News Roundup 10 May 2021
May 10, 2021 • 4 min Read
Philippines sees 6,846 more COVID-19 cases | PHILSTAR.COM – The Department of Health on Monday reported 6,846 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s overall count to 1,108,826. Today’s development saw active cases down by 1,397 from yesterday’s 61,294. DOH has so far attributed the decrease in daily cases to fewer samples screened. Today, it said five laboratories did not turn in test results.
- Active cases: 59,897 or 5.4% of the total
- Recoveries: 8,193, bringing the number to 1,030,367
- Deaths: 90, or now 18,562 in total
Carpio on WPS debate with Duterte: ‘I’m sad he withdrew, but that’s his privilege’ | INQUIRER.NET – Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said he was saddened by President Rodrigo Duterte’s withdrawal from a debate on the West Philippine Sea dispute between the Philippines and China, saying that it would’ve been the “best opportunity” to explain the issue with the public. “Well, I was looking forward to a debate with him, because this is the best opportunity to explain the issue with the public,” said Carpio. He added that the debate could’ve been a good platform to inform people of the said issue, as Filipinos would be glued to their televisions once the debate starts. “I’m sad that he withdrew but that’s his privilege,” said Carpio. Regarding Duterte’s name-calling, Carpio said he would rather debate with the President on the issues and the merits “because name-calling doesn’t mean anything.” “They can call you anything, but nobody can discuss the merits unless you know the merits,” said Carpio. Carpio likewise reiterated that Duterte should resign after he debunked the President’s claims that he was involved in the decision to withdraw Philippine Navy ships from the West Philippine Sea. “I can prove it, the entire cabinet of President Aquino, will testify that I never participated in any of the discussions, so I can prove it,” said Carpio. “If he’s true to his word of honor, he should resign,” the former justice dared.
Lacson: Pause – if they can’t stop – corrupt ways, bickering during pandemic | INQUIRER.NET – Senator Panfilo Lacson has called for a “much-needed and long-overdue break” from corruption and bickering to focus on advancing national interest in this time of a pandemic, as he cited issues in the procurement of COVID-19 supplies such as face masks and testing kits. Lacson said Filipinos should think first of national interest amid the pandemic instead of making “dishonest money” from the health crisis. “All of us Filipinos should think of the national interest and unite to promote it. Those Filipinos engaging in corruption now, especially those wanting to make dishonest money from COVID, are not exempt from this,” the senator said in a statement on Monday. According to him, information reaching his office indicate corruption in the procurement and supply of testing kits and machines, face masks, face shields, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other similar items that are in demand today. The senator did not elaborate on this information but he earlier flagged the Department of Health (DOH) over overpriced medical supplies. Lacson has likewise called for a “moratorium” on corruption in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) amid the pandemic. “Can they at least forget about their greed during the pandemic? I am not saying they can resume their corrupt ways once the pandemic is over, but especially during this period when we face so many problems, they should pause if they cannot stop,” the lawmaker said in an interview on Eagle News.
Robredo urges new PMA graduates: ‘Protect the country’ | Manila Bulletin – Vice President Leni Robredo had meaningful words to say when she attended virtually the graduation of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Masaligan” Class of 2021 and awarded the Vice Presidential Saber to CDT 1CL Daryl Brix Colita of Malalag, Davao del Sur. “We join you in prayer as you embark on your first assignments protecting our country after graduation,” she said in a Facebook post on Monday, May 10. Although she did not refer to it, Robredo might have been referring to the threat posed by China in the country’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The vice president has been a vocal critic of President Duterte’s defeatist stand against China. On weekend, she slammed the Chief Executive’s remark that the country’s 2016 arbitral win was a mere “scrap of paper.” Despite the pandemic and only being able to attend virtually, Robredo made sure her presence is known by the cadets. “We will not allow the pandemic to diminish the meaning of this event and our pride of Masaligan Class of 2021 and of all the 164 young cadets and cadettes graduating today,” she said.
