Each week, we compile a short summary of several major Philippine stories. Here are a few of the top headlines from this third week of December 2020.
Lacson says Duque ‘dropped the ball’ in vaccine deal with Pfizer
Senator Panfilo Lacson said a Cabinet secretary “dropped the ball” in the Philippines’ COVID-19 vaccine deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, leaving the country behind other regional peers in terms of acquiring vials from the said brand.
In a statement, Lacson said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III “failed to work on the necessary documentary requirements” needed for the Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement with Pfizer.
Partygoers will be arrested–PNP chief
Partygoers during the Christmas season will be arrested as part of public safety efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the chief of the Philippine National Police warned.
“Parties have been prohibited so, of course, we will have [partygoers] arrested,” said Police General Debold Sinas. While dinner events can be categorized as parties, they are allowed as long as health measures are observed, Sinas said.
“I leave it to the commanders to decide.”
Duterte OKs pilot testing of face-to-face classes in low-risk areas
President Rodrigo Duterte and his Cabinet gave the green light to the pilot testing of face-to-face classes in areas that will be considered at low risk for COVID-19 in January 2021.
The dry run proposed by the Department of Education was approved during Cabinet meeting last December 14, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said. He said the trial face-to-face classes should be conducted in January 2021.
ADB: In-person classes may hike deaths by 8%
Fully resuming in-person classes in the first half of 2021 may hike COVID-19 deaths by 8% compared to present levels when all students undergo off-campus classes, according to a report by Asian Development Bank (ADB).
But ADB estimates also showed that stopping in-person classes during the school year 2020-2021 would cost PHP1.9 trillion in foregone economic opportunities, prompting the country’s chief economist to push for a gradual resumption of classes.
Philippines records 1,135 new COVID-19 cases; total nears 452,000
On December 15, Tuesday, the Philippine Department of Health logged 1,135 additional COVID-19 cases, raising the country’s total to 451,839.
This is the 16th straight day that the number of new cases announced is below 2,000, and the 4th straight day below 1,500.
Tuesday’s additional confirmed infections do not include data from 13 laboratories which failed to submit their results on time.
Are Duterte and his task force doing enough to secure vaccines quickly?
A deeper look at the Philippine government’s efforts to get COVID-19 vaccines. This includes:
- Getting around the limitations set by the Government Procurement Act (Republic Act No. 9184), which prevented the country from paying for vaccines in advance.
- Making use of the ADB’s Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility – a loan advance for market commitment.
