MANILA, Philippines — The Palace denied Sunday allegations that the government has ordered a stop in the counting of the number of deaths related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Department of Health (DOH) has also debunked the allegations and has ordered an investigation on the matter. Panelo said that such allegation is “absolutely bereft of logic as well as of common sense.”“What would the government get from concealing the actual number of deaths due to COVID-19? Panelo then reminded the public, including media practitioners, to be responsible for the handling of information. As of Sunday, DOH said there are 4,648 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, including 297 deaths and 197 recoveries.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 12, 2020 09:11 UTC