on Saturday urged their citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In a travel advisory, the embassy said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a level 3 Travel Health Notice for […]
DOH warns vs. illegal trade of recovered Covid patients’ plasma
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) strongly reminds the public against the buying and selling of convalescent plasma of recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients. Studies have shown that it could pose serious risks to patients, who may contract transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) such as HIV, hepatitis and malaria. The reminder to […]
PH Covid-19 tally nears 130K; recoveries rise to 67,673
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 3,109 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, pushing the overall tally to 129,913. The DOH said the additional cases reported were based on the total Covid-19 tests done by 82 out of 99 operational laboratories. Majority of the newly announced cases came […]
Philippines reports 3,379 new COVID-19 cases; total at over 122K
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country rose to 122,754 on Friday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,379 new infections of which 2,298 are “fresh” or newly validated and 1,081 are late. This marks the ninth consecutive day where over 3,000 new cases were […]
400 Pinoys from Lebanon returning to PH — envoy
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — About 400 Filipinos are expected to return home in the coming weeks following the catastrophic twin explosions in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on August 4. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said a flight scheduled on August 16 also seeks to bring home the mortal remains of Filipinos killed […]
1 in 4 MSMEs closed due to COVID-19 pandemic– trade chief
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered about a quarter of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the trade department said Friday, as authorities lined up measures to lift the economy from recession. About 26 percent of 1.5 million MSMEs were “partially or temporarily closed” by the pandemic, 52 percent […]
One time, big time lockdown needed to flatten virus curve — Leachon
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — A former adviser to the government task force on COVID-19 response on Saturday said that a one time, big time lockdown is still needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic as infections continued to surge in the country. Dr. Tony Leachon, who left the national task force on pandemic response in […]
DFA spending P15M for repatriation efforts after Beirut blast —Locsin
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said Saturday that the DFA is paying P15 million from the agency’s funds for chartered flights to repatriate Filipinos affected by deadly and devastating blast in Beirut, Lebanon. In his tweet, Secretary Locsin also said the expected arrival of the chartered Qatar […]
Philippines’ total COVID-19 cases near 120,000-mark
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) — Coronavirus infections in the Philippines reached 119,460 on Thursday as the country’s health department reported 3,561 additional COVID-19 cases. This marks the eighth consecutive day during which over 3,000 new cases were reported. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 2,041, Laguna with […]
DFA chief orders check on Chinese survey vessel near Reed Bank
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. on Friday instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC) to check on reports that a Chinese survey vessel is currently near Reed or Recto Bank within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Reacting to a tweet by Indo-Pacific News […]
Poe wants greater protection, benefits for OFWs
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) — Sen. Grace Poe pressed for the immediate passage of a bill that would provide greater protection to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have unjustly or prematurely lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis. Senate Bill No. 1476 or the proposed Act to Further Assist Filipino Migrant Workers will entitle […]
Palace concerned as economy plunges into recession
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay)– Malacañang on Thursday expressed concern over the state of the economy which slipped into a recession for the first time in nearly three decades. The economy shrank by a record 16.5% in the April to June period when lockdowns meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 shut down around 75% of […]
Palace won’t accept PH has more COVID-19 cases than Indonesia, highest in ASEAN
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Friday refused to accept that the Philippines has overtaken Indonesia in the number of coronavirus infections, claiming that the numbers are a result of Manila’s more aggressive testing than Jakarta. The Philippines’ COVID-19 tally of 119,460 cases as of Thursday topped Indonesia’s 118,753, making it the Southeast Asian […]
August 10 start of Avigan trials in Philippines not yet final, DOH clarifies
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that the August 10 start of clinical trials in the Philippines of the Japanese anti-viral flu drug Avigan is not yet final, saying legal documents have yet to be finalized. “Yung una sinabi namin August 10 tayo mag-start pero hindi pa kasi namin, hindi […]
DFA to intensify efforts to repatriate Pinoys in Beirut — Palace
MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay)– The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will intensify its efforts to repatriate Filipinos in Beirut, Lebanon, Malacañang said Wednesday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the assurance after the DFA confirmed that two Filipinos were killed, eight were injured, and 11 went missing in the massive explosion that ripped through Lebanon’s capital. […]
Philippine economic managers expecting deeper economic slump of -5.5% for 2020
MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ economic managers have revised their economic performance assumptions for the entire 2020, seeing a deeper contraction than earlier projected as they took into consideration the country’s plunge to recession and Metro Manila return to stricter lockdown for two weeks. “The Development Budget Coordination Committee has revised the GDP […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally leaps to 115,980, highest in Southeast Asia
MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines now has the highest number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases across Southeast Asia, overtaking Indonesia, after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,462 new infections on Wednesday for a total of 115,980. Indonesia, on the other hand, has logged 115,056 cases as of Tuesday. The Philippines also […]
2 Filipinos among dead in Beirut blast — DFA
MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay) — Two Filipinos were killed in the massive explosion that ripped through Lebanon’s capital Beirut, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Wednesday. In a text message, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said eight Filipinos were also injured during the blast and 11 are missing. “Per latest reports from the […]
Alden Richards, Nadine Lustre open to work on a movie together
MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay)– Alden Richards has said he is willing to work again with Nadine Lustre. Alden and Nadine, who are a “fitspiration” to their fans, are co-ambassadors of a health and fitness competition. According to Alden, he has worked with Nadine when she is just starting her career. “During the early stages ng […]
Philippines logs record-high 6,352 new COVID-19 cases, total up to 112,593
MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines once again broke its own record for the highest number of new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in a single day after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 6,352 new infections on Tuesday, bringing the total to 112,593. This is the first time that over 6,000 new cases […]
No shoot to kill order vs. quarantine violators, PNP chief Gamboa assures public
MANILA, Aug 4 (Mabuhay) — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa assured the public Tuesday ensured that there is no shoot to kill order against quarantine violators amid the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas. “Shoot to kill? Wala naman, baka lang to emphasize things…” Gamboa […]
Health workers’ frustration expected after Duterte lambasted plea for ‘timeout’ — Lacson
MANILA, Aug 4 (Mabuhay)– Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday said frustration can be an expected emotional response from the medical frontliners who got castigated by President Rodrigo Duterte after publicly airing their request for a “time out.” “Kung sa kanila I heard libo ang tine-treat daily at exposed na exposed at maraming namatay sa kanila. […]
Is the Philippines winning the fight vs. COVID-19? DOH says ‘we’re managing cases’
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) — The country is still in the thick of the battle against COVID-19 as it prepares its health care facilities and its health workers for a possible increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said on Monday. “Sa tanong kung nananalo ba tayo, nagma-manage po tayo, pine-prepare […]
Catriona Gray seeks P10M from tabloid over fake topless photos
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) — Catriona Gray is demanding P10 million from a tabloid over its “false” allegations about her having nude photos. The former Miss Universe title-holder said local tabloid Bulgar caused “immeasurable damage” to her reputation by publishing an article with an alleged topless photo of hers. In the circulated demand letter, Gray […]
Philippine COVID-19 cases breach 100,000 with record-high 5,032 new infections
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 100,000 mark on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 5,032 more infections, the fourth all-time high in a row, bringing the total to 103,185. This marks the first time during which more than 5,000 new […]
New Clark Airport terminal building to open before end-2020 — BCDA
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) — The new passenger terminal building (PTB) at the Clark International Airport is on track to open by the end of the year and will be fully operational by January next year, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced Sunday. In an emailed statement, the BCDA said the building shell […]
PRRD heeds front-liners’ call; reverts NCR, other areas to MECQ
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has reverted Metro Manila to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from Aug. 4 to 18 as coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the country exceeded 100,000. In a late-night public address on Sunday, Duterte approved the recommendation of his Cabinet to return to a more stringent quarantine status […]
Doctor urges 2-week NCR ECQ as ‘breather’ for exhausted frontliners
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) — The government should again place Metro Manila under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), even just for two weeks, to give health workers a time to recuperate from exhaustion due to the non-stop admission of COVID-19 patients in hospitals, Philippine College of Physicians Vice President Dr. Maricar Limpin said Friday. “Ang […]
DOH supports call of medical groups for proper quarantine enforcement
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said it supports the appeal of medical frontline workers to ensure that community quarantine is properly enforced. This was after health frontline workers asked the government to revert to a stricter enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as the coronavirus disease infections continue to rise […]
Metro Manila should be placed under ECQ anew, Sotto and Lacson agree
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) — Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson both agree that Metro Manila should be placed again under the much stricter enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as the cases of COVID-19 in the country continue to increase. The two senators issued separate statements in response to calls from medical professionals […]
Philippines logs 3,954 new COVID-19 cases, 38k recoveries
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — There are now 89,374 Filipinos infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the Department of Health (DOH) reported a record-high 3,954 new cases on Thursday, 1,320 of which were “fresh” or newly validated and 2,634 were reported late. This marks the first time that new cases breached the 3,000 […]
Gatchalian urges transparency in study of nuclear energy
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday urged the inter-agency committee assigned to study the possible use of nuclear energy to proceed with utmost transparency to the public, saying that nuclear power is a ‘risky’ business. On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte formed the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee to study the possibility […]
Duterte places Cebu City, keeps NCR under GCQ
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has downgraded the quarantine classification in Cebu City to a less restrictive general community quarantine (GCQ) from a more stringent modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). In a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4 on Friday morning, Duterte also announced his decision to retain the GCQ status […]
20 million Filipinos to get free COVID-19 vaccine — Finance chief Dominguez
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay)– At least 20 million Filipinos will be provided with COVID-19 vaccine for free, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said. At a briefing in Malacañang Thursday night and aired Friday morning, Dominguez said the government is capable of financing P20 billion worth of COVID-19 vaccines which are expected to be ready by […]
Palace thanks China commitment for Covid-19 vaccine access
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Thursday thanked China for its commitment to prioritize the Philippines’ request for immediate access to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine it is developing. In a virtual press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was glad that the mended relationship between Beijing and Manila yields positive results. “Nagpapasalamat po […]
UP experts project 150k COVID-19 cases by end of August
MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — Experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) said Friday the number of COVID-19 cases in the country may reach 150,000 by the end of August. Almost double the current national case total, the projection reflects the “exponential growth” experts have talked about, Professor Ranjit Rye of the UP OCTA […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally tops 85,000 with 1,874 new cases
MANILA, July 30 (Mabuhay) — The number of Filipinos infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) breached the 85,000 mark on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,874 new cases, bringing the total to 85,486. This marks the 15th straight day during which at least 1,300 new infections were recorded. The five provinces with […]
DFA chief asserts PH Sabah claim; summons Malaysian envoy
MANILA, July 30 (Mabuhay) — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Thursday said he would summon the Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines following a Twitter spat with Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein over Sabah. In a series of tweets, the Filipino top diplomat stressed that Manila would never abandon its claim over the territory. “No […]
No COVID-19 cases yet among Filipinos living in Brazil — ambassador
MANILA, July 30 (Mabuhay)– The Philippines’ foreign service post in Brazil has not recorded a single case of a Filipino who contracted COVID-19, an official said Thursday. Ambassador Marichu Mauro gave the report after Brazil—one of the worst-hit countries by COVID-19—recorded 69,074 new confirmed cases on Wednesday. “Sa awa ng Diyos wala naman po tayong […]
78 Filipinos test positive for coronavirus in SoKor
MANILA, July 30 (Mabuhay)– The Philippine Embassy in Seoul reported Wednesday that 78 Filipinos were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in South Korea. In a Laging Handa briefing, Charge d’Affaires Christian L. de Jesus said 34 of the 78 have already recovered and discharged from hospitals. “A total of forty-four are currently under treatment, […]
Metro Manila returning to MECQ not a ‘foregone conclusion’ –Palace
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — It remains to be seen whether Metro Manila will return to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) next month, Malacañang said Tuesday. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the possibility that the government will reimpose a stricter lockdown in the capital region was not a “foregone conclusion” since the case doubling […]
Fight vs. Covid-19 still ‘successful’ — Palace
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — Despite the spike in confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the country, Malacañang on Wednesday said the fight against the novel coronavirus remains “successful”. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there are improvements in the government’s Covid-19 response because the country’s mortality rate is “still way below” the global average. […]
No reason to celebrate, UP’s Covid-19 forecast happened –Palace
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Wednesday said there is no reason to celebrate now, as it admitted that the country would not be able to beat the University of the Philippines’ (UP) prediction that coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections may breach 85,000 by July 31. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged that this time, […]
Gov’t debt balloons to record P9.05T as of end-June as borrowing increased due to COVID-19
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — The national government’s outstanding debt swelled to a record P9.054 trillion, breaching P9-trillion mark, as of end-June as the state ramped up borrowing to support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed Wednesday. The end-June outstanding government debt is 1.8% higher than […]
BIR maintains POGOs should pay 5% franchise tax
MANILA, July 28 (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has maintained that foreign-based Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) should pay the 5% franchise tax before they can resume their operations. In a statement, the taxman said the payment of 5% franchise tax on POGOs is clearly stated in a memorandum circular issued by […]
DA confirms bird flu in Pampanga egg farm
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) on Wednesday confirmed the detection of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain, specifically A(H5N6), in a poultry layer or egg-producing farm in San Luis, Pampanga. Using the “one health approach,” the DA-BAI — in tandem with the DA […]
House panel OKs proposed 12% VAT on some digital service providers
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — The House ways and means panel has approved a bill seeking to impose a 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) on some foreign and local companies providing goods and services via digital and electronic platforms. Still unnumbered, the substitute bill seeks to amend Section 105-A of the National Internal Revenue with […]
843K local workers, OFWs get cash aid — PRRD
MANILA, July 28 (Mabuhay) — More than 800,000 local and overseas workers affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic have benefited from the cash assistance provided by the government, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Monday. In his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, Duterte reported that some 843,000 […]
DOH: No second wave of COVID-19 yet despite increase in cases
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic is yet to hit the Philippines despite the increase in the number of cases in the country, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. Vergeire made the declaration after COVID-19 cases breached 80,000 as of July 26, Sunday, and after four days straight of […]
US military donates P11-M in medical supplies to PH
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — The United States Army and Marine Corps service members delivered on Monday an additional PHP11.4 million (US$230,600) in medical equipment to hospitals in 11 cities across the Philippines. This new donation brings the total US government pandemic assistance to the Philippines to PHP989 million or more than US$20 million. “This […]
8 to 9 LSIs gathered at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex tested positive for COVID-19 — official
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — Around eight to nine locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who gathered at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila over the weekend have tested positive for COVID-19 following rapid tests, a government official said Monday. Hatid Tulong Program lead convenor and Presidential Management Staff Assistant Secretary Joseph Encabo said that the […]
DOLE says over 100K OFWs back to their homes
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — More than 106,200 overseas Filipino workers repatriated by the government amid the coronavirus pandemic have been transported to their home provinces, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported Sunday. The latest batch of 2,246 home-bound OFWs, who tested negative for Covid-19, took their rides back to their respective provinces […]
Duterte should acknowledge shortcomings in COVID-19 efforts in SONA 2020 — IBON
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte should acknowledge the government’s shortcomings in addressing the coronavirus pandemic in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), research group IBON Foundation said Sunday. According to IBON Foundation executive director Sonny Africa, Duterte should recognize the weaknesses of the administration and ensure that steps are being […]
Philippines logs over 2,000 COVID-19 cases for 4th straight day
MANILA, July 27 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally jumped to 80,448 on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 2,110 new cases, marking the fourth consecutive day over 2,000 new infections were reported. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 1,345, Cebu with […]
Duterte to undergo COVID-19 swab test on Sunday — Nograles
MANILA,July 25 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to undergo COVID-19 swab test on Sunday, July 26, a day before his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Saturday. “Baka tomorrow din siguro,” Nograles said when asked when Duterte will be tested. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said the […]
IATF okays PH participation in Covid-19 vaccine global access
MANILA, July 24 (Mabuhay) — The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the country’s participation in a global initiative that guarantees access to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines worldwide. “The members of the IATF likewise approved the participation of the Philippines in the Gavi Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access […]
2,200 new cases push Philippines’ COVID-19 tally to 74,390
MANILA, July 24 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines leapt to 74,390 on Thursday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 2,200 more infections, 1,314 of which were “fresh” or newly validated and 886 were reported late. This marks the ninth consecutive day where over 1,300 new infections […]
ADB loans to Philippines to reach record high $4.2B in 2020
MANILA, July 24 (Mabuhay) — Loans of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to the Philippines are expected to reach a record-high $4.207 billion this year, with the lion’s share going to efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019. According to ADB Philippines country director Kelly Bird, the ADB’s 2020 lending program is the biggest so far […]
Mt. Bulusan shows signs of potential eruption — Phivolcs
LEGAZPI CITY, July 24 (Mabuhay) — The series of tremors that have been rocking Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon and the bulging at its edifice are apparent signs that the volcano’s state of restlessness is rising. April Dominguiano, resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in the province, in an interview on […]
Philippines reimposes non-essential foreign travel restriction for citizens
MANILA, July 23 (Mabuhay)– The Philippines reimposed the restriction on non-essential outbound travel for Filipinos, Malacañang announced Thursday. In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government’s COVID-19 task force made the decision since only one health and travel insurance company agreed to provide such service. However, those with confirmed bookings as of […]
Pacquiao joins roster of PH Army advisers
MANILA, July 23 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday welcomed Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao as the newest member of its Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB). The Filipino boxing icon, who is also an Army reserve colonel, took his oath and received his Army Transformation Roadmap pin via video teleconferencing in a ceremony led by […]
Dingdong’s delivery service app hires, helps out-of-work showbiz workers
MANILA, July 22 (Mabuhay) — Dingdong Dantes’ food delivery service app has been hiring showbiz workers who lost their jobs amid the community quarantine. The riders were given a five-day training with the help of Yes Pinoy Foundation and other agencies. Carlo Kaunes, a stuntman of “Descendants of the Sun,” said he has been feeling […]
Ex-DOH chief says gov’t should be open to criticism over pandemic
MANILA, July 22 (Mabuhay) — A former Philippine health secretary on Tuesday urged the government to take criticisms “constructively” as officials come under increasing pressure to arrest the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, despite imposing one of the world’s longest lockdowns. A number of individuals have come under fire from authorities for […]
PH to repatriate remains of 57 more Saudi OFWs next week
MANILA, July 22 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is set to repatriate the third batch of the remains of 57 more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Saudi Arabia next week, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Tuesday. DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the chartered Philippine Airlines cargo flight will arrive in Manila […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 cases now over 83,000 with 1,678 new infections
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases topped 83,000 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,678 more infections, bringing the total to 83,673. This marks the 14th consecutive day during which more than 1,300 new cases were reported. The five provinces with the highest number […]
DFA confirms it investigated sexual harassment complaint vs. ex-envoy to Korea
MANILA, July 18 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday confirmed it investigated a sexual harassment complaint filed against the former Philippine ambassador to Korea. The complaint was filed in February this year before the Philippine Embassy in Seoul while the envoy was in Manila for official business. The embassy then forwarded the […]
Lacson to US lawmakers opposing anti-terror law: ‘Shut up, hypocrites’
MANILA, July 18 (Mabuhay) — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday questioned the moral ascendancy of some US Congress members to oppose and criticize the Philippines’ anti-terror law. “I wonder how many among those 50 or so members of the US Congress voted in favor of their own country’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001… These US Congress […]
50k more OFWs expected to be repatriated by end-July — DFA
MANILA, July 18 (Mabuhay) — At least 50,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are expected to be repatriated by the end of July due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Friday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Arriola made the announcement before the House Committee […]
124 terrorists killed in 1st half of 2020 — Army
MANILA, July 18 (Mabuhay) — Some 124 terrorists were killed in 279 armed encounters against communist and local terror groups in the first semester of 2020, the Philippine Army (PA) said on Saturday. In a statement, Army commander Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said 95 others were captured while 422 firearms were seized from these operations […]
BI ready to impose IATF rule on entry of foreigners
MANILA, July 17 (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday said it is ready to implement the new resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) allowing the entry of foreigners with existing visas into the country. “We have yet to see the new IATF resolution but […]
De Lima tells Duterte: ‘Kung pagod ka na, mas pagod kami sa pamumuno mo’
MANILA, July 17 (Mabuhay) — The Filipino people are allegedly getting exasperated over President Rodrigo Duterte’s obliviousness to their needs in the past four years and especially now that there is a pandemic, detained Senator Leila de Lima said Friday as the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) approaches. “Ginoong Duterte: Kung bukambibig mong […]
US lawmakers urge Philippine gov’t to repeal anti-terror law
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) — At least 45 lawmakers in the US urged the Philippine government to immediately repeal the recently-signed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. In a virtual press conference on Wednesday night (Manila time), Representative Janice Schakowsky of Illinois called the law a new ‘weapon’ to suppress dissent in the Philippines. “We stand together […]
NCR still under GCQ; Cebu City eases to MECQ
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) — After a month of being under the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to a spike in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, Cebu City has eased to a less restrictive modified ECQ from July 16 to 31. President Rodrigo Duterte decided to downgrade the quarantine classification in Cebu City, Presidential […]
1,392 new cases bring Philippines’ COVID-19 tally to 58,850
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay)– The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rose to 58,850 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,392 more infections—512 “fresh” or newly validated and 880 reported late. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 708, Cebu with 198, Iloilo with […]
Hold departure order issued vs crew of MV Vienna Wood — PCG spox
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said its motion to issue hold departure order against crew members of MV Vienna Wood has been granted, spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo said Wednesday. Balilo confirmed to reporters that the respondents of the criminal complaint for reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and […]
Duterte ‘unlikely’ to call for special session of Congress to pass Bayanihan 2 — Palace
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte will not likely call for a special session of Congress to pass the bill on the country’s COVID-19 recovery program, Malacañang said Wednesday. Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said the proposed measure will be deliberated after Congress resumes session on July 27. “I don’t think we will be […]
Solon proposes to use ABS-CBN frequencies for distance learning
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — A lawmaker has proposed the temporary use by the government of ABS-CBN’s former television and radio frequencies for effective distance learning. Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte filed on Tuesday House Resolution 1044, a copy of which was sent to the media on Wednesday. Villafuerte said the unused frequencies can be tapped to […]
Duque claims Philippines has flattened COVID-19 curve then takes it back
MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday claimed the Philippines has succeeded in flattening the curve amid the COVID-19 pandemic, only to take it back later and admitted that the number of cases is still rising. Duque made the pronouncements just two days after over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases were […]
COVID-19 testing widened further for economy’s reopening — Vergeire
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health has expanded the testing guidelines for COVID-19, now including teachers, as well as workers in tourism, transportation, manufacturing sectors, among other related industries. In a press conference on Wednesday, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergiere said the new guidelines have been already signed by Secretary Francisco Duque III. “[Na]-expand […]
DepEd says ready for coming school year
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Education (DepEd) said Wednesday it was ready to start the coming school year in August, which will see a shift from traditional in-person classes to an unprecedented distance learning scheme. Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the DepEd was ready to start classes based on simulations of distance learning conducted […]
80k COVID-19 cases in Philippines seen by end of July — UP expert
MANILA, (Mabuhay) –Th e total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines may breach the 80,000 mark by the end of July, according to an expert from the University of the Philippines Institute of Mathematics on Monday. “Tatama talaga ng 70,000 and higit pa. Ang lower estimate natin ngayon nasa 80,000 na eh, sa end […]
Contact tracers must have ‘investigative mindset,’ Magalong says
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Tracing czar and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday said contact tracers needed at this time of COVID-19 pandemic should have an “investigative mindset.” At a press briefing, Magalong said contact tracers, especially those conducting interviews among patients, are composed of medical personnel and police investigators. “Ang isa sa mga qualifications […]
DENR promotes plant-based diet to fight climate change
MANILA, July 13 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Saturday urged Filipinos to help fight climate change by switching to plant-based diet, which has been shown to reduce the ecological footprint of human food consumption. In a press release, the DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), has launched a […]
75% of Filipinos in favor of ABS-CBN franchise renewal — SWS survey
MANILA, July 13 (Mabuhay) — A Social Weather Stations poll found that three out of four Filipinos or 75 percent of those polled were in favor of Congress renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise, and over half of those polled considered a non-renewal a major blow to press freedom. The SWS’ National Mobile Phone Survey, taken from July […]
Move to kill ABS-CBN’s franchise bid damages trust in gov’t- Archbishop Soc Villegas
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The House franchise committee’s decision to deny ABS-CBN Corp’s bid for a new broadcast license has “damaged people’s trust in the workings of the government,” Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said on Saturday. In a statement, the former chief of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said that members of […]
FDA approves a total of 204 COVID-19 test kits
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday said it has approved a total of 204 COVID-19 test kits so far. These include 71 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test kits, 77 rapid antibody test kits, 51 immunoassay test kits, and five others. The number of COVID-19 cases reached 52,914 on Friday, according to […]
DOH cautiously accepted forecast of 100k COVID-19 cases by end-August
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health accepts the projection that the COVID-19 cases will reach 100,000 by the end of August but noted the estimate should be interpreted with ‘caution’. In a press conference on Wednesday, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire pointed out that some factors can still affect the scientific models used to […]
Nothing to worry about, Palace says following bubonic plague case in China
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Malacañang assured the public on Thursday that the country’s borders remain closed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic after a case of bubonic plague was recorded in China this week. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippines is taking the matter seriously. “Sineseryoso po natin ‘yan. Pero huwag po kayong mabahala kasi […]
BI division recommends filing deportation case vs. Chinese who hurt cyclist, spat on guard
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — An official of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday said a recommendation has been made to file a deportation case against a Chinese national who recently hurt a cyclist and spat on a security guard. BI National Operations Center spokesperson and chief Melvin Mabulac said the Chinese national identified as Dong […]
DFA, UNDP facilitate 500K masks donation to DOH
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) witnessed the handover of 500,000 surgical masks donated by the Soong Ching Ling Foundation (SCLF) of Beijing, China, through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) last July 8. The surgical masks, valued at 1.2 million Chinese renminbi, were turned over by UNDP Country Representative Titon Mitra […]
‘Build, Build, Build’ important to revive PH economy
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The government remains committed to implement its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program to revive the country’s economy that entered recession due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said on Thursday. “Kabahagi pa rin po at importante pa rin ang papel ng ‘Build, Build, Build’ para sa ating recovery mula […]
Covid-19 cases exceed 50K; recoveries now 12.5K
MANILA, July 9 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 2,539 additional coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, raising the total to 50,359. In its case bulletin, the DOH said 617 of the additional cases are “late” or results belatedly reported that were only verified recently, while 1,922 are “fresh cases” or results […]
Actress gets job as waitress in Australia amid pandemic
MANILA, July 9 (Mabuhay) — Rich Asuncion recently opened up about her life in Australia as she hopes to inspire her social media followers to keep moving forward even during challenging times. In a lengthy Instagram post, the actress said she has been working as a waitress amid the pandemic. Asuncion admitted that she had […]
Duterte to Filipinos: Let’s build ‘better, more prosperous’ PH
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — As the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic continues to grapple the country, President Rodrigo Duterte has enjoined Filipinos to help his administration build a “better and more prosperous” Philippines. Duterte made the call on Wednesday ahead of his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27. “As we look to […]
DFA: Philippines begins coordination with international partners for COVID-19 vaccine availability
MANILA, July 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday said the Philippine government has started coordinating with various international partners to ensure availability of potential vaccine against the deadly coronavirus for Filipinos. “Based on the gathered information by the department, collaboration with Philippine subsidiaries of vaccine developers, engagement with those overseas for […]
ABS-CBN franchise lies with Congress not with Duterte admin — DOF
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Issues regarding the franchise of embattled ABS-CBN Corp. are not with the administration but with Congress, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who heads the economic cluster. Dominguez on Wednesday said the franchise issue of ABS-CBN lies strictly with Congress, even as President Rodrigo Duterte earlier threatened to oppose the franchise […]
Pneumonia vaccine indirectly strengthens body vs COVID-19, says expert
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Vaccination against pneumonia helps the body indirectly strengthen itself against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a pediatric specialist. Dr. John Ong urged the Philippines to continue using the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 13 as the country grapples with the coronavirus menace. “If you are inoculated for pneumonia, you are indirectly […]
PH issues temporary moratorium on participation in US EVP
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Philippines has issued a temporary moratorium on the participation of Filipino nationals in the United States Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) amid the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. The Philippine Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Committee, in an advisory, cited the “urgent nature and life-threatening implications” associated with the health crisis that […]
Border security tightened on LSIs sneaking into E. Visayas
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday ordered all police commanders, especially in Eastern Visayas, to further strengthen border control amid reports of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) sneaking into various areas where a travel ban is in effect. Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield, said he […]
PH cannot afford total reopening of economy — Duterte
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Philippines cannot follow other countries’ move to completely reopen the economy amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday. In a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4 early Wednesday, Duterte said he can only order the gradual reopening of the Philippine economy. “We have to […]
Duterte: PH still grappling against 1st wave of COVID-19
MANILA, July 8 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is still battling the first wave of COVID-19, President Rodrigo Duterte said early Wednesday, as the country’s coronavirus infections neared 48,000. “Have we arrived at the second wave? I don’t think so. We’re still grappling the first wave,” the President said in a streamed public briefing aired 1 […]
Palace calls for conscience vote on ABS-CBN franchise as hearings wrap up
MANILA, July 8 (Mabuhay) — Members of Congress should vote on the ABS-CBN franchise issue according to their conscience, Malacañang said Tuesday as lawmakers wrap up this week their hearings on bills seeking to grant the broadcasting network a fresh 25-year license to operate. President Rodrigo Duterte remains “neutral” on the company’s bid for a […]
Pope Francis appoints 3 Pinoy priests as ‘missionaries of mercy’
MANILA, July 8 (Mabuhay) — Pope Francis has appointed three Filipino priests as “missionaries of mercy,” according to a report posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website. The new appointees are all from the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan, namely: Fr. Jhoen Buenaventura, Fr. Joseph Quicho and Fr. Jesus Navoa. They […]
Bulusan alert level remains ‘normal’ despite volcanic activities
MANILA, July 6 (Mabuhay) — Bulusan Volcano is still under normal behavior despite volcanic activities observed in the last 24 hours, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum Jr. said Sunday. Solidum said seismicity, ground deformation and sulfur dioxide are within background levels, and it has only been in the past two […]
Anti-Terror Council to start crafting IRR
MANILA, July 6 (Mabuhay) — Members of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) are set to meet to review the newly-signed anti-terrorism law to ensure they have a common understanding of the Republic Act 11479 and craft its implementing rules and regulations (IRR). National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who is also vice chair of the ATC, […]
Philippine COVID-19 tally tops 44,000 with record-high 2,434 new cases
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 44,000 mark on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported a record-high 2,434 more infections—1,147 “fresh” or newly validated and 1,287 reported late—bringing the total to 44,254. Total recoveries also rose to 11,942 after 489 more patients recovered […]
Duterte signs anti-terror bill into law
MANILA, July 4 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure that seeks to give the country more teeth to curb terror threats and acts, Malacañang announced on Friday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed in separate text messages that the anti-terror bill is already passed into law. […]
66,000 stranded OFWs sent back to home provinces since May 15 — OWWA
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Around 66,000 repatriated Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were stranded in Metro Manila due to restrictions implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic are already in their home provinces. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said in a forum on Monday that 34,000 of them were seafarers, while 32,000 were land-based […]
Foreign business travelers may be allowed entry to Philippines under MGCQ– DOT exec
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Business travelers from other countries may be allowed to enter the Philippines once quarantine restrictions have been eased to modified general community quarantine (GCQ), an official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Sunday. Tourism Undersecretary Bong Bengzon said that it is the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious […]
14 missing after fishing boat collides with Hong Kong cargo ship off Mindoro
MANILA, June 29 (Mabuhay) — Fourteen people were reported missing after their fishing boat collided with a Hong Kong-flagged cargo vessel off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Monday. Among the 14 missing is the fishing boat’s captain and two passengers, the PCG said. The PCG on Monday said […]
BSP pegs Q2 economic performance at -5.7% to -6.7%, bringing Philippines to technical recession
MANILA, June 29 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine economy could contract by as much as 6.7% in the second quarter, which would put the Philippines in a technical recession, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday. According to Diokno, the economy is likely to register an economic performance ranging between -5.7% and -6.7% […]
PH retains highest classification in US anti-TIP standards
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The United States retained Manila’s Tier 1 status in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, the highest classification, for the fifth year in a row. The State Department recognized Manila’s assistance to a total of 6,772 potential trafficking victims and around 1,143 Filipino trafficking survivors from the Middle East and Asia. […]
DOT eyes allowing entry of tourists from countries with low to zero COVID-19 cases
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday bared plans to allow foreign tourists from countries with relatively low cases of COVID-19 to visit certain tourist destinations in the country, in a bid to revive the hard-hit tourism sector. “We are looking at in the near future, what we call travel bubbles or […]
PRRD urges Asean to find ‘innovative ways’ to end sea disputes
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday enjoined the other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to look for “innovative” ways to resolve the long-standing disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea. Duterte, in a speech delivered during the 36th annual Asean summit, maintained that tensions among South China Sea […]
Palace says PH winning fight vs. Covid-19, disputes WHO report
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is winning the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said Monday, after the country defied the number of cases projected by a University of the Philippines (UP) study. “In terms of positivity rate, in terms of case-doubling rate, in case of mortality rate, we are winning. As, in fact, […]
$3.1B of ‘hot money’ exited PHL in January-May — BSP
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Foreign portfolio investments (FPI) or “hot money” yielded a net outflow of $3.1 billion million in the first five months of 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and other external pressures, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday. FPI is also called hot money because of the ease by […]
No COVID-19 deaths recorded in Eastern Visayas despite surge in cases, Año says
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Even though there is an increase in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Eastern Visayas, no death was recorded in the region, specifically in the province of Leyte, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Thursday. “Totoo na nag-surge talaga ang positive cases sa kabuuan ng Region VIII pero pinakamarami sa […]
Keep windows open, let air circulate in PUVs as public transpo gradually resumes — solon
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — ACT-CIS party-list Representative Jocelyn Tulfo on Thursday urged the government to adopt guidance from international health organizations against COVID-19 to keep windows open and let air circulate in public utility vehicles as it gradually allows the resumption of operations of public transportation in many areas of the country. In a statement, Tulfo […]
OFWs’ data protected in information tracking system — DOLE
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — An official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday assured data privacy protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will register to the OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS). In a Laging Handa briefing, Labor Assistant Secretary Alex Avila said the information they will be getting through the system are […]
IMF sees Philippine economy shrinking further by 3.6% in 2020
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine economy will contract further this year due to the global economic disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, International Monetary Fund projections indicate. In its World Economic Outlook update released Wednesday night, the IMF expected the Philippine’s gross domestic product (GDP) to shrink by 3.6% in 2020. This […]
Drilon to OWWA: Facilitate speedy repatriation of 150K OFWs
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — Repatriate all 150,000 overseas Filipinos affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic first and let’s talk about funding later. Thus said Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) after OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac admitted that the ongoing repatriation of OFWs, if it continues next […]
UV express vans, traditional PUJs to resume ops next week — LTFRB
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra on Wednesday said UV Express vans and traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) will be allowed to resume transport operations in Metro Manila starting next week. “[They could start operating] next week for both UV and traditional jeepneys… For Monday may […]
Philippines’ COVID-19 tally breaches 32,000 with 470 new infections
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 32,000 mark on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 470 more infections—357 “fresh” or newly validated and 113 reported late—bringing the total to 32,295. Total recoveries also rose to 8,656 after 214 more patients recovered […]
More than 90K workers displaced during first 6 months — DOLE
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra on Wednesday said UV Express vans and traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) will be allowed to resume transport operations in Metro Manila starting next week. “[They could start operating] next week for both UV and traditional jeepneys… For Monday may […]
Kanlaon Volcano’s quakes show no sign yet of magma rising — Solidum
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — Recent earthquakes in Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island do not indicate that magma is rising from beneath its edifice to the main crater, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the recent earthquakes were recorded only at the base […]
Drilon to OWWA: Facilitate speedy repatriation of 150K OFWs
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — Repatriate all 150,000 overseas Filipinos affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic first and let’s talk about funding later. Thus said Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) after OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac admitted that the ongoing repatriation of OFWs, if it continues next […]
Robredo says OVP has helped more than 700 locally stranded individuals go home this week
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday said her office has assisted more than 700 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) in Metro Manila to go home to their provinces this week. “Umabot muli sa higit 700 na locally stranded individuals (LSIs) ang ating natulungang makauwi ngayong linggo dahil sa patuloy na pakikipagtulungan ng ating […]
Philippine health care system still has enough capacity to care for COVID-19 patients — DOH
MANILA, June 20 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine health care system’s current critical care utilization rate (CCUR) is not yet fully exhausted, meaning the system still has enough capacity to care for those in need of critical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday. “‘Yung critical care utilization rate, ito po […]
Gov’t to prepare 2nd phase of plans vs. Covid-19
MANILA, June 20 (Mabuhay)– The government sought a second phase of operation concepts and plans to boost its battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country, the chief implementer of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Covid-19 said on Friday. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., also a presidential peace adviser, said the Inter-Agency […]
DOH: Don’t buy dexamethasone for the purpose of preventing COVID-19
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Saturday advised the public not to flock to drugstores to buy dexamethasone for use in preventing COVID-19. “Dapat ‘yung mga kababayan natin, ‘wag bumili kasi ‘di naman siya magagamit to prevent, hindi naman siya magagamit para gamutin ang COVID-19,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. Malacañang on […]
PRRD renews ties with 4 countries, state of Palestine
MANILA, June 20 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has ensured that the Philippines will continue to have “friendly and cooperative” relations with Canada, Iran, Vietnam, New Zealand, and Palestine, Malacañang said on Friday. Duterte gave the guarantee during the presentation of credentials of the five countries’ ambassadors held at Malacañan Palace on Friday afternoon, the […]
PhilHealth no longer requires OFWs to pay premiums before getting employment certificate
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is no longer requiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to pay their premium contributions as a requirement to secure an overseas employment certificate (OEC). PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales made the remark on Tuesday during the virtual organizational meeting of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Universal Health […]
Business tycoon Danding Cojuangco Jr passes away at 85
MANILA, June 17 (Mabuhay) — Business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. has passed away. Cojuangco’s death was announced by San Miguel Corporation, of which he was chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement on Wednesday. “San Miguel Corporation announces the passing of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr., on […]
Spanish man in Dasma Village incident ‘perpetually banned’ from entering Philippines — PH Bureau of Immigration
MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay) — The Spanish citizen who figured in an altercation with a police officer in a posh Makati subdivision last April is now “perpetually banned” from entering the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Tuesday. Javier Salvador Parra is barred from re-entering the country after it was confirmed that he has […]
Customs seizes P2.7M in dollar bills hidden inside magazines from HK
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) –Customs authorities have seized P2.7 million worth of US dollar bills inserted in pages of various magazines declared as “Chinese Cook Book Recipes” which entered the country last month. In a statement on Sunday, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the shipments declared as “Chinese Cook Book Recipes” arrived from Hong […]
Coronavirus causing COVID-19 is not weakening, San Lazaro Hospital doctor says
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) — An official of the San Lazaro Hospital on Sunday belied claims that the coronavirus causing COVID-19 is losing its potency. San Lazaro Hospital’s Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Section chair Dr. Rontgene Solante added that the coronavirus can still spread easily. “Ang virus hindi humihina. Hindi nagbabago ang anyo. […]
US official thanks DND for supporting Philippine gov’t’s decision to suspend VFA
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) — US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Friday expressed appreciation for the support the Department of National Defense (DND) gave the Philippine government in its decision to suspend the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement. Esper and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had a conference call on Friday to discuss US-Philippines relations, […]
Coronavirus survivor Iza Calzado donates plasma for patients
MANILA, June 13 (Mabuhay) — Actress Iza Calzado, one of the first local high-profile cases of coronavirus, shared that she has donated blood in the hope of helping other patients recover. On Instagram, Calzado shared a photo of her holding the bag of blood she had donated at the Philippine General Hospital. The successful donation […]
Duterte ‘inclined’ to sign anti-terror bill into law — PH Palace
MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay) — Despite opposition from various sectors, President Rodrigo Duterte is “inclined” to sign the anti-terrorism bill, Malacañang said Tuesday. “I think he is inclined to sign it,” Roque said. The anti-terrorism bill, which seeks to replace the Human Security Act, the country’s existing law against terrorism, is being reviewed by Malacañang […]
NCR remains under GCQ; Cebu City back to ECQ
MANILA, June 16 (Mabuhay)– President Rodrigo Duterte has retained the general community quarantine (GCQ) classification in Metro Manila and reverted Cebu City to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until June 30. In a televised meeting late Monday night, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced the new community quarantine classifications based on the recommendation of the Inter-Agency […]
Gov’t should intensify reintegration programs for OFWs – Villanueva
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) — The government must “further intensify” and expand the implementation of reintegration programs for overseas Filipino workers who find themselves back in the country due to COVID-19, Senator Joel Villanueva said Sunday. In a statement, Villanueva said skills training provided by TESDA and other interventions must be given to OFWs to […]
DTI supports legislation to boost e-commerce law in PH
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in commemoration of the 20th year of Republic Act 8792 or the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, has committed to implement policies to strengthen and grow e-commerce in the country while supporting current legislative measures by Congress. “Twenty years after this pioneering legislation […]
Pinoys urged to have ‘courage, hope, optimism’ amid health crisis
MANILA, June 12 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on his fellow Filipinos to live with “courage, hope, and optimism” even as the country continues its battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Duterte made the call in a taped video message played during the 122nd Independence Day rites at the Rizal […]
‘Filipinos will not cower to China,’ Hontiveros says on Independence Day
MANILA, June 12 (Mabuhay) — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday said Filipinos will not cower to China amid what she said were Beijing’s continued incursions in the West Philippine Sea. In an online rally she led on Independence Day, Hontiveros reiterated her earlier demand for China to pay the Philippines at least P200 billion as […]
BIR memo aimed at getting online sellers to register — DOF
MANILA, June 12 (Mabuhay) — The controversial move of the Bureau of Internal Revenue requiring those into digital transactions to register and declare past transactions is not meant to squeeze money out of online sellers’ incomes, the Department of Finance said Friday. DOF Revenue Operations Group Undersecretary Antonette Tionko said, the purpose is to get […]
ADB approves $500-M loan for Philippine 4Ps program
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay)– Japan-led multilateral lender Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved another loan for the Philippines, this time $500 million to expand the conditional cash transfer program. In a statement on Wednesday, the ADB said the approved loan will cover the expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) introduced in 2008. “The 4Ps program […]
US Embassy cancels visa services through July 3; resumption indefinite
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay)– The US Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday announced that it is cancelling all immigrant and non-immigrant visa interviews scheduled through July 3 due to the community quarantine implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the country. “We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable […]
Difficult for Philippines to achieve New Zealand’s zero COVID-19 feat — Palace
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay) — It will be difficult for the Philippines to achieve New Zealand’s feat of having zero COVID-19 cases, Malacañang said on Wednesday. In an interview with state-run PTV, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said zero cases would be difficult to attain given the Philippines’ population density, especially in urban centers like Metro […]
OFWs need to submit names, destinations before returning to PH
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay) — A new protocol will be implemented in the processing of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said returning OFWs will now be required to submit pertinent information to the agency before they leave their host countries. […]
Proposal to seize China assets in the Philippines for WPS damage needs further study — Hontiveros
MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said the suggestion to seize China’s assets in the Philippines as payback for the damage it has caused in the disputed territorial waters needs further study to determine if such is allowed by the Constitution. The lawmaker made the comment after she was asked if […]
Stricter quarantine rules possible if Covid-19 cases rise — Palace
MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) — The government might be compelled to impose stricter quarantine restrictions if the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections continue to rise, Malacañang said on Tuesday. In a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque raised the possibility that the community quarantine might be tighter anew, depending on the […]
Lacson reminds Catriona: Australia implements more stringent anti-terrorism law
MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay)– Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday questioned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s opposition to the controversial antiterror bill which he authored and is now transmitted to the Palace. “Ang Australia, very strong democracy kaya medyo ano ako, with all due respect kay Miss Universe Catriona Gray, ’di ba Australian siya? E kumokontra […]
PhilHealth execs told to quit
PhilHealth execs told to quit by THE MANILA TIMES Go: Duterte ‘really wants a revamp’President Rodrigo Duterte had asked officials of state-owned Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to resign in the wake of a “ghost dialysis” scandal, his former aide and spokesman said on Monday. In a statement late Monday night, Salvador Panelo said the […]
Pinoys urged to ensure ‘truly independent PH’
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday called on Filipinos to ensure that the dream of “a truly independent Philippines” is achieved within their lifetime. In his Independent Day message, Duterte acknowledged how 121 years have passed since the country’s ancestors ended colonization and proclaimed its independence. “A hundred and twenty-one years passed since our forefathers […]
PAL mulling San Vicente, Palawan route
MANILA, May 12, 2018 – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is considering having a San Vicente, Palawan route, spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said on Friday. San Vicente Airport (SVA) was inaugurated on Thursday, and was opened for commercial flights. Previously, the SVA only caters to light aircraft and Air Juan’s chartered flights. Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) […]
Duterte: PHL adheres to international law in sea row
MANILA (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines follows international law in the disputed West Philippine Sea, which is a portion of the South China Sea. This was aired by Pres. Duterte during Wednesday’s ASEAN-China meeting in the ongoing 28th and 29th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit being held in Laos. In […]
VP budget for 2017 slashed by 14.28%
By Azer N. Parrocha MANILA (PNA) — The PHP428.618 million proposed 2017 budget for the Office of the Vice President is 14.28 percent lower than its 2016 budget, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo said Wednesday. Robredo presented the 2017 budget proposal for her office to the Senate Committee on Finance, saying that she is […]
Malacañang reminds Trump: You said PHL was a ‘special place’
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday reminded US Republican party presidential candidate Donald Trump Sr. that he once said he loved the Philippines and how he described the country as a “special place.” “Considering his major real estate ‘brand’ investment in the Philippines’ financial capital called Trump Tower, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump unfortunately mentioned […]
Duterte: No letup until drug apparatus is destroyed
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte has reiterated his stand that the government will not stop until the apparatus of the drug syndicates has been destroyed and the market for illegal drugs is eliminated. “That is my sacred obligation to the people. I will be naming the mayors and one congressman maybe and the […]
Bongbong says father’s hero’s burial still in planning stage
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday clarified that the burial of his father, late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr., at the Libingan ng mga Bayani is still in the planning stage. “Still in the planning stage…planning palang,” Marcos said in a text message. A Philippine Star report quoted Marcos as saying […]
Pacquiao pushes revival of death penalty
By Jelly F. Musico MANILA, Aug. 8 (PNA) – Excited for his first privilege speech as neophyte senator, Manny Pacquiao made his presence felt in front of the heavyweights of the Philippine Senate to push his Senate Bill No. 185 which seeks the re-imposition of death penalty for heinous crimes and drug traffickers. ”My first […]
Duterte commended for recognizing weaknesses of party-list system
By Jelly F. Musico MANILA (PNA) – Akbayan partylist Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for recognizing the weaknesses of the party-list system. Neophyte senator, however, explained that the abolition as suggested by President Duterte is not the solution to the problem of the party-list system. ”Of course, I’m not in favor […]
Duterte urged to pursue BBL aside from federalism
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) – Former Ambassador Macabangkit Lanto on Wednesday urged the Duterte administration to pursue the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law apart from its efforts to push for federalism. Lanto said very few in Mindanao support federalism because “that is not the kind of autonomy that we want.” “We thought that [the] […]
House leader seeks PHP15,000 across-the-board hike in teachers’ salary
MANILA (PNA) – A House leader is seeking a PHP15,000 across-the-board increase in the salaries of public school teachers and the provision of other benefits for them as incentives to attract highly qualified teachers into the public school system. Deputy Speaker Romero Quimbo said despite the teachers’ important responsibility of molding children to become productive […]
Duterte commended for recognizing weaknesses of party-list system
By Jelly F. Musico MANILA, Aug. 2 (PNA) – Akbayan partylist Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for recognizing the weaknesses of the party-list system. Neophyte senator, however, explained that the abolition as suggested by President Duterte is not the solution to the problem of the party-list system. ”Of course, I’m not […]
PH industrialization possible under Paris Accord — senator
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines does not have to turn its back on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to pursue development, Sen. Loren Legarda said Monday. Legarda was responding to President Duterte’s earlier statement that he would not honor the pact, a treaty for which the previous administration vigorously campaigned, as it might inhibit […]
Duterte tells big businesses to stop contractualization
MANILA (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned large businesses to refrain from the practice of contractualization just to cut cost or they will face closure. PRRD said they will lose their permits to operate if caught abusing labor laws. He said the labor department will be sending people in the field to check […]
Dial 8888, 911: Gov’t opens complaints, emergency hotlines
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang and the national police on Monday launched their respective hotlines for receiving public complaints and emergency calls. The President’s Hotline or 8888 is dedicated to complaints against fixers, scalawag officials and poor government services. Callers will be asked to identify the government employee and agency tagged in their complaint, […]
Duterte tells communists: You have 2 choices
MANILA (Mabuhay) — ‘Deal with the government in good faith or we fight for another generation.’ This was the stern warning of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) amid an ambush of government militiamen in Davao del Norte staged by the communist group. “So, I’d like to issue […]
OFW advocacy group lauds Duterte’s vow to fight human trafficking, illegal recruitment
By Ferdinand G. Patinio MANILA (PNA) – A group advocating the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) lauded the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte against human trafficking and illegal recruitment activities in the country. “The OFW sector is also happy he will be true to his campaign to create a separate department for our OFWs […]
Goldberg: EDCA is not about South China Sea
MANILA (Mabuhay) – United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on Thursday said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) should not be seen in the light of the South China Sea issue. Goldberg said though five locations for U.S. military facilities in the Philippines have been identified in the EDCA, the security deal agreed […]
Duterte calls for peace anew with communists, Muslim rebels
By Leslie D. Venzon MANILA (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday called anew for peace, as he thanked soldiers and military for the service they have extended to the country. “Maraming namatay sa inyo, pero bagamat marami ring namatay sa mga komunista. But as President, I have to seek peace for our country. Not […]
Gov’t yet to decide on next move after South China Sea ruling: Dureza
MANILA, July 28 (Mabuhay) – The government has yet to reach a final decision on how it would deal with the territorial dispute on the West Philippine Sea following an arbitral court’s favorable decision on the Philippines’ case against China, a senior official said Thursday. At a forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of […]
Kerry to PHL: Human rights must be protected
MANILA (Mabuhay) – United States Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday mentioned the need to protect human rights as the Philippines and its partners combat local and international crimes. “We have a much broader agenda than, my friends, just the question of the South China Sea,” Kerry said during a joint conference with Foreign […]
Duterte: Pass federal system in four or six years and I will step aside
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday expressed his readiness to step down from power if a federal and parliamentary form of government is adopted via constitutional amendments in his fourth or fifth in office. In his first State of the Nation Address, Duterte, nonetheless, said that there must be a president who should […]
Palace sees speedy approval of priority bills under Pimentel, Alvarez
MANILA, July 25 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Monday welcomed the election of President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies as the new leaders of Congress, saying it would pave the way for the speedy approval of the chief executive’s priority bills. In a statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Malacañang extends its congratulations to Senator Aquilino Pimentel III […]
Pacquiao: I can do ‘great things’ for the people
MANILA, July 25 (Mabuhay) — Despite criticisms, newly-elected Senator Manny Pacquiao expressed confidence on Monday that he could do “great things” as a public servant and that he could exceed the people’s expectations. “During my inauguration, I have sealed my commitment to do what I have to do to the best of my ability by […]
Duterte bids for bank secrecy law relaxation
By Joann Santiago MANILA, July 25 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his first State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, announced that a relaxation of the country’s bank secrecy law is forthcoming. This is part of the current administration’s macroeconomic policies, eyed to encourage more investments, both from local and foreign businessmen, and improve the […]
Duterte has prerogative not to honor climate change pact: Drilon
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte has the power not to honor the international agreement on reducing carbon emissions that the previous administration had ratified, outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon said Tuesday. Drilon, a Liberal Party stalwart, said Duterte is well within his right not to honor the Paris Agreement on climate change because he […]
Duterte to raise grievances to China over illegal drugs
MANILA, July 18 (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday night said he will raise his grievances to China, in due time, over the involvement of Chinese nationals in the illegal drug trade in the country. “When I come face to face with them, makinig kayo, sabihin ko talaga ang sama ng loob ko lahat […]
SC justice asks fishermen to be prudent despite ruling on South China Sea
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza on Wednesday called on Filipino fishermen to observe prudence in the disputed areas of the South China Sea even after the Permanent Court of Arbitration favored the Philippines in its 15-point case against China’s excessive claims in the area. In a media conference in Manila, Jardeleza […]
Palace on next step after arbitration ruling: ‘Top priority will be national interest’
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The government’s next step in dealing with the territorial dispute in the South China Sea after the arbitration court issues its ruling will be based on the premise that national interest is the administration’s priority, a Malacañang spokesman said Tuesday. At a media briefing, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said “everything will be […]
DFA hopes for tribunal’s favorable decision on South China Sea dispute
MANILA (Mabuhay) The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed hopes that the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding territorial claims over the contested waters of the South China Sea (parts of which the Philippines calls West Philippine Sea) would be favorable to the country. “Umaasa tayo na magiging paborable sa Pilipinas ang magiging […]
Leni got Cabinet post on same day Jesse was appointed 6 years ago
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Vice President Leni Robredo has noticed a “creepy” coincidence: She and her late husband Jesse Robredo got appointed to a Cabinet post exactly on the same day—July 7. Robredo on Saturday pointed this out on Facebook, sharing her post from July 9 last year when she remembered the day Jesse broke the […]
Duterte shuns VIP treatment at NAIA as he returns to Davao City
By Jelly F. Musico MANILA (PNA) – Living up to his promise to shun special treatment, President Rodrigo R. Duterte returned to his home in Davao City on board a commercial flight of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Thursday night. Based on a photo posted by the Presidential Communications Office, Duterte sat on the window […]
DOT Chief vows to continue annual staging of Madrid Fusion Manila
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II is meticulously studying the possible action of the DOJ in connection with the five police general allegedly involved in the multibillion-peso illegal drugs operations in the country. Aguirre said that one of the things he is looking at is the possibility of placing […]
Duterte on kill threat: God will decide
MANILA (Mabuhay) – With drug lords offering “billions” for his head, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was leaving his fate to God. Duterte unveiled on national television late Thursday an elaborate matrix of illegal drug operations in the country that allegedly included police generals and crime lords serving time in prison. “I’m confident that God […]
Why Duterte will issue EO to implement FOI
MANILA (Mabuhay) – A Malacañang official on Monday reiterated the position of President Rodrigo Duterte to push freedom of information (FOI) under his administration. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto “Ernie” Abella in his first briefing said that Duterte gives importance to FOI, considering that it is being pushed as his first executive order. “In his words, he […]
Duterte: Eid celebration ‘timely and relevant’
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte greeted Filipino Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end the holy feast of Ramadan. Duterte, the Philippines’ first president from Mindanao, said this year’s celebration could not be more timely and relevant as the country marks a new chapter in its history. “This year’s celebration is indeed timely […]
VP Robredo to visit remote PHL villages
MANILA, July 5 (Mabuhay) – Following her courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, Vice President Leni Robredo is now setting her sights on visiting the Philippines’ most far flung barangays which often lack government aid. “Iikot din po sa iba-ibang probinsya si VP Leni, pupunta sa mga pinakamalalayong barangay para mapakinggan ang kanilang […]
Duterte ally: No need for emergency powers to fix traffic
MANILA, July 5 (Mabuhay) – An ally of President Rodrigo Duterte believes the president does not need emergency powers to solve the traffic problem in Metro Manila. Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. said the national government only needs to meet with village chieftains in orders to clear roadblocks. “Ang kailangan, especially dito sa Metro […]
Duterte to release political prisoners if Congress passes amnesty law
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has clarified that he will not release political prisoners ahead of the passage of amnesty law by Congress, as he hit the media anew for supposedly twisting his statements. Speaking at the change of command ceremony at the Davao City Police Office on Friday, Duterte slammed a newspaper report […]
Incoming Duterte admin hikes economic agenda to 10 items
By Joann Santiago DAVAO CITY (PNA) – Sustained economic growth and ensure that its impact is equitable to all Filipinos. This is the goal of the incoming Duterte administration through its 10-point economic agenda presented before some 300 delegates of the two-day business consultation dialogue dubbed “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungo sa Kaunlaran (Philippines Onwards: A […]
Dureza: Compliant mining firms won’t have problems with Gina Lopez
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Compliant mining firms should have no problems if Gina Lopez assumes her post as secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, another member of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s future Cabinet said Wednesday. News of the impending appointment Lopez, a staunch anti-mining advocate, caused mining stocks to plunge by 4.09 percent at the end […]
Duterte assures business leaders of gov’t reforms
DAVAO CITY (PNA)—President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will review the 10-point recommendations designed help push inclusive growth and move things forward under his administration as he vowed to push reforms in government. But in a gist, Duterte told business leaders he never doubted his economic managers that they will work as team in fulfilling their “wish list” […]
Fil-Chinese community wants ‘emergency powers’ for Duterte
By Jelly F. Musico MANILA (PNA) – The Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCII) supports the emergency powers being asked by incoming President Rodrigo Duterte. The influential business group, however, said in its letters to incoming House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that the emergency powers should cover not only traffic problem […]
Incoming Duterte admin eyes infra spending at 6% of GDP
By Joann Santiago DAVAO CITY (PNA) – Infrastructure spending would be among the main priority of the incoming Duterte administration, with its share on gross domestic product (GDP) targeted to reach six percent. Incoming Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno told reporters at the sidelines of the two-day “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungo sa Kaunlaran” (Philippines […]
Duterte, Robredo to hold separate inauguration rites
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice-President elect Leni Robredo will hold separate inauguration ceremonies on June 30. Boyet Dy, head of Robredo’s transition team, said: “We were informed by the team of President-elect Rody Duterte about their preference to hold the inauguration separately.” “While we have been preparing for a joint inauguration, […]
Duterte names DTI, DOT, DOH chiefs
MANILA (Mabuhay) — President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has named three more members of his incoming Cabinet, according to incoming presidential deputy spokesperson Ernesto Corpuz Abella. In a press briefing at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on Monday evening, Abella said Duterte chose Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial as secretary of the Department of Health (DOH). […]
Drilon admits failure in basic services overshadowed development under Aquino
MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) – Senate President Franklin Drilon admitted Tuesday that the failure of basic services, particularly in Metro Manila, overshadowed the economic development achieved by the Aquino administration. “The failure of the basic services in Metro Manila has caused all of this negative perception,” Drilon said in a television interview. He noted that […]
Muntinlupa’s Ruffy Biazon posts bail for pork scam charges
MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) — Former Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner and incoming Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon on Tuesday posted bail for criminal charges in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. Biazon, together with his lawyers, arrived at the Sandiganbayan building at around 8 a.m. and immediately proceeded to […]
President-elect Duterte spent close to P400-M in the May 9 polls
By Ferdinand G. Patinio MANILA (PNA) – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte spent close to P400 million in the May 9, 2016 elections. Based on his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday, the incoming Chief Executive’s total expenditures amounted to P371,461,480.23. Duterte received a total of P375,009,474.90 in […]
PHL could lose leverage if Duterte junks EDCA —nat’l security expert
MANILA (Mabuhay) –The Philippine could lose a vital leverage in the South China Sea disputes if the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States is junked by the administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. Prof. Renato de Castro of the Albert del Rosario Institute, an independent international and strategic research organization, said in a forum […]
Senators unanimous on need for Charter change, Drilon declares
MANILA (Mabuhay) – All senators in the 17th Congress are in favor constitutional amendments, outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Wednesday. “That we have to review and amend the Constituion is a matter that I think has unanimity in the Senate,” Drilon said at a news forum in Manila. “I think we can see […]
Chamber of Mines support Duterte’s call ‘to stop irresponsible mining’ in PHL
By Lilybeth G. Ison MANILA (PNA) – The Chamber of Mines in the Philippines (COMP) expressed full support on Monday to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s call to stop illegal and irresponsible mining in the country which poses threat to the community and the environment. “This has always been COMP’s position as we continue to find ways […]
TV anchor, one more leftist, 2 ex-army, Duterte’s aide join Cabinet
By Lilian C. Mellejor DAVAO CITY (PNA) – A television news anchor, a leader of the progressive left and two ex-military generals are the familiar faces joining the would-be Cabinet of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte introduced on Thursday night’s press conference ABC 5 television anchor Martin Andanar as the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations […]
PAL optimistic on attaining 5-star status in airline industry
DAVAO CITY (PNA) – The country’s flag carrier, the Philippine Airlines is confident it will achieve the 5-star status as an airline company as it undertakes significant and extensive measures to become more competitive in the industry. Speaking before the members of the Rotary Club East of Davao City at the Marco Polo Hotel on […]