We strongly condemn in the strongest terms the NPA attack on our soldiers while the latter were doing community work in Barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal in the face of a declaration of ceasefire on both sides and in the midst of an emergency health crisis.

In the midst of a global health crisis and under a cloud of gloom that looms in the horizon in this beautiful country of ours, the President is to mark his 75th birthday today, March 28.

Another idle and wild talk of a total lockdown unleashed by the usual rumor mongers is flying high in the social media and being spread by word of mouth by the gullible and those who should know better.

The rationale behind the appointment of ex-military men like Secretary Carlito Galvez as Chief Implementor of the national policy against Covid-19, and Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Secretary Eduardo Año as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of the National Action Plan simply lies on their culture of discipline, obedience to superiors, training in organization, tactical strategies in fighting the enemies of the state, and thorough preparedness in organization.

The Palace has received reports that certain officials who are considered persons under either investigation or monitoring, pursuant to issued guidelines, have allegedly breached protocols set by the government through the Department of Health.

Congress has responded to the call of the times by passing the bill entitled “Bayanihan To Heal As One Act” granting stand-by powers to the President to carry out effectively the national policy of stopping the spread of the coronavirus virus disease (COVID-19) which has endangered the lives of the Filipino people.

The recommendation of Mr. Jose Ma. Sison, founding chairperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), to issue a declaration of a ceasefire addressed to the New People’s Army (NPA) purportedly in response to the call of the United Nations Secretary General for a global armistice, is a positive development.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Administrative Order No. 26 today, March 23, 2020, granting hazard pay (COVID-19 Hazard Pay) to government personnel who report for work, with retroactive application beginning March 17, 2020.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation No. 933 on March 21, 2020, where he called on Congress to a special session that it may pass a law authorising the President to exercise the necessary powers to carry out the urgent measures to meet the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) national emergency.

The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Proclamation No. 934 yesterday, March 21, 2020, declaring the fourth week of March 2020 as a National Week of Prayer. In said proclamation, the Chief Executive urged all Filipinos of faiths, religious traditions and backgrounds to unite our hearts in prayer as we face the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).