News Roundup 17 June 2020
Jun 17, 2020 • 4 min Read
COVID-19 infections in Philippines climb to 27,238 with 457 new cases | PHILSTAR.COM – The country’s confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections jumped to 27,238 Wednesday after 457 cases were added to the national tally. The DOH also reported 268 new recoveries, raising the total number of COVID-19 survivors to 6,820. But five more fatalities were recorded, pushing the death toll to 1,108.
‘I think I was asked to resign’: Leachon out as COVID-19 task force adviser | PHILSTAR.COM – Dr. Tony Leachon said Wednesday he was no longer an adviser of the government’s national task force on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. In a tweet, Leachon said he would no longer serve as the adviser to Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the chief implementer of the national action plan against COVID-19. When asked on CNN Philippines if he was fired or if he stepped down as adviser, Leachon replied, “I think I was asked to resign.” “It’s an acceptance on my part because it would be a shame to be a burden to Secretary Galvez and I have the highest respect for Secretary Galvez,” Leachon said in English and Filipino. “It hurts me because I know I can add value to the crusade but I don’t want also to be a burden to Secretary Galvez,” he added.
Ombudsman orders probe on Duque, DOH execs for ‘irregularities’ in COVID-19 response | INQUIRER,NET – Ombudsman Samuel Martires has ordered an investigation on Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other officials and employees of the Department of Health (DOH) over alleged irregularities on the agency’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Martires on Wednesday said he ordered the probe “after evaluating the initial reports that were gathered and upon the recommendation of Asst Ombudsman Caesar D. Asuncion, Asst. Omb. Joselito P. Fangon, and Asst. Omb Jose M. Balmeo, Jr., and in addition to the team created prior to the March 15 ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), to investigate: the purchase of 100 thousand test kits by the Department of Health; and news reports re: use of UP invented test kits.” “I directed the creation of two more investigating teams who will jointly investigate alleged irregularities and anomalies committed by DOH officials and employees, including Health Sec. Francisco Duque, in relation to the response of the DOH during this pandemic,” he added. He said the two additional investigating teams will focus on the delayed procurement of personal protective equipment and other medical gear for healthcare workers, and alleged lapses and irregularities that led to the death of medical workers and the rising number of deaths and infected medical frontliners.
VP’s online market service reaches Zamboanga City | Manila Bulletin – The local government of Zamboanga City has joined Vice President Leni Robredo’s e-market project that helps small market vendors and tricycle drivers affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In a Facebook post, Robredo announced her office put its online delivery service on soft launch on Tuesday, June 16. But instead of calling it Community Mart, it is now called Angat Buhay Mart—Compra Yo! in Zamboanga City. “Sa programang ito, ang riders mismo ang bibili ng mga order mula sa small vendors, local farmers at fishermen sa Zamboanga City Main Market. (In this program, the riders themselves will buy the orders from small vendors, local farmers, and fishermen at the Zamboanga City Main Market),” she said. For its soft launch, Robredo said they will be delivering fruits, meat, seafood, and other products to 38 barangays in Zamboanga City, with same-day service. But through this e-market project, Robredo said residents don’t need to download the mobile app to avail themselves the service unlike in the cities of Quezon and Pasig.“Basta’t may Facebook account, maaari na silang um-order—magtungo lamang sa Angat Buhay Mart – Compra Yo page. (As long as they have a Facebook account, they can order—just go to the Angat Buhay Mart—Compra Yo page,” she said. Payments are currently cash only.
Danding Cojuangco passes away | The Manila Times – Business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. died late Tuesday night. He was 85. His first cousin, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., confirmed this to The Manila Times on Wednesday morning but did not provide any details, saying he was shocked when he learned of the news.
