Duterte Threatens Martial Law if Reds Disrupt Relief Efforts

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to declare martial law if communist rebels disrupted the flow of relief goods for Filipinos impacted by the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, and asked his military to be ready (See Yahoo News for story).

400,000 OFWs Expected to Lose Jobs Due to Covid-19

A research paper by Ateneo de Manila University projected recently that about 300,000 to 400,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) could be affected by layoffs and salary cuts due to the expected shutdown of offices abroad brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (See Philstar.com for story).

PH Files 2 Diplomatic Protests Over China's Moves in W. PH Sea

The Philippines has lodged two diplomatic protests against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, accusing China of violating international law and Philippine sovereignty (See Inquirer.net for story).

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, 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).