A legislator of the House of Representatives wearing a protective mask holds a sign during a special session in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 23 March 2020.
Only around 20 out of more than 300 legislators were physically present at the plenary floor, while majority of representatives attended the session through video conferencing in efforts to fast track a bill which could pave the way for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to use emergency measures to address the COVID-19 and coronavirus situation in the country.
Health spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire was quoted as saying that 16 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total number of COVID-19 patients in the Philippines to 396.
With the new eight deaths recorded, the total of fatalities is now 33. Eighteen patients have recovered from the highly contagious viral disease.
Via EPA-EFE/ROLEX DELA PENA
