Palace says NCR moving to ordinary GCQ possible
Malacañang said it was possible for the National Capital Region (NCR) to downgrade to the ordinary general community quarantine (GCQ) but not to the modified GCQ (MGCQ) or the least strict risk classification.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement days before the existing quarantine classifications against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lapse on June 30.
In his press briefing on Monday, June 28, Roque thought it was impossible to change the current quarantine classification of Metro Manila.
"I will not pre-judge. Pero sa tingin ko po: GCQ po ang ating current quarantine classification sa Metro Manila, siguro po mahirap magbago ng classification as of now (But here's what I think: Metro Manila is currently under GCQ, it would be difficult to change that as of now)," he said.
He, however, said the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases may consider removing some restrictions in Metro Manila's GCQ status. Metro Manila and Cavite were placed under "GCQ with some restrictions" until the end of the month.
"Ang possibility po, ang tinatanong mo kung may chance kung magiging regular GCQ, I would say may chance po 'yan pero antayin na lang po natin ang anunsyo (It's possible for Metro Manila to downgrade to regular GCQ but let's wait for the announcement)," he said.
Public address
Meanwhile, Roque said President Duterte may have two public addresses this week since the IATF will only meet on Monday, June 28, to talk about the quarantine classifications for July.
"Since this is the first time we're talking about the quarantine classification, magkakaroon pa po 'yan ng (there will be an) opportunity for the local government units (LGUs) to appeal before the recommendations become final to the President," he said.
"May panahon pa naman kasi baka magkaroon po ng second 'Talk to the People' pa (There's still time because the President may have another 'Talk to the People')," he added.
"So whatever the recommendations may be, subject to appeal pa po 'yan ng mga LGUs (It is still subject to the appeal of LGUs)," he continued.
President Duterte usually delivers his "Talk to the People" or his weekly pre-recorded public address every Monday. He uses this program to tell the public about the government's pandemic response efforts including vaccination, policies, health protocols, and quarantine classifications.