News Roundup 23 June 2020
Jun 23, 2020 • 2 min Read
COVID-19 infections in Philippines climb to 31,825 with record-high 1,150 new cases | PHILSTAR.COM – The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the Philippines reached 31,825 after 1,150 cases—the highest increase in a single day to date—were added to the national tally Tuesday. The department also reported record-high 299 recoveries. This pushed to 8,442 the total number of COVID-19 survivors in the country. But the death toll rose to 1,186 after nine more patients succumbed to the severe respiratory illness.
In reply to Palace request for comment on anti-terrorism bill, IBP urges veto | PHILSTAR.COM – The Office of the President has asked the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for recommendations on the controversial anti-terrorism bill, which Congress has sent to President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature. Consistent with its public statements, the IBP told Malacañang of the potential infirmities of the proposed new anti-terrorism law, which include a potential constitutional violation of Section 29 or the provision on detention without judicial warrant of arrest. Cayosa told Philstar.com that, to his knowledge, the Office of the President’s request for input on pending legislation is the “first time in five years or more.” “It’s Congress that usually asks IBP’s inputs in proposed legislation,” Cayosa said. Asked whether IBP was asked by lawmakers to comment when they were deliberating on the bill, Cayosa replied: “Not on the questionable provisions.”
COVID-19 cases growing among hospital, DOH workers in Eastern Visayas | INQUIRER.NET – At least 14 health care workers and seven employees of the Department of Health in Eastern Visayas (DOH) have been infected with coronavirus. Tacloban City reported 17 new cases involving 10 health care workers of the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) and seven DOH regional employees. The city now has a total of 54 COVID-19 cases.
Wage disparity affecting morale of provincial frontliners – Galvez | Manila Bulletin – The disparity in the wages and benefits of health care workers serves as a “big problem” in the capacity of the country to fully address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19, reported this to President Duterte during the latter’s public address on Monday night. Such problem, coupled with the threat of the deadly virus, was among the reasons why health care workers in Cebu City were resigning, according to the task force official.
SC junks Quo Warranto vs ABS-CBN Corp. | The Manila Times – The Supreme Court (SC) en banc on Tuesday junked the petition for Quo Warranto filed against ABS-CBN Corp. on the ground that the case had been rendered moot after the network’s franchise expired. According to unimpeachable sources of the Manila Times in the high court, there was “no more justiciable controversy to discuss” in reference to the petition of Solicitor General Jose Calida. The high court, however, did not touch the issues on ABS-CBN Convergence so the case remains alive.
