Filipinos Ready to Go Cashless -- Visa PH Study

A recent study by Visa Philippines called “Consumer Payment Attitudes,” have shown Filipinos to be generally interested in cashless transactions, i.e., debit and credit cards, e-wallets, mobile wallets, and online transfers (See Inquirer.net for story).

PH Economy Shrinks Due to Pandemic

The Philippine economy contracted in the first three months of 2020 as restrictions to stem the coronavirus outbreak shut most businesses and sapped consumption, a trend seen worsening in the current quarter. Gross domestic product fell 0.2% in the first quarter compared to a year ago (See Yahoo News for story).

Cruise Ship Suspected of Sparking Covid Outbreak Anchors in Manila Bay

The Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess, a cruise ship being investigated for sparking coronavirus infections, anchored in Manila Bay on Thursday to bring Filipino crew members home (See Yahoo News for story).

OFW Wins AsianGeo Wildlife Photo Contest

Jophel Botero Ybiosa

Overseas Filipino Worker Jophel Botero Ybiosa won the Asian Geographic Magazine (AsianGeo) Images of Asia (IOA) Monthly Competition 2020 for Wildlife Photography (See Goodnewspilipinas.com for story).

'Darth Vader' Enforces Lockdown in PH Village

Dressed as "Star Wars" characters, local officials in the Philippines are out and about to enforce strict quarantine measures while also handing out relief packages. With Darth Vader and Stormtrooper outfits made from rubber mats and old plastic, the youth leaders catch the attention of villagers on the outskirts of Manila, who are then reminded to stay indoors (See Yahoo News for story).

Nearly 10,000 Inmates Freed as Virus Hits PH Jails

Nearly 10,000 prison inmates have been released in the Philippines as the country races to halt coronavirus infections in its overcrowded jails, a Supreme Court official said Saturday (See Inquirer.net for story).

Cremation Traumatises Virus-Hit PH

Families of coronavirus victims in the Philippines are being denied traditional death rites in favour of hurried, impersonal cremations, with virus restrictions often meaning they are forbidden a last look at their loved ones (See Yahoo News for story).

PH Halts In-Bound Passenger Flights for a Week

The Philippines halted all inbound passenger flights for a week to free up space in quarantine centers filled with thousands of migrant workers who have come home during the coronavirus pandemic (See Yahoo News for story).