The Department of Health (DOH) had to adjust its report on the total number of COVID cases in the country. Here are the stories making the headlines on ANC today:

Fueled by alcohol
After initially reporting in a social media post that the Philippines has 35 cases, the DOH said the number is actually 33. Meanwhile, bottles of alcohol used for hygienic purposes are being snapped up by shoppers. But the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said there is enough alcohol for consumers. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a COVID test kit developed by the University of the Philippines. Officials of the DOH are scheduled to brief today the House of Representatives on efforts to contain the virus.

Despite the evidence
In a speech Tuesday night, President Duterte said Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) are “clean.” This despite a hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee headed by Sen. Richard Gordon that revealed that POGOs are being linked to money laundering operations. There are also revelations that uncollected taxes by POGOs amount to $50 million. Gordon added that those briefing Duterte on are isolating him from the bad effects of POGOs like the rise of money laundering, prostitution, and kidnapping. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the Philippine Games and Amusement Corp. (PAGCOR) didn’t brief the President properly. Gordon also said the “Rodriguez family” offered him a “donation” to Philippine Red Cross, which Gordon heads, to excuse them from Senate hearings on POGOs.

Continued operations
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises said the operations of the ABS-CBN network will continue while the committee hears bills for the renewal of the franchise. Meanwhile, sparks flew in Tuesday’s hearing on the network’s franchise when congressmen clashed on some issues on the rules of the hearings. And did House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano get personal when he said he had the right to question the network over what he said was bias against him? Nonetheless, Cayetano said there is no reason for government to shut down the network as Congress deliberates on the franchise. He also said he thinks the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will allow the continued operation of the network.

Exposing critical infra
Speaking of telecommunications, the House of Representatives passed a bill allowing foreign ownership of telecommunications and transportation companies. In his opposition to the measure, Magdalo party list Rep. Manuel Cabochan said the bill would compromise our national security by exposing our critical infrastructure. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the bill violates the provision in the Constitution on foreign ownership.

New arts center
The arrival of names such as Eugene Jarque, Lynyrd Paras, Dex Fernandez has given the guys from the TUP their due, and their alma mater some well-deserved recognition. ANCX checks in with the artists at the Ermita campus.