COVID-19 Infects 31 More Filipinos Abroad, Total Now 868

An additional 31 Filipinos overseas were found positive for the new virus SARS-CoV-2, bringing the total count to 868, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday (See Inquirer.net for story).

PH 'Dead Last' in Safety in Asia Pacific During Pandemic

The Philippines is dead last on a list of countries in Asia Pacific considered the safest during the coronavirus pandemic, according to an evaluation by a Hong Kong-based venture capital firm (See MSN.com for story). 

Duterte Volunteers PH for Clinical Trials of Potential COVID-19 Vaccines

President Rodrigo Duterte told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Tuesday night's Special ASEAN Summit that the Philippines was ready to participate in clinical trials of a Japan-made drug, Avigan, as a possible novel coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment (See Philstar.com for story).

ASEAN Leaders Hold Tele-Summit on COVID-19

Southeast Asian leaders – in a videoconference – reaffirmed yesterday their commitment to remain united in the effort to control the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and ease its adverse impact on societies and economies, particularly on people’s livelihood (See Philstar.com for story).

Filipina Chess Master Arianne Caoili Dies in a Car Accident

Arianne Bo Caoili

Arianne Bo Caoili

Arianne Bo Caoili, 33, a Filipina chess master, has died after being in a car accident March 15 in Yerevan, Armenia.  She underwent several operations before passing away on March 30 (See Inquirer.net for story).

PH Stops Health Workers from Going Abroad to Fight Covid-19

The Philippines has stopped doctors, nurses, medics and other healthcare workers from going abroad while it needs their skills to meet the threat of the coronavirus spreading at home, a foreign affairs official said. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration issued the order on April 2, though it was only made public on Friday (See Yahoo News for story).

TV, Radio Celebrity Leila Benitez Dies of Coronavirus in NY

Leila Benitez (Source: CNN Philippines)

Leila Benitez (Source: CNN Philippines)

Legendary TV and radio personality Leila Benitez-McCollum passed away Thursday morning (Manila time) due to complications from COVID-19 in New York City, a family member confirmed to CNN Philippines. She was 89.

PH Backs Vietnam After China Sinks Fishing Boat

 The Philippines on Wednesday expressed solidarity with Vietnam after Hanoi protested what it said was the ramming and sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat by a Chinese coast guard ship in the disputed South China Sea (See Yahoo News for story).