News Roundup 04 May 2020
May 04, 2020 • 2 min Read
Guevarra stands firm: Broadcast companies may operate pending franchise renewal | PHILSTAR.COM – Contradicting Solicitor General Jose Calida, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday stood firm on his previous position that broadcast networks can continue operations pending congressional action on franchise renewal bills. “The DOJ stands by its position that there is sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the renewal of their franchise remain pending with Congress,” Guevarra told reporters.
Marikina opens emergency quarantine facilities | Manila Bulletin – To increase the capacity of the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC), three emergency quarantine facilities capable of accommodating around 100 patients suspected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were opened in Marikina City on Monday. Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro led the turnover and opening of the temporary quarantine facilities built near the state-run hospital, together with the officials of the Armed of the Philippines (AFP) and WTA Architecture and Design Studio. He said the air-conditioned facilities were funded by the local government of Marikina, and were built in partnership with AFP and the WTA Architecture and Design Studio.
Ex-Sen Estrada arrested for ECQ violation | The Manila Times – Former senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada was arrested on Sunday for allegedly violating the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in San Juan City. San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said that Estrada, the city’s former mayor and vice mayor, was arrested by policemen under the National Capital Region Police Office. Zamora said Estrada was reported to be going to each barangay (villages) to provide relief assistance without permit from City Hall. Estrada also failed to coordinate with the local government to ensure that physical distancing would be observed in the distribution of goods to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Senate amends rules to allow sessions, hearings online during emergency | INQUIRER.NET – The Senate would now allow plenary sessions and committee hearings through teleconferencing as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The senators adopted Senate Resolution 372 which seeks to amend the Senate rules to allow official proceedings through teleconferencing and other electronic means in the event that a “force majeure or the occurrence of an emergency” would prevent the convening of the Senate or the physical presence of its members in the session hall.
