Congress Employees Infected with H1N1 Flu Virus Climbs to 5, Latest Infected Was Exposed to the First Filipino and Asian Fatality, June 30, 2009

30 June 2009

The number of employees of the House of Representatives who have tested positive for the H1N1 virus has gone up to five (5) with the addition of the case of a young female employee who was exposed to the 49-year-old woman who died on June 19 shortly after contracting the virus. The subject employee is almost fully recovered.

This development is likely to renew criticisms of DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III's failure to inform the House leadership in timely fashion of the information regarding the first fatality. It will be recalled that the entire Batasan Complex had to be shut down for several days last week and up to the weekend to decontaminate the entire facility.

More on this story in this brief News on Q report by Ivan Mayrina courtesy of GMANews.tv:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

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Congress to Grill Secretary Duque on Secrecy in the Case of the First H1N1 Fatality and in the Philippine H1N1 Situation on Monday, June 29, 2009

28 June 2009

The Committee on Health of Congress will quiz DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III on pressing issues related to the rampaging H1N1 menace in the Philippines.  The hearing will take place tomorrow, Monday, June 29.  (As of 12:04pm today, the Congress website has no listing of the Committee hearing; the last hearing on H1N1 took place on June 22, 2009 at 1:30pm at the Ramon V. Mitra Building, Conference Rooms 7 & 8.) 

Secretary Duque has received flak from Congressmen for reportedly not informing the House leadership early enough regarding the case of 49 year old lady employee of Congress who became the first Philippine and Asian fatality linked to H1N1.  The DOH will also be asked about the country's general readiness in responding to the H1N1 crisis.

From where I sit, I believe the Philippines will face tremendous problems once the H1N1 crisis gets worse in the coming days and weeks.  Poor Filipinos, especially those who don't have money to seek medical care and buy expensive anti-viral drugs, will be especially hard-hit. Let's join hands to ask government to provide us with greater access to medical care and free or low-cost anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) which currently sells for P150.50 per capsule at selected Mercury Drugstore outlets.  Napakamahal po niyan!  Pwede pong manghingi ng libreng Tamiflu ang ating gobyerno mula sa WHO at sa Roche (maker of Tamiflu) imbes na pagbayarin tayo.

More on this story in this flash report by Mariz Umali courtesy of GMANews.tv:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

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Congress Suspends Work, Shuts Down for General Cleaning and Sanitation Up to Sunday After First H1N1-Related Death

24 June 2009

Work was suspended in Congress beginning early this afternoon and the entire Batasan Complex itself was shut down starting today up to Sunday to give way to general cleaning and sanitation in the aftermath of the death of a Congress employee, a 49-year old woman who succumbed to congestive heart failure on June 19 but was subsequently confirmed positive for H1N1 after her death.

As of yesterday, there were 445 confirmed cases of H1N1 in the country. Most of the patients have recovered but this lone fatality, involving a person with a history of other underlying illness, should now call the attention of high-risk groups who should take extra precaution against underestimating a potentially deadly viral enemy.  

More on this story in these reports courtesy of GMANews.tv:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

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Erap Endorses Pacquiao in His 2010 Congressional Run in Sarangani Province

19 June 2009

On Thursday, June 18, former Philippine President Joseph "Erap" Estrada endorsed Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao in his 2010 bid for the lone congressional district of Sarangani province.

Erap made the endorsement during a two-day "Lakbay Pasasalamat" trip to General Santos City upon the invitation of the reigning pound-for-pound king.

"Karangalan natin na bisitahin tayo rito at paunlakan yung imbitasyon natin ... galing sa ating minamahal na Pangulo ... ah ... Pangulong Erap."

In making the effort to secure former President Estrada's endorsement, Pacquiao is showing that he is leaving nothing to chance to win in his second congressional bid even if it means risking ruffling some feathers in Malacañang. 

Under the administration Lakas-CMD banner, Pacquiao made a run two years ago in 2007 for the congressional seat in South Cotabato but was soundly beaten by incumbent Representative Darlene Custodio who had Erap's support.   

More on this story in this ABS-CBN report by Sheryll Mundo via kyte.tv:

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