As the new coronavirus (COVID-19) races around the world, tanking markets, cutting off travel, and suspending schools for millions of students, governments are desperate to contain it.
Despite promising to deliver cash assistance to poverty-stricken families during the crisis, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) struggled to implement its Social Amelioration Program (SAP), prompting private companies and local government units (LGUs) to pick up the slack.
Frequent water interruptions, coupled with rising COVID-19 cases, spelled tragedy for the 12.8 million citizens of Metro Manila as they combat the new coronavirus.
President Rodrigo Duterte continues to allow businesses of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) despite China’s call to ban operations and its connection to several crimes in the Philippines, as said by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo last March 8.
Pressed in cheek by jowl, forced to sleep in shifts and with barely any access to sanitation, prisoners are at risk of a health catastrophe as COVID-19 spreads behind bars.