The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) belied on Saturday, August 14, reports that mayors of the National Capital Region have recommended for the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until August 30.
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said there was never a recent meeting among Metro Manila mayors where they agreed to extend the ECQ implementation in NCR.
Abalos said he talked with Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who was quoted in a now deleted news report, and "the mayor refuted the article, adding that no meeting among Metro mayors occurred."
"The mayors are focused on monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases in their respective jurisdictions, vaccination rollout, and distribution of "ayuda" or financial aid to low-income families affected by the ECQ which will last until August 20," the MMDA chief added.
Abalos further said that any recommendation that will be made by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) shall be based on data, the local government units' capabilities, and health and economic experts' studies.