As the number of cases continues to go down, Malacañang said that the National Capital Region (NCR) has a "good chance" of being downgraded to Alert Level 3, a stage in the new coronavirus (COVID-19) response system being piloted in the region that allows more businesses and activities to operate and take place.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement following reports that the reproduction rate of the virus in Metro Manila fell to 0.6 percent, while the positivity rate is at 13 percent.
In his press briefing, Roque said that with the recent figures, NCR is qualified for a downgrade of its Alert Level. It is currently under Alert Level 4 until October 15.
"For the first time po in many many months, ang Metro Manila po ay nasa (Metro Manila is under) moderate risk and that is also a factor to consider in lowering quarantine classification," he said.
"I would say it's a high chance of a lowering of alert level," he added.
He said downgrading the alert level of Metro Manila is necessary so many people can go to work.
However, Roque noted that the decision will be up to the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
"Meron pong datos na nagpapakita (There is data showing) that we can lower quarantine classification. Pero kasi nga po, ang eksperimento natin sa Metro Manila is a pilot, kinakailangan pag-aralan muna ang resulta ng pilot (But since what we are doing in Metro Manila is a pilot run, we need to see the results first),' he said.
"I would say po that the data supports a reduction of the alert level but that's ultimately the decision of the IATF. Abangan na lang po natin (Let's just wait for it)," he added.
Under Alert Level 3, the movement, including intrazonal and interzonal travel, of people will be allowed except for reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities as determined by local government units (LGUs).
Individual outdoor exercises shall be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status.
More establishments and activities will be allowed to operate and/or take place at a maximum of 30 percent capacity.