(Updated 4:25 p.m.) The Philippines on Saturday recorded 12,576 additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 784,043.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reiterated Saturday his demand for Chinese vessels to leave the West Philippine Sea, saying they have “no other reason” to stay in the hotly contested waters.

Six senators on Saturday asked the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to swiftly amend its policy on hospital tent coverage following reports that patients were paying P1,000 per hour because the state-run agency would not cover their temporary stay. 

Kapamilya singer Gary Valenciano’s wife Angeli has recovered from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

After more than 100 of its employees contracted COVID-19, the Philippine Orthopedic Center on Saturday announced that it would be halting some of its services.