NEWS 1

Govt vows to promote media rights as PH marks

World Press Freedom Day
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has vowed to continue to promote the rights
and liberty of media on Sunday, World Press Freedom Day.
Palace Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said a free press has allowed the continued
delivery of news reports to all Filipinos as the country battles the coronavirus pandemic.

“It has also helped voice out the public’s pulse and serve as an avenue for the government to
increase public awareness of its policies and report its activities with complete transparency,”
he said in a statement.

He called on the media to work together with the government to eradicate biased information,
misinformation, disinformation that continue to damage the trust and relation between and
government and the people.

“With these in mind, we pray for the safety of everyone, especially the journalists and media
workers currently reporting from the frontlines despite the pandemic. We salute your heroism,
bravery, and your service,” he said.

The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), also joined journalists and media workers in
celebration of World Press Freedom Day.

The existence of a free and responsible press is absolutely essential for a truly transparent,
accountable, and democratic government.

“A free press is not an optional extra but an integral part of the liberty to enjoy all other
freedoms,” the FLAG said in a statement.

news 2
NEWS 2

DepEd: No graduation rites

during COVID-19 crisis
MANILA, Philippines — There will be no graduation rites in the country while the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-
19) is present, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that while the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is in effect,
other local government units in the Visayas and Mindanao have also imposed similar initiatives.

“Alam natin na closed na ang classes, tapos na, pero walang graduation. I know disappointment ito para sa mga
pamilya pero under present condition hindi natin ito pinahihintulutan,” she said in an interview on GMA’s Unang Balita.

(We know that classes are over but there is no graduation. I know this is a disappointment for families but under present
conditions, we cannot allow it.)

“This is not the first time na pinopostpone. Hindi naman kinakansela, pinopostpone lang (Graduation is not canceled,
only postponed),” she added.

However, Education Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla cited a DepEd memorandum that states that the Parents-Teachers
Association (PTA) of schools can be consulted if graduation ceremonies will be rescheduled or canceled.

“(Graduation is) postponed while ECQ (is in effect) and DepEd Memo 42 has provision number 6, which states that
PTAs can be consulted if graduation ceremony will be rescheduled or canceled. There should be consultation with
PTA,” she said.

“Canceled ang graduation ng (on) April 13-17 as originally scheduled because of extended ECQ. Thereafter, other
graduation ceremonies to be postponed but schools can still reschedule only after ECQ,” she added.

Mass gatherings were prohibited under the ECQ as a measure against the further spread of the viral respiratory illness.
Meanwhile, DepEd is still deliberating whether or not the opening of classes will proceed in June amid the coronavirus
threat.

The ECQ in the entire Luzon started on March 17 and was supposed to end at midnight of April 13. It was however
extended until April 30. Other provinces and cities outside the region have also later imposed ECQ to prevent the further
spread of COVID-19.

Briones herself tested positive for COVID-19 based on a test result that came out on April 8.

On Monday, she announced that her latest test showed that she is now COVID-19 free.

NEWS 3

COVID-19 PH tally breaches 9,000-

mark with 295 new cases
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday recorded
295 new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, bringing
the total to over 9,000.
According to the DOH, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is
now at 9,223.

Of the number, 1,214 have recovered, including 90 new recoveries.

Meanwhile, the DOH reported four new deaths, bringing the number of fatalities
to 607.

Metro Manila and other “high risk” areas remain under an enhanced community
quarantine until May 15 while a general community quarantine has been
imposed on moderate to low-risk areas.
Across the world, the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has so far
infected over 3.2 million people have been infected with the virus.

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1268845/covid-19-ph-tally-breaches-
9000-mark-with-295-new-cases#ixzz6L6WZyRTM
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook