News Roundup 04 April 2021
Apr 04, 2021 • 5 min Read
DOH records 11,028 new COVID-19 cases, total at 795,051 | PHILSTAR.COM – The Philippines on Sunday saw 11,028 new coronavirus cases, nearly a week since the NCR Plus bubble was returned to Enhanced Community Quarantine. This brings the country’s overall count of infections to 795,051 by April 4. Active cases, meanwhile, saw a drop of 30,189 from 165,715 on Saturday.
- Active cases: 135,526 or 17.0% of the total
- Recoveries: 41,205, bringing the number to 646,100
- Deaths: 2, or now 13,425 in total
Claim to West Philippine Sea stands on solid ground, Lorenzana stresses | PHILSTAR.COM – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday warned that Chinese vessels in the area of Juan Felipe Reef suggests China intends to stay there as stressed that the Kalayaan Island Group is part of the Philippines under international law. Lorenzana, a former Army general, made the statement Sunday after the Chinese Embassy called his earlier call for Chinese vessels to leave “perplexing.” The embassy also said the defense secretary should “avoid any unprofessional remarks which may further fan irrational emotions.” The Philippine defense chief on Sunday said “the continued presence of Chinese maritime militias in the area reveals their intent to further occupy features in the West Philippine Sea.” “They have done this before at Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc and at Panganiban Reef, brazenly violating Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights under international law.” “The utter disregard by the Chinese Embassy in Manila of international law specially the [UN Convention on the Law of the Sea] to which China is a party is appalling,” Lorenzana said Sunday. “The Philippines’ claim stands on solid grounds, while China’s does not.”
Robredo’s reminder on Easter Sunday: ‘Walang Pilipinong nag-iisa’ | INQUIRER.NET – Vice President Leni Robredo reminded Filipinos on Easter Sunday that they are not alone amidst the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In her Easter Sunday message, Robredo noted that this is the second time that the country celebrates Holy Week under the pandemic that recently triggered another strict lockdown in Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces. “Gaya ng paulit-ulit na nating pinatunayan sa mga nagdaang taon: Walang Pilipinong nag-iisa. Magkakaiba man ang mga kontekstong pinanggagalingan natin, iisang ‘better normal’ ang pangarap nating pandayin— isang mundong mas patas, mas makatao, mas makatarungan, lalo na para sa mga nasa laylayan,” she said. (Like what we have repeatedly proven in the previous years, there is no Filipino who is alone. We may have come from different backgrounds, but we are aiming for a common “better normal”—a world that is more fair, humane and just, especially for people in the lowest levels of society.) “At dahil bitbit natin ang isa’t isa, walang duda — gaya ng pangakong dala ng muling pagkabuhay, isang pangako ng buhay na walang-hanggan na nagbubukal sa walang-hanggang pag-ibig at pag-asa — tiyak na mararating natin ang mithiin na ito,” she added. (And because we got each other’s back, there is no doubt that just like the promise brought by the resurrection, the promise of eternal life that gives way to endless love and hope — we are sure that we will realize this goal.) The Vice President likewise noted how the pandemic has continued to change our lives in recent weeks, especially in view of rising cases, the burden on the healthcare system and shrinking economy. These “disruptions,” she said, have brought mixed emotions, from fear to doubt to sadness. “But if there is anything that Easter and the Lenten Season reminds us, it is that during these extraordinary times of darkness, we are renewed by our faith, hope, and love for one another,” Robredo said.
OVP, partners hold mass and interfaith prayer service on Easter | Manila Bulletin – Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday, April 4, celebrated Jesus Christ’s resurrection with mass and inter-religion prayer service organized by her office and its partner at home. On her message after an online Easter Sunday Mass organized by Kaya Natin! Movement and the Office of the Vice President (OVP), she said the Filipinos’ bayanihan spirit and concern for others will be the bridge that leads the country to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The vice president also highlighted the importance of being each other’s anchor “during these extraordinary times of darkness.” “Alam kong pagod na tayo. Araw-araw, may balita tayong napapanood o nababasa na nakakatakot, nakakalungkot, nakakagalit. Pero this Easter, magtiwala tayo: Malalagpasan natin lahat ito (I know that we are weary. Every day, we see and read in the news the things that scare us, make us sad, and enraged us. But this Easter, let’s us be hopeful. We are going to surpass all of these),” she said at the mass presided by Rev. Fr. Tito Caluag. In the past year, Filipinos proved their capacity to help one another. Robredo said it was an undisputed truth that Filipinos are ready to sacrifice, contribute, and reach out to those in need. “Itong malasakit na ito para sa ating kapwa—kamag-anak man o kaibigan, kapitbahay man o kababayan—ang magtatawid sa atin lahat sa pandemyang ito. Ang pagbabayanihan natin ang nagpapatatag at nagpapalakas sa atin, ang sisigurong malalagpasan natin ang kalbaryong pasan natin ngayon (This concern for others—relatives or friends, neighbors or fellowmen—will be our bridge in this pandemic. Our community spirit will strengthen us, assures us that we will surpass the tribulations we carry now),” she stressed. This spirit is alive, Robredo said, in those who last week asked how they could be of help during this pandemic.
