News of foreign nationals purportedly contracting the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines has reached the Office of the President.

The Palace welcomes the result of the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showing that the satisfaction rating in favor of the Duterte Administration is at 81%, or + 73, in December 2019. It is noteworthy to mention that the result reveals an “excellent” rating in all geographic areas.

The Palace is monitoring the developments following the crash of a helicopter carrying General Archie Francisco Gamboa, Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), in San Pedro, Laguna this morning, March 5.

The Palace confirms that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has convened today, March 3, at the Department of Health – Central Office to further discuss the circumstances occasioned by the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the 47th Cabinet Meeting last night, 2 March 2020, at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room, Malacañan Palace.

March is International Women’s Month, and on Sunday, March 8, we are celebrating International Women’s Day.

The Office of the President confirms that two chartered flights, carrying 445 Filipino crew members and passengers of the MV Diamond Princess cruise ship, have arrived safely in the Philippines.

The Palace notes that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved to impose a ban on the entry of travelers coming from the North Gyeongsang Province of South Korea into Philippine territory, effective immediately.