To keep you updated about what’s happening on this corner of the globe, we search the internet for notable Philippine stories.
Here are some of the top headlines from this second week of May 2021.
COVID-19 variant from India now in the Philippines — DOH
The COVID-19 variant first detected in India is now here in the Philippines.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online press briefing on May 11 that the B.1.617 variant was detected from two individuals in the country following genome sequencing.
Philippines and Malaysia log GDP falls as COVID waves blur outlook
The Philippine economy contracted by 4.2% on the year in Q1 2021, extending its recession to a fifth straight quarter, while Malaysia’s shrank 0.5% as both countries battle waves of COVID-19.
The latest figures come as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin aim for growth targets of up to 7.5% this year. But after a pandemic-marred 2020, the persistence of the coronavirus is fogging the outlook.
Philippines joins ASEAN cross-border investing framework
Philippine investment companies can now offer eligible funds to retail investors in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand as their counterparts in these countries can pitch investment products to the local market, boosting cross-border investment flow in the Southeast Asian region.
This as the Securities and Exchange Commission became the newest signatory to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Collective Investment Schemes Framework, an initiative to facilitate cross-border product access and fund distribution for investors and issuers.
NCR Plus eases to GCQ ‘with heightened restrictions’ from May 15-31
The so-called NCR Plus comprising Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna will be downgraded to general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 15 until May 30, Malacañang announced on May 13.
In a taped meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque however noted that this is going to be a GCQ “with heightened restrictions.”
Philippines: ‘Stricter’ border controls sought for passengers from Middle East
Stricter border control measures were sought for passengers coming from the Middle East as the Philippines recorded two cases of the B.1.617 coronavirus “variant”, Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on May 12.
Duque also said his agency will recommend the fresh travel curbs.
Crising weakens further, as it traverses Mindanao
Tropical depression Crising weakened further, as it traversed Mindanao, state weather bureau PAGASA said on May 14.
The state weather bureau, in its 5 am weather bulletin, said Crising weakened further as it neared the Pantaron Mountain Range.
Philippines adds Oman, UAE in travel ban; extends curbs until May 31
The Philippines has expanded its travel restriction to Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it extended the enforcement of all existing curbs until May 31.
In a statement on May 13, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said travelers from Oman and the UAE are barred from entering the Philippines starting May 15 until the end of the month.
