endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6) — The Department of Health on Saturday confirmed an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospitals, with some facilities reporting a doubling and even tripling of cases. “We have been receiving reports na mayroon talagang pagtaas ng mga numero ng mga pasyente sa mga ospital (that there’s really an increase in the number of patients in hospitals) for COVID-19 cases,” Department of Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said during the government’s Laging Handa media briefing. Vergeire said the department has called for a meeting with the heads of certain hospitals to discuss the spike in admissions.