The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases rose to 511,679 on Saturday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,797 new infections as four laboratories failed to submit data on time.
Published January 23, 2021, 4:34 PM
It is too early to say if there is already a community transmission of the more transmissible variant of the COVID-19 virus in the country, health authorities said Saturday.
This was emphasized by Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) Director Dr. Celia Carlos following the detection of 16 more cases of the B.1.1.7 or the United Kingdom variant of the novel coronavirus in the Philippines.
“Considering that investigation is ongoing, it may be premature for us now to determine whether there is ongoing community transmission. We need to wait for the results of the investigation,” said Carlos during a press briefing hosted by the Department of Health (DoH).
Published January 22, 2021, 1:45 PM
The
dismissed complaint against Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III over alleged violations of quarantine rules may still be appealed, Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured Friday.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra
(TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
“The resolution of the investigating prosecutor in the case of Sen. Koko Pimentel may be the subject of an appeal to the Office of the Secretary,” the Justice Secretary said.
Guevarra explained the complaint can file “via a petition for review with the Office of the Secretary of Justice under the rules of the National Prosecution Service on appeals.”