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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro mayors recommend 'flexible MECQ' for NCR by May; new curfew hours at 10 p.m.- 4 a.m.

Metro mayors recommend 'flexible MECQ' for NCR by May; new curfew hours at 10 p.m.- 4 a.m.

Published Apr 28, 2021 09:53 am

Metro Manila mayors have recommended a two-week “flexible” Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) for the National Capital Region starting May 1.

(Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP)

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos said that under the flexible MECQ, more businesses will be allowed to open but strict health and safety protocols such as border controls will still be in place.

Abalos said the MECQ with “additional business openings” were recommended by the Department of Health (DOH) and the government’s economic team -- the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“Halos lahat ng mayor pumayag dito dahil mas magandang ma-control mo ‘yung impeksyon at the same time may mga bagong negosyo na ang mag o-open at ang pinaka importante yung minimum health safety protocols mahigpit pa rin to make sure na bababa talaga ang kaso (Almost all of the mayors agreed to the recommendation because it’s better that the we are able to control the infection and at the same time more business can open, and most importantly the minimum health safety protocols are still in place to make sure that the cases continue to go down),” Abalos told Unang Hirit in an interview Wednesday.

One of the big changes under the flexible MECQ will be the curfew hours, according to Abalos.

Under the new setup, the curfew will be adjusted to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“Unti-unti ang transition natin. Hindi natin bibiglain (We will have a gradual transition),” he said.

As for the businesses that will be allowed to open, Abalos said the DTI will be releasing the list, but mentioned that construction will be a part of it.

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