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'{{short description|Major events in a virus pandemic in the Philippines}} {{Current event|date=March 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Use Philippine English|date=March 2020}} This article documents the timeline of the [[2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines|COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines]]. {{2019–20 coronavirus pandemic data/Philippines medical cases chart}} {{clear}} == January == <!--- NOTE: Do not use too much bullets. If that date only has one information. Use dash and continue the information in the same line of that certain date. Only use bullets if there are two or more information in the same date(s).---> * January 30 ** The first case of the disease was confirmed in the Philippines, which is a 38-year old Chinese woman.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news |title=Philippines confirms first case of new coronavirus |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/30/20/philippines-confirms-first-case-of-new-coronavirus |accessdate=January 30, 2020 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=January 30, 2020}}</ref> ** The [[Research Institute for Tropical Medicine]] began conducting confirmatory tests for the disease. Before this date, confirmatory tests were conducted abroad.<ref name="whyncovgma">{{cite news |title=Why nCoV fatality's infection was confirmed later than Philippines' first case |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/724652/why-ncov-fatality-s-infection-was-confirmed-later-than-philippines-first-case/story/ |accessdate=February 3, 2020 |work=GMA News |date=February 3, 2020 |quote="Since we (RITM) already had the capability for testing Thursday last week, we decided to test the sample of the other PUIs sent to us," RITM director Dr. Celia Carlos said in a separate press briefing in Malacañang. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203155225/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/724652/why-ncov-fatality-s-infection-was-confirmed-later-than-philippines-first-case/story/ |archive-date=February 3, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> == February == * February 2 – The first death from the disease in the Philippines was confirmed. This death is the first confirmed death outside the Chinese mainland.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marquez |first1=Consuelo |title=BREAKING: DOH says number of coronavirus case now 33 |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1239309/breaking-doh-says-number-of-coronavirus-case-now-33 |accessdate=March 27, 2020 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 10, 2020}}</ref> * February 5 **The first confirmed case of a Filipino citizen outside the Philippines was announced. The case is of a crew member of the cruise ship ''[[Diamond Princess (ship)|Diamond Princess]]'' quarantined off the coast of Yokohama, Japan.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |title=Philippines records 45 new COVID-19 cases, total soars to 187 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/730076/philippines-records-45-new-covid-19-cases-total-soars-to-187/story/ |publisher=GMA News |date=March 17, 2020}}</ref> **The third case in the country was confirmed.<ref name="doh3rd">{{cite web|url=https://www.doh.gov.ph/doh-press-release/doh-confirms-3rd-2019-nCoV-ARD-case-in-PH|title=DOH confirms 3rd 2019-nCoV ARD Case iN PH|last=|first=|date=February 5, 2020|website=Department of Health (Philippines)|publisher=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205081612/https://www.doh.gov.ph/doh-press-release/doh-confirms-3rd-2019-nCoV-ARD-case-in-PH|archive-date=February 5, 2020|accessdate=February 5, 2020}}</ref> * February 9–22 – Repatriates from Wuhan were quarantined at the [[New Clark City]] in Capas, Tarlac. None of them displayed any symptoms during the quarantine period and was released after they were cleared for the disease.<ref name="crew400">{{cite news |last1=Aquino |first1=Leslie Ann |title=400 Diamond Princess crew quarantined in New Clark City 0 |url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/28/400-diamond-princess-crew-quarantined-in-new-clark-city/ |accessdate=March 2, 2020 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=February 28, 2020}}</ref> == March == * March 5–6 – The fourth and fifth cases were confirmed on March 5 and were announced on March 6. Both are Filipino citizens, making them the first and second cases of Filipinos inside the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/728576/philippines-records-2-more-covid-19-cases/story/ |title=Philippines records 2 new COVID-19 cases |date=March 6, 2020 |website=[[GMA News]] |language=en-US |accessdate=March 17, 2020}}</ref> * March 7 ** The sixth case was confirmed on March 7. The case is of the wife of the fifth case diagnosed on March 5.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/253696-doh-confirms-6th-case-coronavirus-philippines |title=DOH confirms 6th coronavirus case in PH |last=Buan |first=Lian |date=March 7, 2020 |website=[[Rappler]] |language=en |accessdate=March 17, 2020}}</ref> ** The Department of Health confirmed that the fifth case was the first local transmission in the country. Code Red Sub-Level 1 was also raised as a precautionary measure.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Health department gives COVID-19 updates (7 March 2020) |date=March 7, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28RlHzKwxMA |accessdate=March 7, 2020}}</ref> * March 8 **Four new cases were confirmed on March 8: *** The seventh case is a Taiwanese national who got infected by another Taiwanese national that recently visited the Philippines. His symptoms began appearing on March 3.<ref name="March 8 DOH">{{Cite web |url=https://www.doh.gov.ph/doh-press-release/DOH-REPORTS-4-NEW-COVID-19-PATIENTS%3B-CASES-UP-TO-10 |title=DOH REPORTS 4 NEW COVID-19 PATIENTS; CASES UP TO 10 |date=March 8, 2020 |website=[[Department of Health (Philippines)|Department of Health]] |accessdate=March 17, 2020}}</ref> *** The eighth case is a Filipino citizen that recently visited Japan in the past two weeks. His symptoms began appearing on March 5.<ref name="March 8 DOH" /> *** The ninth case is an American national with pre-existing hypertension that recently traveled to the US and South Korea. His symptoms began appearing on March 1.<ref name="March 8 DOH" /> *** The tenth case is a Filipino citizen with no travel history outside of the country. He had contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases but his exposure is still under investigation by the DOH.<ref name="March 8 DOH" /> * March 9 ** Ten new cases were initially confirmed on March 9, totaling 20 cases.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/728946/philippines-confirms-10-new-covid-19-cases-total-now-20/story/ |title=Philippines confirms 10 new COVID-19 cases, total now 20 |date=March 9, 2020 |website=[[GMA News]] |language=en-US |accessdate=March 17, 2020}}</ref> ** On Monday evening, March 9, President Duterte has formally declared a state of public health emergency in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tomacruz |first=Sofia |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/253833-duterte-declares-state-public-health-emergency-rise-coronavirus-cases-march-2020 |title=Duterte declares state of public health emergency amid rise in coronavirus cases |date=March 9, 2020 |work=[[Rappler]] |accessdate=March 13, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The president also suspended all classes, in public and private, in Metro Manila from March 10 to 14 and confirmed four more cases, totaling 24 cases.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tomacruz |first=Sofia |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/253912-walang-pasok-duterte-declares-class-suspensions-metro-manila-coronavirus-threat-march-10-14-2020 |title=Duterte suspends classes in Metro Manila March 10–14 over coronavirus threat |date=March 11, 2020 |work=[[Rappler]] |accessdate=March 13, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> * March 10 – Eleven new cases were initially confirmed on March 10. The DOH later corrected that two cases were repeat tests, totaling 33 cases.<ref name=":00">{{Cite web |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/10/20/philippines-coronavirus-doh-corrects-tally-35-to-33 |title=Oops! DOH reports COVID-19 cases at 35, later corrects figure to 33 |date=March 10, 2020 |website=[[ABS CBN News]] |accessdate=March 10, 2020}}</ref> * March 11 – Sixteen new cases were confirmed on March 11, totaling 49 cases.<ref name="gmanews march11">{{Cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/729264/philippines-records-16-new-covid-19-cases-tally-now-at-49/story/|title=Philippines records 16 new COVID-19 cases, tally now at 49|work=[[GMA News]]|date=11 March 2020|accessdate=11 March 2020}}</ref> * March 12 ** Three new cases were confirmed on March 12, totaling 52 cases.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/254279-doh-confirms-new-cases-coronavirus-philippines-march-12-2020 |title=Novel coronavirus cases in the Philippines now at 52 |last=Cepeda |first=Mara |date=March 12, 2020 |website=[[Rappler]] |language=en |accessdate=March 17, 2020}}</ref> **Vice-President Robredo on March 12 addressed the public about COVID-19. The vice-president urged the government to adopt work from home, fast-track the process of test-kits, and protect the vulnerable from the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cepeda|first=Mara|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/254291-robredo-appeals-work-from-home-coronavirus|title=Robredo appeals: Work from home, protect the vulnerable|date=March 12, 2020|work=Rappler|accessdate=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/12/20/coronavirus-philippines-robredo-pushes-for-work-from-home|title=Robredo pushes for work-from-home amid COVID-19 spread|date=March 12, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|accessdate=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ** President Duterte announces a partial lockdown on [[Metro Manila]] beginning at midnight on March 15 that will cover 16 cities and one municipality. Land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila shall be suspended until April 14, 2020 (international departures will be permitted). Entry travel restrictions shall be imposed upon those traveling from countries with localized COVID-19 transmissions, except for Filipino citizens (including their foreign spouse and children) or holders of Permanent Resident Visas and Diplomat Visas. Mass transportation within Metro Manila shall continue to operate with social distancing guidelines.<ref name=":04">{{Cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/12/2000209/travel-and-manila-suspended-march-15-code-red-sublevel-2-raised-over-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR3AAILu_dcJdaSsjyrRDkaPvgc-djCiwGBgTc_13DWyg8E05B3vsxz02PE |title=Travel to and from Manila suspended from March 15 as Code Red Sublevel 2 raised over COVID-19 |last=Luna |first=Franco |website=[[Philippine Star]] |accessdate=March 12, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":05">{{Cite web |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/254101-metro-manila-placed-on-lockdown-coronavirus-outbreak |title=Metro Manila to be placed on lockdown due to coronavirus outbreak |last=Talabong |first=Rambo |website=[[Rappler]] |language=en |accessdate=March 12, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":06">{{Cite web |url=https://pcoo.gov.ph/OPS-content/on-code-red-sublevel-2/ |title=On Code Red Sublevel 2 |website=Office of the Presidential Spokesperson |language=en |accessdate=March 13, 2020}}</ref> * March 13 – Twelve new cases were confirmed on March 13, totaling 64 cases.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.ph/news/2020/3/13/Philippines-COVID-19-cases-rise-to-64-.html |title=Philippines records 12 new coronavirus cases, bringing total to 64 |date=March 13, 2020 |website=[[CNN Philippines]] |language=en |accessdate=March 17, 2020}}</ref> * March 14 ** Forty-seven new cases were confirmed on March 14, totaling 111 cases.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/14/20/doh-13-more-covid-19-cases-confirmed-nationwide-total-up-to-111 |title=DOH: 13 more COVID-19 cases confirmed; nationwide total up to 111 |date=March 14, 2020 |work=ABS-CBN News |accessdate=March 14, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> ** The province of Oriental Mindoro has been placed under a "voluntary community quarantine." * March 15 [[File:PNP PRO 3 Checkpoints COVID 19 2.jpg|thumb|Police checkpoint near the border of [[Valenzuela, Metro Manila]] with [[Meycauayan]], [[Bulacan]]. March 19]] ** The National Capital Region and the municipality of Cainta in Rizal have been placed under "community quarantine" or a partial lockdown that will last until April 14. ** Twenty-nine new cases have been confirmed on March 15, totaling 140 cases.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/15/Philippines-COVID-19-coronavirus-cases-deaths.html |title=COVID-19 cases in the Philippines jump to 140, death toll at 12 |date=March 15, 2020 |work=CNN Philippines |accessdate=March 16, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> ** The PNP announced that an officer assigned to the CIDG showed symptoms of COVID-19 while having a diabetic condition. He passed away on March 14 with the test results released by March 17.<ref name="MBCIDG">{{Cite web |url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/03/15/cop-dies-of-lung-failure-3-days-before-his-covid-19-test-is-released |title=Cop dies of lung failure 3 days before his COVID-19 test is released |date=March 15, 2020 |website=[[Manila Bulletin]] |language=en-US |accessdate=March 17, 2020}}</ref> * March 16 ** Two new cases have been confirmed on March 16, totaling 142 cases.<ref name=":07">{{Cite news |last=Esguerra |first=Darryl John |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1243193/ |title=Philippines reports 2 more COVID-19 cases; total rises to 142 |date=March 16, 2020 |work=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |accessdate=March 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> ** President Duterte announces the placement of the entire island of [[Luzon]] including its associated islands on "[[2020 Luzon enhanced community quarantine|enhanced community quarantine]]," in effect imposing a [[lockdown]] on the island.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Merez |first=Arianne |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/16/20/duterte-places-luzon-under-enhanced-community-quarantine-to-fight-covid-19 |title=Luzon under enhanced community quarantine as COVID-19 cases rise |date=March 16, 2020 |work=[[ABS-CBN News]] |accessdate=March 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> * March 17 ** The Department of Health confirmed that the occurrence of community-based transmission of the coronavirus in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/17/2000185/doh-confirms-community-transmission-covid-19-philippines |title=DOH confirms community transmission of COVID-19 in Philippines |last=Luna |first=Franco |date=March 17, 2020 |website=[[Philippine Star]] |access-date=March 17, 2020}}</ref> ** Forty-five new cases were confirmed on March 17, totaling 187 cases.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Magsambol |first=Bonz |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/254884-coronavirus-cases-philippines-march-17-2020 |title=PH coronavirus cases now at 187; recoveries now at 4 |date=March 17, 2020 |work=[[Rappler]] |access-date=March 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> ** A ''Diamond Princess'' repatriate who tested positive of the virus has completely recovered from the disease and was discharged within the same day. This brings a total of 4 recoveries among infected patients in the Philippines.<ref name="March 17 Philstar">{{Cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/17/2001586/covid-19-infections-philippines-now-187 |title=COVID-19 infections in Philippines now at 187 |last=Cabico |first=Gaea Katreena |date=March 17, 2020 |website=[[Philippine Star]] |access-date=March 17, 2020}}</ref> ** On March 17, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Proclamation No. 929 that placed the entire Philippines under the state of calamity on account of COVID-19.<ref name="state of calamity">{{cite news|last1=Kabiling|first1=Genalyn|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/03/17/duterte-declares-state-of-calamity-over-ph-for-next-6-months-amid-rise-in-covid-19-cases/|title=Duterte declares state of calamity over PH for next 6 months amid rise in COVID-19 cases|date=March 17, 2020|work=[[Manila Bulletin]]|accessdate=March 18, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Merez |first=Arianne |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/17/20/philippines-declares-state-of-calamity-due-to-covid-19-outbreak |title=Philippines declares state of calamity due to COVID-19 outbreak |date=March 17, 2020 |work=[[ABS-CBN News]] |access-date=March 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Esguerra |first=Darryl John |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1243774/duterte-philippines-now-under-state-of-calamity-due-to-covid-19 |title=BREAKING: Duterte: Philippines now under state of calamity due to COVID-19 |date=March 17, 2020 |work=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |access-date=March 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Luna |first=Franco |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/17/2001649/duterte-declares-nationwide-state-calamity |title=With COVID-19 cases rising, Philippines now under state of calamity |date=March 17, 2020 |work=[[Philippine Star]] |access-date=March 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Rey|first=Aika|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/254910-duterte-declares-state-calamity-philippines-coronavirus|title=Duterte declares state of calamity in PH due to coronavirus|date=March 17, 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=March 18, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> * March 18 ** Six new cases were confirmed on March 18, totaling 193 cases. ** The total confirmed cases of COVID-19 surpassed the 200-benchmark. Eleven new cases were later confirmed, totaling 202 cases. Three fatalities were confirmed totaling 17 deaths.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cepeda|first=Mara|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/254977-coronavirus-cases-philippines-march-18-2020|title=PH now has 202 coronavirus cases; 3 more patients die|date=March 18, 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=March 18, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ** Cebu confirmed its first case from a patient confined in a hospital in [[Mandaue]].<ref>{{cite news |title=COVID-19 reaches Cebu as Mandaue City confirms first case |url=https://www.cnn.ph/regional/2020/3/18/Cebu-Mandaue-City-COVID-19-coronavirus.html |accessdate=March 18, 2020 |publisher=CNN Philippines |date=March 18, 2020}}</ref> * March 19 ** Fifteen new cases were confirmed on March 19, totaling 217 cases.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Bonz Magsambol |title=PH coronavirus cases jump to 217; recoveries now at 8 |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/255154-coronavirus-cases-philippines-march-19-2020 |accessdate=March 19, 2020 |publisher=Rappler |date=March 19, 2020}}</ref> ** DOH Secretary [[Francisco Duque]] was placed under home quarantine after one of the department's senior officials tested positive for the disease.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Eimor Santos |title=Duque on home quarantine, tested for COVID-19 |url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/19/doh-duque-home-quarantine-covid-19.html |accessdate=March 19, 2020 |publisher=CNN Philippines |date=March 19, 2020}}</ref> ** DFA Secretary [[Teodoro Locsin Jr.|Teodoro Locsin, Jr.]] announced the temporary suspension of visa issuance to all foreign individuals and cancellation of existing ones.<ref>{{cite news |title=Philippines suspends visa issuance as worldwide COVID-19 cases soar – Locsin |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/19/Philippines-DFA-considering-visa-issuance-suspension-Locsin-coronavirus-COVID.html |accessdate=March 19, 2020 |publisher=CNN Philippines |date=March 19, 2020}}</ref> * March 20 ** On March 20, President Duterte addressed the nation through the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives]] and gave additional orders to the people and the government to alleviate the spread of COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Esguerra|first=Darryl John|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1245414/duterte-warns-during-crisis-national-govt-calls-the-shots-lgus-comply|title=Duterte warns: During crisis, national gov’t calls the shots, LGUs comply|date=March 20, 2020|work=Inquirer|access-date=March 20, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **Thirteen additional cases of the disease were confirmed, totaling 230 cases. One fatality was also confirmed, totaling 18 deaths.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cabico|first=Gaea Katreena|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/20/2002257/philippines-logs-13-new-covid-19-cases-total-now-230|title=Philippines logs 13 new COVID-19 cases; total now at 230|date=March 20, 2020|work=Philippine Star|access-date=March 20, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ** [[Bacolod]] records its first case from a patient confined in an unspecified private hospital.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2020/3/20/bacolod-first-covid-19-case.html|title=COVID-19 reaches Bacolod City|publisher=CNN Philippines|date=March 20, 2020|accessdate=March 20, 2020}}</ref> * March 21 ** Thirty-two new cases were initially confirmed on March 21, totaling 262 cases. One fatality and five recoveries were also confirmed totaling 19 deaths and 13 recoveries.<ref>{{cite news |title=DOH reports 32 new COVID-19 cases, bringing total to 262; one patient dies |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/730697/doh-reports-32-new-covid-19-cases-bringing-total-to-262/story/ |accessdate=March 21, 2020 |work=GMA News Online |date=March 21, 2020}}</ref> ** Forty-five additional new cases were confirmed later, surpassing the 300-mark and totaling 307 cases.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Magsambol|first=Bonz|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/255368-coronavirus-philippines-cases-march-21-2020|title=PH coronavirus cases rise to 307; deaths now at 19|date=March 21, 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=March 22, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ** The first cases in Cagayan and Palawan were confirmed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Visaya |first1=Villamor Jr. |title=Fireman is Cagayan’s 1st COVID-19 patient |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1246116/fireman-is-cagayans-1st-covid-19-patient |accessdate=March 21, 2020 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Palawan new COVID-19 case was allowed to go back to Australia pending test result |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/730705/palawan-new-covid-19-case-was-allowed-to-go-back-to-australia-pending-test-result/story/ |accessdate=March 21, 2020 |work=GMA News |date=March 21, 2020}}</ref> * March 22 ** Seventy-three new cases were confirmed on March 22, totaling 380 cases. Six deaths and two recoveries were also confirmed totaling 25 deaths and 15 recoveries.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rita |first1=Joviland |title=COVID-19 cases in Philippines climb further to 380; death toll at 25 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/730776/covid-19-cases-in-philippines-climb-further-to-380-death-toll-at-25/story/ |accessdate=March 22, 2020 |work=GMA News Online |publisher=[[GMA Network (company)#Online|GMA News Online]] |date=March 22, 2020}}</ref> **According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire announced that DOH Secretary [[Francisco Duque]] tested negative for COVID-19, but decided to continue his home quarantine.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/255452-doh-secretary-francisco-duque-coronavirus-test-result-negative|title=DOH Secretary Duque tests negative for coronavirus|date=March 22, 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=March 22, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **Malacañang asked Congress, on March 22, to declare a national emergency and grant the president emergency powers on account of COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tomacruz|first=Sofia|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/255476-duterte-asks-congress-emergency-powers-address-coronavirus-outbreak|title=Duterte asks Congress for 'emergency powers' to address coronavirus outbreak|date=March 22, 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=March 23, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> * March 23 [[File:6954Baliuag enhanced community quarantine 07.jpg|thumb|[[Panic buying]] in [[Baliuag, Bulacan]], March 23, 2020]] [[File:SPECIAL SESSION ON COVID-19.jpg|thumb|Senators during a special session to tackle the passage of the ''Bayanihan to Heal as One Act'', March 23, 2020]] **Sixteen new cases were confirmed on March 23, totaling 396 cases. Eight deaths and three recoveries were also confirmed totaling 33 deaths and 18 recoveries.<ref>{{cite news |title=Eight more deaths recorded as COVID-19 cases in PH nears 400 |url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/23/Philippines-coronavirus-cases-March-23.html |accessdate=March 23, 2020 |publisher=[[CNN Philippines]] |date=March 23, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> **The Senate and the House of Representatives had a special session, on March 23, to deliberate President Duterte's request to realign funds for COVID-19 response.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senate, House in special sessions to empower Duterte vs coronavirus |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/23/20/senate-house-in-special-sessions-to-empower-duterte-vs-coronavirus |accessdate=March 23, 2020 |publisher=ABS-CBN News |date=March 23, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> **The first case in Baguio was confirmed.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Quitasol|first=Kimberlie|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1246977/baguios-first-covid-19-case-is-ofw-from-italy#/|title=Baguio’s first COVID-19 case is OFW from Italy|date=March 23, 2020|publisher=Inquirer|access-date=March 23, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **Sixty-six additional new cases were later confirmed on March 23, surpassing the 400-mark and totaling 462 cases.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morales |first1=Neil Jerome |title=Philippines coronavirus infections rise to 462 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-philippines-infect/philippines-coronavirus-infections-rise-to-462-idUSKBN21A0YS |accessdate=March 23, 2020 |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=March 23, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> **The House of Representatives approved HB 6616 or "Bayanihan Act" on March 23, with 284-9-0 votes. This will empower President Duterte to handle COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mercado|first=Neil Arwin|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1246872/house-approves-bill-declaring-national-emergency-due-to-coronavirus|title=House OKs bill granting Duterte ‘necessary’ powers due to COVID-19 crisis|date=March 24, 2020|work=Inquirer|access-date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> *March 24 **On March 24, with 12-0-0 votes (and 7-1-0 from non-attending senators), the Senate approved Senate Bill 1481 or "We Heal As One" that will grant President Duterte additional powers to handle COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Domingo|first=Katrina|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/24/20/senate-oks-bill-granting-additional-allowance-for-health-workers-poor-families-during-covid-19-crisis|title=Senate OKs bill granting additional allowance for health workers, poor families during COVID-19 crisis|date=March 24, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|accessdate=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **Combining both versions of the Upper and the Lower Houses, the bill was named "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act". The bill was then sent to President Duterte for approval.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Navallo|first=Mike|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/24/20/covid-19-crisis-how-president-dutertes-emergency-powers-bill-morphed-in-36-hours|title=COVID-19 CRISIS: How President Duterte’s emergency powers bill morphed in 36 hours|date=March 24, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|accessdate=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **Thirty-nine new cases were confirmed on March 24, surpassing the 500-mark and totaling 501 cases. They also confirmed the recovery of one patient, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 19.<ref name=":0a">{{cite news|last=Magsambol|first=Bonz|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/255842-coronavirus-cases-philippines-march-25-2020|title=PH coronavirus cases spike to 636, death toll hits 38|date=March 25, 2020|work=Rappler|accessdate=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **Fifty-one additional new cases were later confirmed on March 24, totaling 552 cases. They also confirmed two new deaths and two new recoveries of patients, bringing the death toll to 35 and recovered patients to 20.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sabillo|first=Kristine|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/24/20/philippines-coronavirus-update-number-of-cases-552-and-2-new-deaths|title=Philippines' COVID-19 cases surge to 552; 2 new recoveries, 2 new deaths listed|date=March 24, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|accessdate=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **President Duterte had a short live address on March 24. The president commended the front-liners, the fallen doctors and the Congress and assured the public that the government will do its best to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 using the powers bestowed upon him.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/24/20/duterte-thanks-congress-for-special-powers-to-battle-covid-19-pandemic|title=Duterte thanks Congress for special powers to battle COVID-19 pandemic|date=March 24, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **The first case of COVID-19 in Zamboanga was confirmed on March 24.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/255755-zamboanga-city-first-coronavirus-case-march-2020|title=Zamboanga City reports 1st coronavirus case|date=March 24, 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> *March 25 **On March 25, President Duterte signed the "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020" into law, granting him 30 additional powers to handle COVID-19 and its projected aftermath.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tomacruz|first=Sofia|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/255718-duterte-signs-law-granting-special-powers-coronavirus-outbreak|title=Duterte signs law granting himself special powers to address coronavirus outbreak|date=March 25, 2020|work=Rappler|accessdate=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Duterte signs">{{cite news|last=Aguilar|first=Krissy|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1247988/duterte-signs-law-granting-him-special-powers-vs-covid-19|title=Duterte signs law on special powers vs COVID-19|date=March 25, 2020|work=Inquirer|access-date=March 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **Eighty-four new cases were confirmed on March 25, surpassing the 600-mark and totaling 636 cases. They also confirmed six new recoveries and three new deaths, bringing the death toll to 38 and recovered patients to 26.<ref name=":0a" /> *March 26 **The first case of COVID-19 in Zambales was confirmed on March 26.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aglibot |first1=Joanna Rose |title=Retired US navy man is 1st COVID-19 case of Zambales |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1248835/retired-us-navy-man-is-1st-covid-19-case-of-zambales |accessdate=March 26, 2020 |publisher=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=March 26, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> **Seventy-one new cases were confirmed on March 26, surpassing the 700-mark and totaling 707 cases. They also confirmed two new recoveries and seven new deaths, bringing the death toll to 45 and recovered patients to 28.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ornedo|first1=Julia Mari|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/731396/philippines-covid-19-cases-up-to-707-death-toll-up-to-45/story/|title=Philippines’ COVID-19 cases up to 707, death toll now at 45|date=March 26, 2020|work=GMA News Online|accessdate=March 26, 2020|url-status=live|publisher=}}</ref> *March 27 **The first case in Oriental Mindoro was confirmed.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Galvez|first=Daphne|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1249321/oriental-mindoro-first-covid-19-case|title=1 year-old is first COVID-19 patient in Oriental Mindoro|date=March 27, 2020|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=March 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **Ninety-six new cases were confirmed on March 27, surpassing the 800-mark and totaling 803 cases. They also confirmed three new recoveries and nine new deaths, bringing the death toll to 54 and recovered patients to 31.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Casilao |first1=Joahna Lei |title=Philippines reports 803 COVID-19 cases, 54 deaths |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/731558/philippines-reports-803-covid-19-cases-54-deaths/story/ |accessdate=March 27, 2020 |work=GMA News Online |date=March 27, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sabillo|first=Kristine|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/27/20/covid-19-cases-in-philippines-now-at-803-death-toll-at-54|title=COVID-19 cases in Philippines now at 803, death toll at 54|date=March 27, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=March 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> **The first case in Bicol was confirmed.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ostria|first=Rey Anthony|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1249675/bicol-ends-covid-19-free-streak-with-3-patients-positive-for-disease|title=Bicol ends COVID-19-free streak with 3 patients positive for disease|date=March 27, 2020|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=March 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> * March 28 **The DOH confirmed 272 new cases in the Philippines, now surpassing the 900 and 1000th mark, a total of 1,075 cases. 14 new deaths were also recorded, and the death toll rises to 68. 4 more recoveries were recorded, a total of 35. ==References== {{reflist}} {{COVID-19}} [[Category:2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines]] [[Category:Timeline of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic|Philippines]]'